Saddle Damage

[Bex134]

Hello I am looking at buying a second hand saddle but the only one that was a good fit with the saddler has some obvious damage. There are scuffs and damage to to cantle area and there is some wear to the seat stitching by the pommel. It also needs re flocking as it’s very solid. It’s a nice English made leather saddle and is a lovely fit but I am worried over time the cantle leather will split further and will need an expensive repair. I can’t see how to attach photos. The saddler said they would take £400 originally priced at £550 but I think this is still too much considering the wear and tear. What are your opinions please.

 

[Mkw]

If you have tried it out at know it fits (or can be made to fit), then you could try to find a better kept saddle of the same make and model and if necessary have it reflocked to fit your horse.

 

[be positive]

If it is the only one that fits well then at £400 it is not too expensive even with a bit of wear and tear, I would expect the saddler to reflock it as part of the overall deal, my saddler does all of his second hand saddles either before offering them or they are reflocked within a few days and he will come back out to refit/ tweak/ collect the money.

 

[Bex134]

Thank you yes I will suggest they re flock it for me and I will cover with a seat saver. I may take it to original makers for an idea on damage implications. Thanks

 

[Red-1]

With a cantle tear I would ask that they put a patch over the damage. Plus re-flock. If that were done and it fitted both me and the horse then I would pay £400 if it was quality leather.

 

[Louby]

Replacing the seat is an expensive repair but I had a saddle from new which after years wore near the pommel. I was worried it would split but it never did and I sold it to a firend, it never split for her either. If its a decent make, thinking resale value in the future and not really bad Id go for it.

 

[cremedemonthe]

Repairing a split/damaged cantle is not a very big job, just fiddly.
There are 2 ways of doing it, one cheaper with obvious signs it's there as in a patch and one where it is almost impossible to detect, depending on the amount of damage in the first place that is.
It's one of the most common repairs on the seat.
Shouldn't be too expensive, whichever method is used.
By the sounds of it all basic repairs and maintenance, nothing major and yes I would go for it, Oz (Traditional Saddler)