How Old Is Your Saddle?

My newest one is only about 3 years old, I bought it for my new horse just before I had to stop riding.

My oldest one is now probably about 40 years old, it is a rather tatty old event saddle, but despite looking very sad, it is still the most comfortable saddle I have ever owned. According to my saddler is still structurally sound and would be better than most newer event saddles if I had it rebuilt recovered etc. No point now though.

Still hanging on to them both because you never know.🙏
 
When I was a teenager, I bought an old polo pony from a truly vile local dealer. She came with a WW1 saddle with leather and serge packhorse- type extensions each side. They were attached at the rear, either side of her spine. It was very old, slippery leather, and as soon as I had saved up enough money I bought a more suitable one. Can't remember what it was. Too long ago, and the brain-fade doesn't help.
 
Arabi's is about 12 years old bought new from LM saddles still looks new, Louis I've only had a few years but was a second hand LM saddle but I think his may be a bit older as it looks like the older model but still looks good.

I had an old field house and ideal Jessica but neither fitted the Arab's so I sold them after a while of them just sitting stored, didn't see much point keeping hold of them.
 
I bought my Ideal Event second hand in 2005 so it's nowhere near as old as some mentioned on here but it's on its third horse with me and I love it. When I was looking, first for Charlie and then for Wiggy, I always said I wanted horses that fitted a 17 1/2 inch m/w saddle and 6'9" rugs. I was only half joking.

I can't say I've taken massively good care with it. It gets a clean when I'm going to do dressage or after the beach so about once month if I'm busy or once a year if not but the saddler always complimented me on how well I was looking after it so I think that's down to the quality of the leather (and Oz's magic potion!).

It's been adjusted a few times to go from Arch to Charlie (and grow with him) and then from Charlie to Wiggy (I think it would have gone from Arch to Wiggy with no changes) but I was really lucky that my saddler could and would (not all do) adjust the width with a press. He's retired now and my new one doesn't do the width adjustment so Wiggy is under strict instructions never to change. He'll be my last horse and I don't know what I'll do when he's done with it. I'm not sentimental about stuff at all usually but I can't see me ever parting with that saddle. My OH won't like it hanging round the house so I'll have to change it into a stool or something.
 
I love my Origins saddle, which is really an Ideal Grandee. It fitted me and Harley and I was delighted when it fitted Tinner just as well. Now both my lovely boys have passed on and I doubt I’ll have another, I’ve sold a lot of stuff but as others on here, I can’t quite get rid of the saddle.
 
I've had a few over the years, always second hand as I could never really justify a brand new saddle. However, I'm in the process of selling my 2019/2020 K&M as I find it incredibly uncomfy! I've gone back to Ideal. Surprisingly, one that is completely sound but around 20 years old! I'm still trialling at the moment but it's really comfy. I just need to get the age out of my head...
 
I bought an Ideal Classic GP saddle in around 2001 for my dales mare, she's long gone but still use it today if anyone else is riding. (I use a Christ pad if I'm riding ) it has a few bite marks on it, thanks to dog Willis but otherwise still in very good condition
 
I think the Humphries & Swain is the oldest of my current saddles, bought second hand so hard to say how old it is, possibly 20? I have an Ideal Impala I bought second hand that looks good but is probably 10 years old and a Native Pony Saddle Company show saddle which looks fairly new but is probably 10 years old too.

Bridles I have vintage (70s/80s, possibly even 60s), a couple of Jefferies bridles I bought early 2000s so 20 years old and still look great. I think bridle leather has really gone downhill in the last 10-15 years so if I needed anything I would probably look for something old on Ebay rather than buy new.

I am a hoarder but I am trying! I have accepted that I won't be going to shows or competing anymore and other things I've stopped using like boots due to recent research so I'm currently trying to move some of my hoard on. I sold one of my jumps last week because I hardly jump anymore! I should really advertise the rest but it's hard to let go and as nobody seems to want to pay much for second hand items despite the often superior quality of older gear and the fact that it's all been well looked after.
 
I've still got the saddle my DH made for my old boy - it's almost 30 years old now. Nothing on earth will make me part with it!

Likewise, I do see my DH's saddles up for sale, and many of them are 20 /25+ years old. If it is looked after properly, a saddle can last for years.
 
I still have my Keith Luxford show saddle, purchased new from the man himself by my mother in 1977 pre Wembley. It went on so many ponies over the years after, it's still in pretty good condition tho has only seen the light of day a few times this century.

I also have a Giddens 15.5 inch show saddle I bought 2nd hand in around 88 or 89, that's been to Wembley, Olympia etc. Some who know me will be amazed I ever fitted in it, let alone did workers in it too! That's been out a few times for young persons in recent years as still in good nick and fits the native shape when they are fit.

These 2 are probably the oldest in the store, oh and the 2 x mid 70s Willis pads I had for shetlands, one of which got re-felted and re surcingle/girthed and is still in use today for toddler trekking.
 
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