Value of Horse Saddles?

[EddieWalker]

Ten years ago we took in some horses from a couple that my wife knew from working at the Hospital. He had been in a bad accident and couldn't take care of them anymore. I had no idea what a mistake this was, but it also motivated me to get a lot of things done on the land that I probably never would of done. Create pastures, fencing and everything involved in having livestock. In hindsite, it was probably a good thing.

Along with the horses they gave us their saddles and tack. The original plan was for my wife to ride them. Her best childhood memories where when she lived in Arizona and took riding lessons. But then cancer showed up and it never happened.

We've been storing those saddles since then and there is no reason to keep them. We have two thoughts. Give them away or sell them. From the pictures, can anybody tell if they are worth the effort and headache of trying to sell them? If we were to sell them, I would post it on Craigslist and FB Marketplace. I don't like either of those places and I hate the idea of strangers coming here to buy things. But I will if it's worth the effort. I'm just don't know anything about buying or selling them.

As you can see in the pictures, my garage is packed with stuff and we are on a mission to clean it out, get it organized and get both of our vehicles in there before winter hits. One way or another, the saddles have to go.

Thank you

 

[ponytug]

Ten years ago we took in some horses from a couple that my wife knew from working at the Hospital. He had been in a bad accident and couldn't take care of them anymore. I had no idea what a mistake this was, but it also motivated me to get a lot of things done on the land that I probably never would of done. Create pastures, fencing and everything involved in having livestock. In hindsite, it was probably a good thing.

Along with the horses they gave us their saddles and tack. The original plan was for my wife to ride them. Her best childhood memories where when she lived in Arizona and took riding lessons. But then cancer showed up and it never happened.

We've been storing those saddles since then and there is no reason to keep them. We have two thoughts. Give them away or sell them. From the pictures, can anybody tell if they are worth the effort and headache of trying to sell them? If we were to sell them, I would post it on Craigslist and FB Marketplace. I don't like either of those places and I hate the idea of strangers coming here to buy things. But I will if it's worth the effort. I'm just don't know anything about buying or selling them.

As you can see in the pictures, my garage is packed with stuff and we are on a mission to clean it out, get it organized and get both of our vehicles in there before winter hits. One way or another, the saddles have to go.

Thank you

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They look like fairly utilitarian saddles from here, but it would help value them if you can find a maker's stamp, or plate, often toward the rear of the saddle seat, or under a forward flap.

If don't get good offers on CL/FB, have you thought about giving to a local riding school? Schools are always trying to fit saddles to riders and having a selection helps, a lot.

I tend to think of saddle fitting as shoe fitting squared, as you have to fit the horse, and then you have to fit the rider, and then there's the issue of the saddle needs to fit the intended use, riding, roping, endurance, jumping...

All the best,

Peter

 

[oldnslo]

Since these have been stored for ten years is there any concern for dry rot in the leather or stitching?

 

[EddieWalker]

I don't see any rot or issues with the saddles. I also don't see any sign that they have ever been used. The leather under them looks brand new. The bottom one is dirtier from sitting, which I don't understand. It may have been that way when we got them.

If the value isn't there to make it worthwhile selling them, I know a guy who has a daughter that teaches riding to kids. My wife knows a Nurse that she used to work with that is also involved with teaching kids to ride, so that's another option.

I hate the thought of giving away money if it's there, but I also hate the idea of dealing with people coming here that we don't know. I'm sure it will be a hassle to sell them, and that's another good reason to give them away.