How to Sell Your Used Saddle

A well-made saddle retains a high percentage of its value over the years. That means you might be able to get more than you expect for that saddle you no longer need. The key to getting the most for your used saddle is finding the best venue to make the sale. Advertising your saddle in places that horse people are likely to look can boost your odds of selling the saddle quickly and for the highest possible price.

Things You'll Need

  • Saddle soap
  • Soft cloth
  • Toothbrush
  • Neatsfoot oil
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Instructions

    • 1

      Clean your saddle thoroughly with saddle soap to remove any ground-in dirt and make it look its best. Dip a damp cloth in a container of saddle soap, then work it deeply into the leather. Use a toothbrush to clean any ornate tooling and remove the dirt. Wipe the excess saddle soap away with a soft cloth, then shine the saddle with neatsfoot oil and a soft cloth. Be careful using neatsfoot oil on light-colored saddles, since it can darken the leather.

    • 2

      Visit tack shops in your area and ask if they take saddles on consignment. Some tack shops accept used saddles on a consignment basis, and this is a good way to sell your saddle, especially if you do not want to deal with the hassles of a private sale. Consigning the saddle gives you the advantage of a steady stream of potential buyers, and frees you from the expense of placing ads.

    • 3

      Pick up a few local horse-related publications at the tack shop if you prefer to sell the saddle yourself. Many localities have at least one or two magazines and newspapers dedicated to the local equine industry. Those publications are the perfect venues for advertising used saddles and other tack. Write your ad and submit it to the publication. Include a picture with the ad if the publication allows it.

    • 4

      Create a flier advertising your saddle for sale. Include as many pictures as you can, along with accurate measurements of the saddle seat, gullet, swells and cantle. Put those fliers in places horse owners frequent, including tack shops, feed stores, boarding stables and horse show grounds.

    • 5

      Consign your used saddle to a local tack auction if you prefer a quick sale and quick cash in lieu of the traditional selling process. You can get a fair price for your saddle at a good auction, especially if the saddle is clean and in excellent condition.