Instructions
Check the saddle for a maker's mark. Brand-name saddles are generally of higher quality and better workmanship than no-name ones. The location of the maker's mark varies from saddlery to saddlery, but it is generally located on the fender, just above the stirrup, behind the front swell or just behind the saddle horn.
If the saddle is old and the maker's mark is tooled into the leather you might need a magnifying glass to read it. Check the maker's mark carefully, because some marks look similar.
Research the saddle maker's reputation as thoroughly as possible. Talk with other horse owners about their experiences with the brand. Go online and solicit opinions from others who do the same type of riding you do. For instance, if you plan to show in reining events, look for advice from other reining enthusiasts. If you plan to show western pleasure, talk to the top competitors in the event at the shows you attend. Classic brands such TexTan, Circle Y, Billy Cook and Billy Royal are well known for their quality workmanship and their durability, but other brands have excellent reputations within specific parts of the horse world.
Examine the quality of the leather carefully. Note how soft and pliable the leather is, particularly on the fenders and around the stirrups. If the leather above the stirrups is not soft and pliable the saddle will be uncomfortable to ride. Scratch a small area on the saddle with your fingernail to assess the quality of the dye and tanning process. The color should not flake off when you scratch it.
Turn the saddle over and examine the quality of the fleece lining. The fleece lining should be thick and soft, without any tears or staining. If the saddle is sound otherwise, you can have the sheepskin lining replaced, but it can cost several hundred dollars for a good job.
Pick the saddle up and note its weight. The saddle should feel substantial and solid in your hands. Grasp the sides of the saddle and pull them as hard as you can to check the condition of the tree. If the tree is in good shape you should feel no movement or shifting inside the saddle. A good tree is critical, so never buy a saddle whose tree appears to be damaged unless you can get it for a very good price. The tree can be replaced, but it can be expensive to get it done right, and it can be difficult to find a saddle maker with the skill to replace a broken tree.
How to Determine Quality in a Western Saddle
Whether you are a barrel racer, a reiner, a roper or just a pleasure rider, you need a quality western saddle for yourself and your horse. A well-made western saddle is vital for your safety and that of your horse. A saddle that is made with shoddy materials or poor workmanship can fail at the worst possible moment, putting you and your horse at risk. A quality western saddle might cost more initially, but it can last for decades, making it the bigger bargain in the long run.