Second-Hand Saddles in Ireland | Buying Guide

Types of Saddle

General Purpose (GP)

The most popular saddle in Ireland. Designed to do a bit of everything - flatwork, jumping, hacking. If you're buying one saddle, this is probably it. New price: €500-€3,000. Second-hand: €150-€1,200.

Jumping

Forward-cut flaps and a flatter seat to help you stay balanced over fences. Popular with show jumping and cross-country riders. New: €600-€3,500. Second-hand: €200-€1,500.

Dressage

Deep seat, long straight flaps, and a design that encourages a long leg position. Essential for serious flatwork. New: €800-€4,000+. Second-hand: €300-€1,800.

You'll also come across pony saddles (smaller tree for ponies), treeless saddles (flexible, no rigid frame), and synthetic saddles (lighter and easier to care for than leather). Each has its place, and all are readily available second-hand in Ireland.

What to Check When Buying Used

A saddle can look fine on the outside and be broken on the inside. Here's what to inspect:

The tree - the internal frame. 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 movement. A broken tree means the saddle is worthless.
Stitching - check all stitching, especially around girth straps, stirrup bars, and the flap seams. Loose or frayed stitching can be repaired by a saddler (around €30-€80) but factor it into the price.
Leather condition - good leather that's been cared for stays supple and rich in colour. Dry, cracked, or flaking leather suggests neglect. Light surface scratches are normal and can be conditioned out.
Panels and flocking - turn the saddle over and feel the underside. The panels should be evenly stuffed, not lumpy or flat. Reflocking costs around €80-€150 at a saddler in Ireland.
Fit - a saddle must fit both horse and rider. Know your seat size (usually 16.5"-18" for adults) and your horse's back shape. Ideally, have a saddler check the fit before committing.

Brands to Look For

Some brands hold their value particularly well on the second-hand market in Ireland. Here are a few worth looking out for:

Wintec

Synthetic saddles that are lightweight, easy to care for, and have a changeable gullet system. Great for horses that change shape. Very popular for everyday riding in Ireland. Used: €150-€400.

Bates

Premium leather saddles from the same stable as Wintec. The Caprilli and All Purpose models are very popular. Used: €300-€900.

Stubben

German-made, known for exceptional leather quality and durability. A well-maintained Stubben saddle can last decades. Used: €400-€1,200.

County

British-made, popular with dressage riders. Known for excellent fit and high-quality materials. Used: €500-€1,500.

Other solid brands to look for include Albion, Thorowgood, Pessoa, and Devoucoux. Avoid unbranded saddles with no markings - they're harder to verify and often poorer quality.

What Should You Pay?

Second-hand saddle prices in Ireland vary hugely depending on brand, age, condition, and type. As a rough guide:

Type	New	Second-Hand
Synthetic GP (e.g. Wintec)	€400-€800	€150-€350
Leather GP (mid-range)	€800-€2,000	€300-€900
Premium Jumping	€1,500-€3,500	€500-€1,500
Premium Dressage	€1,500-€4,000+	€500-€1,800

Prices are estimates based on typical Irish market values. Actual prices vary by brand, condition, and age.

Saddles