Buying Second-Hand Horse Tack | What to Look For

General Advice

Second-hand horse tack can be just as good as new if you know what to check. The key is to take your time, ask the right questions, and never feel pressured into a purchase.

Ask why they're selling. Genuine reasons like a horse changing shape or a rider moving up a size are good signs. Vague answers can be a red flag.
Request plenty of photos. If the listing only has one photo, ask for more - close-ups of stitching, undersides, buckles, and any wear areas.
Inspect in person where possible. Photos don't show everything. If you can, meet the seller and examine the item before handing over money.
Check the brand and model. Look up the item new to understand its original price and quality. A well-known brand with a solid reputation is generally a safer bet.

Buying a Second-Hand Saddle

Saddles are the biggest investment in tack, and the one where getting it wrong costs the most. Here's what to check:

The Tree

The internal frame of the saddle. Place the saddle on a flat surface - if it rocks or sits unevenly, the tree may be broken. Press the pommel and cantle gently; there should be no creaking or flex. A broken tree means the saddle is scrap.

Stitching & Leather

Check all stitching, especially around the girth straps, stirrup bars, and flaps. Loose or frayed stitching can be repaired, but it's a cost to factor in. Look for cracked, dry, or flaking leather which suggests poor care.

Panels & Flocking

Turn the saddle over and feel the underside panels. They should be evenly stuffed, not lumpy or flat. Uneven flocking can cause back problems for the horse. Reflocking costs around €80–€150 at a saddler.

Fit

A saddle must fit both the horse and rider. If buying without trying, get the seat size, gullet width, and tree width. Ideally, have a saddler check it on your horse before committing.

Spotting Wear & Tear

Different items show wear in different ways. Here's what to look out for across common tack:

Bridles & Leather Goods

Check where the leather folds around buckles - this is where cracks appear first. Pull gently on straps to test strength. Leather that's been conditioned regularly stays supple and dark; neglected leather goes dry, pale, and stiff.

Rugs & Blankets

Look for tears in the outer fabric, especially around the shoulders and tail. Check that all clips, buckles, and leg straps are present and working. Run your hand across the waterproof layer - if it feels sticky or tacky, the waterproofing has delaminated.

Boots & Bandages

Check velcro closures - worn velcro won't hold properly and can come undone during exercise. Look for cracks in the strike pad on brushing boots. Stitching around straps takes the most strain, so inspect it closely.

Rider Clothing

Check knees and seat areas of jodhpurs for thinning or pilling. Try zips to make sure they work smoothly. For boots, check the soles for wear and the leather for deep creasing around the ankles.

Is the Price Right?

A good rule of thumb: second-hand tack in good condition typically sells for 40–60% of the new retail price. Factor in:

Age and condition - newer items in great condition command higher prices.
Brand - premium brands like Devoucoux, Stubben, or Fairfax hold their value much better than budget brands.
Repairs needed - if stitching needs redoing or flocking needs replacing, factor that cost into your offer.
Seasonality - rugs are cheaper in summer, fly gear is cheaper in winter. Timing your purchase can save money.

If a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is. Be cautious of very low prices on high-end brands - it could be stolen or misrepresented.

Guarantees & Safety Items

Second-hand items generally come with no warranty or guarantee - it's a private sale. That said, there are some important things to keep in mind:

Helmets - never buy a second-hand riding helmet unless you know its full history. Helmets should be replaced after any impact, even if there's no visible damage. If in doubt, buy new.
Body protectors - check the BETA rating label is intact and the protector hasn't been involved in a fall. They have a limited lifespan and should be replaced after significant impact.
Receipts and provenance - ask if the seller has the original receipt. For expensive items like saddles, it helps confirm authenticity and can be useful for insurance.
Payment - use trusted methods like Revolut or bank transfer. Pay on collection where possible. Never send cash by post.

Buyer's Guide