Buying Secondhand Tack

Consideration of secondhand tack becomes a viable option when a prospective buyer is interested in acquiring a leather saddle but restricted by a limited budget. Such gear not only proves to be more cost-effective but also offers a greater level of pliability and a ‘broken in’ feel as compared to brand-new ones.

Finding Secondhand Tack Outlets

Secondhand tack can be reliably sourced from various platforms, each with its own set of advantages and potential drawbacks. These include:

Classified Adverts: These often feature listings for used saddles and other equestrian equipment and can be found in:

• Newspapers
• Online forums
• Social media platforms

Saddlery Shops: A reputable tack shop often holds:

• An assortment of secondhand gear
• Professionals capable of offering expert advice and necessary assistance

Auctions: While this mode carves out the potential for bargain deals, it also carries a risk factor due to the unpredictabilities associated with it.

Table 1.1 provides a comparative overview of these modes:

Inspecting Secondhand Tack: Checklist

Prior to settling on a particular purchase, it’s key to ensure that the saddle fits not only the rider but also, and more importantly, the horse. A thorough inspection should involve checking the:

1. Leather quality: Look for signs of wear and tear such as cracking or excessive damage.
2. Tree: Make sure the saddle tree is not twisted or broken.
3. Stirrup bars: Check that the stirrup bars are secure and functional.
4. Billets and buckles: Scan for strain marks or breakdowns in the billets and buckles.
5. Flocking: Evaluate its condition that impacts the overall comfort for the horse.

Making a well-informed choice by adhering to these guidelines promises a good quality purchase that suits both the rider and the horse, while staying within budget constraints.

Essential Checks for Secondhand Tack

Investing in secondhand equestrian gear requires thorough scrutiny to confirm the absence of any potential faults or weaknesses. There are crucial areas that demand close attention during the inspection process to ensure safe use and durability.

Inspecting for Signs of Wear and Tear

Girth straps: These are particularly prone to scrapes and signs of wear and tear, due to their constant pressure and contact with the horse’s body.

Verifying the Saddle Tree’s Integrity

Checking the tree: The structural soundness of the tree inside the saddle is a critical concern. The following processes should be utilized:

1. Hands should be placed underneath the flaps at the top corner, over the point pockets, and the saddle should be squeezed hard.
2. Listening for grinding or detecting excessive movement could suggest internal damage.

Assessing Saddle Flexibility

Saddle flexibility: Harness the cantle into your tummy and gently pull the pommel towards you. While a little ‘give’ is acceptable, excessive bending, creasing, or twisting indicates structural problems.

Evaluating Stitching Quality

Stitching quality: Scrutinize all stitching carefully. If any appear worn or rotted, immediate repair is necessary to prevent the equipment’s failure during usage.

Checking Panels for Consistency

Panel Condition: Run your fingers lightly over the saddle panels to feel for lumps or hollows. These indicate problems with the stuffing and may necessitate a replacement.

Inspecting Straps for Wear and Weaknesses

Straps and bridles: Assess stirrup leathers, girths, bridles, and reins for weak stitching, excessively worn holes, compromised billet hooks, and thin or cracked areas that could snap unexpectedly.

Vulnerable areas: Areas where the leather turns over, especially over metal parts like bits or buckles, are more likely to display early signs of wear.

Avoiding Low-Quality Leather

Leather Quality: Avoid cheap leather imports from the Far East or any other region that provides low-grade material. This leather may not provide the durability or comfort expected from better quality equipment, and can contribute to a poor riding experience.

This table highlights particular concerns as a secondary tack buyer:

Care and Maintenance of Secondhand Tack

The care and maintenance of secondhand tack involve consistent attention and timely actions to prolong the gear’s serviceability, safety and value. It’s essential to understand that the durability and lifespan of secondhand tack significantly depend upon regular checks, instant spotting and addressing of potential wear and tear.

Selecting Secondhand Tack

Sourcing from reputable saddlers: It’s generally more beneficial to find secondhand tack pieces at reputable saddlery shops. Alternative sourcing options such as auctions might be alluring considering potential bargain deals, but they often don’t offer a sufficiently detailed examination or the option to try on the gear for fitting.

After Accidents

Post-accident inspections: If the saddle is accidentally dropped, or involved in a fall where the pony rolls onto it, it’s crucial to have it professionally examined for any damages or structural deformities to ensure continued safe usage.

Timely Repairs

Immediate repair response: As soon as any sign of wear and tear becomes apparent, the gear must be hurried to the saddler for repair before it leads to any unnecessary accidents, affecting either the rider or the pony. Often, saddlers might provide a temporary replacement for continued riding while the necessary repair work is being conducted.

Spotting Wear and Tear

Checking the straps: When it comes to spotting wear on the straps, the most effective method is to hold them up and examine them edge-on. Bending the strap shouldn’t reveal any cracks if the equipment is in good condition.

This table highlights the key steps in caring for and maintaining secondhand tack: