The No-Fluff Guide to Buying Pre-Loved Saddles in Ireland

Buying a saddle is often the second biggest investment a rider makes, right after the horse itself. But let’s be honest: the process can be a total headache. Between "gullet widths," "panel flocking," and the sheer price of a brand-new leather seat, it’s enough to make you want to stick to bareback riding.

At Equi Consignment Ireland, I see dozens of saddles come through the shop every month. I’ve seen the beauties, the bargains, and the "burn-it" disasters. In the Irish equestrian world, we have a unique set of challenges—mostly involving rain, mud, and horses that change shape the minute the spring grass comes in.

If you’re on the hunt for a new (to you) saddle, here is the honest, no-fluff guide to getting it right without breaking the bank.

Why Pre-Loved Beats New Every Time

I’m a firm believer in second-hand tack, and not just because I run a consignment shop. A high-quality, pre-loved leather saddle from a reputable brand like Albion, Prestige, or Bates will always outperform a cheap, brand-new synthetic "no-name" saddle.

Leather that has been cared for is supple, "broken in" for your comfort, and holds its value. If you buy a quality used saddle and take care of it, you can usually sell it for exactly what you paid for it two years later. You can't say that about a brand-new showroom model that depreciates the second it touches a horse's back.

The 3 Things You Must Check Before Buying

Whether you’re buying from me here in Gorey or from a private seller on a Facebook group, you need to be your own detective. Here is what I look for during my hand-inspections:

• The Tree: This is the "skeleton" of the saddle. If it’s broken, the saddle is scrap metal. Hold the pommel against your hip and pull the cantle towards you. There should be a small amount of "give," but if you hear a creak or feel a snap, walk away.
• The Panels: Run your hands along the underside. Are there lumps, hard spots, or holes in the flocking? Recycled wool flocking is standard in Ireland, but if it’s neglected, it can cause "pressure points" that will make your horse buck or go sour.
• The Stitching: Pay close attention to where the girth straps (billets) attach. If the stitching is frayed or the leather is "stretched" thin, that’s a safety hazard. It’s an easy fix for a saddler, but a cost you should factor into the price.

Understanding the "Irish" Fit

We have a lot of "good doers" in this country—Native ponies, Irish Draughts, and Cobs that seem to expand if they so much as look at a bag of nuts.

When searching for saddles, don't just rely on "Medium" or "Wide" labels. One brand’s wide is another brand’s narrow. Always ask for a measurement of the gullet (dot-to-dot). Better yet, if you are local to Wexford, I always recommend bringing your horse’s template or an old saddle that you know fits well to compare profiles.

Leather Care in a Damp Climate

Let’s talk about the elephant in the yard: mold. Our Irish climate is a saddle’s worst enemy. If you’ve invested in a nice leather saddle, please don’t just chuck it in a damp tack room after a rainy hack.

Give it a quick wipe with a dry cloth to remove moisture, and once or twice a month, use a high-quality glycerine soap or a leather balsam. Avoid over-oiling; too much oil makes the leather go soft and soggy, which can actually cause the stitching to rot.

Finding Your Perfect Match at ECI

At Equi Consignment Ireland, I take the guesswork out of buying used. Every saddle that enters the shop is hand-inspected for tree integrity and leather quality. We give them an honest grade—from "Like New" to "Well Used"—so you know exactly what you’re getting for your Euro.

We stock everything from specialist Dressage and Showjumping saddles to sturdy General Purpose (GP) rigs for the happy hacker. And because I know how tricky fitting can be, I’m always happy to have a chat about what might suit your horse’s specific build.

Ready to find your next saddle?

Browse our current stock online or pop into the shop in Gorey to see them in person. We ship nationwide, so whether you're in Kerry or Donegal, your perfect saddle is only a few clicks away.

[Browse Saddles Here] or [Contact Lucy for Advice]