| There are a number of items that are considered | | | | acquaintances who might know something about the |
| equestrian horse tack, including the breastplates, | | | | saddles you like. |
| bridle, girth, halter, harnesses, lead ropes, martingale, | | | | Get the information you need. Once you begin your |
| saddle pad, and stirrup. However, the saddle | | | | search, you will want to know the age, condition, flap |
| represents probably the largest and most expensive | | | | length, seat size, tree size, and any other special |
| tack investment you will make. | | | | features about the saddles you find. If a seller does |
| Purchasing a used dressage saddle will greatly reduce | | | | not provide this information, move on to another |
| the amount you will have to invest and will usually | | | | saddle. If you are purchasing online, you will want |
| allow you to have a better quality item than you | | | | pictures of the saddle from every conceivable angle. |
| could probably afford if you were limited to | | | | Compare pricing. There are lots of saddles available |
| purchasing only new items. There are however, | | | | for purchase. The seller needs buyers more than the |
| things you should keep in mind if you are going this | | | | buyer needs any one seller. So the pressure should |
| route. | | | | be on the seller to provide the information you need |
| Do your homework. Decide in advance the maker | | | | to make your decision and to have his saddle priced |
| and model names of the saddle you would like to | | | | competitively. If you are bidding online for a saddle, |
| have. Check forums and blogs for the opinions of | | | | make sure the seller has a rating of 98-99% and has |
| others who have or have had the make and model | | | | a number of past auctions. |
| saddle you are interested in. Talk to friends and | | | | |