by Ashley Best M.S., UGA Extension, Newton County
I have recently been in the market for a new ranch cutting saddle to show the ranch horse classes in. Historically, I have only had barrel saddles with a few rope saddles as well. I even built my own barrel saddle with a saddle maker friend of mine’s help in 2021. I understand the effort and material going into a new saddle. I appreciate the craftsmanship of saddle makers, but in reality sometimes we don’t have the funds to spend on a brand new saddle. I turned to Facebook with the groups and marketplace to start my search. I have definitely learned a lot about the western saddle world outside of barrel saddles. I bought a used saddle successfully from a person that was about 2 hours from me. We were able to meet in person and I examined the saddle. My deal was a success, however I have seen multiple posts on Facebook about how people have gotten scammed out of money they saved for a saddle. Follow these tips for peace of mind when buying used saddles online.
Verify The Seller Profile
- Use caution if you see the person has 4.8k friends but doesn’t allow you to see them or they are out of the country accounts.
- Be wary of brand new accounts (joined Facebook in 2025)
- Look at their Marketplace history and reviews (if available)
Deal or No Deal
- Research reputable brands and their typical pricing so you can spot deals or red flags.
- If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is!
- If buying from a distant seller, use a secure payment method (PayPal Goods & Services offers some protection).
- Scammers often use stolen images or generic descriptions. Try reverse image searching the photos.
All About the Details
- Request clear pictures of the saddle from multiple angles, including:
- The tree (inside and underneath)
- The panels and flocking (for English saddles)
- The stirrups, bars and billets/rigging
- Any damage, scratches, or wear
- Ask for seat size, tree width, and gullet size to ensure it fits you and your horse.
Communicate With the Seller
- Ask Questions: A legit seller should be able to answer questions about the saddle’s history, condition, and fit.
- Request a Video: Ask them to send a short video showing the saddle from different angles or flexing the tree to prove it’s real and in their possession.
- Be Wary of Rushed or Pushy Sellers: If they pressure you to send money quickly, that’s a red flag.
