I would like to take a few minutes and provide some feedback on my experiences buying horse saddles on Ebay.  This is a great place to purchase saddles, but the buyer should take the time to check around, visit some tack shops and look at their lesser known brands and become better educated before you spring for a purchase that could cost big bucks in more ways than one.  Research trees, leather and fit issues.

Fit and construction should always be considered.  Quality construction is another issue.  I have had excellent experiences buying on Ebay from two of the custom saddle makers who distribute their own product:  Rider's Choice and TN Saddlery.  I purchased a saddle from each for about $500.00 each and would compare the quality to the name brands that would cost about twice as much.  My logic was that since they market their own product they would have more at stake in their reputation.  This assumption proved to be correct.  Their descriptions were accurate, the product sized well, the quality of the workmanship and materials was exceptional and they were priced competitively.

My experience with a dealer who distributed another brand proved disappointing.  My daughter wanted a pink ostrich barrel saddle and one of my favorite vendors did not offer this type of saddle.  The saddle was of OK quality material, but the ostrich print seat was painted with red dots that did not match the print and were smeared in some spots.  The stitching was loose and bunched up the seat at the point where the cantle angles from the seat.  The worst was the screw that extended past the lining, but was not visible due to the fleece.  Had my daughter ridden with a light blanket, this screw would have dug into the horses back creating injury for both the horse and my child.

Bottom line is Ebay is a great outlet for starting out and trading up, but take the time to learn what you need and how it is made.  You really don't have to have the name brands to have a really nice saddle.