If you need a saddle DO NOT be nervous about purchasing  one on ebay! Wether you are looking to buy new or used, chances are you will most likley find it. However there are a few things you should know before purchasing a saddle here. I hope you enjoy reading this guide to Buying Saddles On ebay!

Buying NEW saddles: Many members here on ebay will try to sell your new package deals with no name brand saddles. DO NOT BUY A CHEAP NO NAME BRAND NEW SADDLE or Saddle package! The majortity of these saddles are made from "Drum Dried Leather". These saddles that are made of "Drum Dried Leather" are made of compressed leather. It is like the leather version of particle board. You can generally get these saddles for around $50.00 to $150.00. Also some do happen to have a name brand for their saddles, a common one is Cambridge, it is the same quality as the above no name brands. These saddles put you in the INCORRECT position and have harmful Trees "Or Frames" That will hurt your horse's back and possibly cause lamness! They may make these saddles look attractive with different colors but that is just to catch you in the "Trap"! Do not buy because the saddle is "pretty" or "Your favorite Color"

Just remember that if you are looking to buy new, don't go for any no-name brand saddle. And chances are if you want a new good quality saddle.....you will want to spend at LEAST $200, But probably a minimum of $300 would be best.

Used Saddles: Don't let that word "Used" Scare you away. There is nothing wrong with buying a used saddle, I prefer it to buying new to be honest! A few VERY good name brands to look for are Courbette, Crosby or Stubben. Often you can get a good quality, "Real" soft leather saddle used, that will last for many many many years for the same price you will pay for a new no-name saddle made of poor quality, stiff leather that would last you maybe a year or two.

New To English Riding? If you are, don't buy one of those new cheaply made saddle packages or saddles just to see if you like english riding. I LOVE english riding, however I hate riding in those cheap no name brand saddles that you buy new for about $50-$150! They make you sore, give you the wrong seat position, wrong balance and the tree "Saddle Fram" is harmful to your horse! Get a used, common name saddle. Do some simple research, ask horsey friends and find out what name saddles are good.

Styles: English is just to put all the others into one big catagory! Under "English" there are AP (All Purpose) Saddles, Dressage, CC (Close Contact), and Jumping saddles. They are all made for different types of riding.....if you are unsure, you will be happy if you go with an AP (All Purpose) saddle, you can do a little bit of everything in them!