Ask any equestrian what they consider the most critical piece of tack they own and ninety nine percent of them will tell you it’s their saddle. And because the purchase price of saddles is so high, a lot of them end up buying pre-owned saddles.

If you are on the hunt for a good – not to mention any other type of saddle – you’ll have a better experience if you keep a few things in mind.

Be sure that you actually see the saddle. This is essential to being sure the saddle is in appropriate condition for you and your horse. You can’t really get the detail you need in one or two photographs. And unless you are buying from your mother, don’t take the seller at their word. It’s too important to overlook.

You want to lay your eyes on the physical saddle. If you can’t, then be sure you get a lot of pictures – a dozen or more from every possible angle. Your goal is not to find every blemish and cut – those can actually increase saddle comfort – but to find major problems. Cuts in the leather that will require stitching, for example. A broken saddle tree. You don’t want to buy a problem saddle.

Along those same lines, be sure the seller – whether they’re an individual or a professional retailer – has a return policy that protects you. This is important, particularly if you buy without a lot of visual information. But your horse might want it as well! After all, you can put a saddle on them that makes sense to you but just doesn’t ride well on their body. You don’t want them to be uncomfortable. If they are, go back to the search.

It’s a good idea to shop for a used saddle – there are some real bargains out there. But take your time. Be sure the purchase is good for both you and your horse.