Buying A Used Saddle - Part 1

We bought a used saddle for my wife (Momma) this week, and so we take you through the process here of checking out a used saddle before you purchase it.
You can visit our website here:
drycreekwranglers.com
If you wish to support this and future videos, please consider supporting me on Patreon.
/ drycreekwrangler

[@Lisa8478]

I'm not a cowboy or wrangler, but I love to hear your teachings, that's your true gift.

[@somebodyelse5820]

I repair saddles for a living and I can tell you I’ve seen really expensive custom saddles made far worse than any $900 saddles. Most newer saddles today are made out of fiberglass covered wood and they last just as long as any other rawhide covered tree.

[@johnjacobs4207]

Lets figure someting to do besides drilling all the way through. It will leave a bump where the front of the bar rests on the side of the withers. Thats where you need smooth. A real custom saddle maker will use a 1/2 bag punch on the top leather and stick the saddle strings through after screwing them down on the top of the tree. That way the bottom is smooth.

[@konabates1969]

My saddle I traded for a set of trailer lights, made in 1962, in texas, had it restiched and I got miles on it. Quality is what it's about. Like your advice and thinking.

[@davidholliday2703]

Glad your back to the horse stuff. Looking forward to this series.

[@kds1451]

"There is nothing like a new saddle!" I don't make a bunch of money but I spent a bunch on a new custom fit saddle. More than my pickup. My wide quarter horse loves it. I love it. I don't get sore and it looks good. It's heavy, about 40 lbs.but like you said it's worth the extra weight for the extra quality. I've oiled it once and it's a gem. If I'm not doing hills I can leave the cinch loose if I want and the saddle stays put. It fits the horse real good. I rode the horse for a few years with a poor fitting saddle and I had to pad him up. I notice my horse seems a lot more comfortable with a good fit. Extra wide gullet. 8 inches.

[@user-bh6go4zc6m]

I’m jelly😂

[@mildbill2806]

This saddle looks like a modern version of a 1890s Askew saddle which I have. Sure looks historically correct to that time period. Mighty glad to see this style still being made today.

[@vendetta1306]

Just got an offer to work on the Gang Ranch and I was stressed right out to shop for tack. Old boy knows how to level a situation 🤝

[@TakGalen]

I'm getting my grandfather's 130 year old saddle restored and plan on using it.

[@user-gz4vb2rf5c]

I was born and raised in Dickson TN and still live here. Glad to have you back in God's country!!!! Thanks for all your amazing content!

[@Livefreejeeper]

Can’t wait to see the rest. Good info

[@irbadltald2532]

Great video, excited for the next ones

[@alwentzel4776]

I need to update a saddle for myself. Good video keep'em coming.

[@Style-ov5qb]

Looks like you and the Mrs. got a good one. I bought 2 saddles recently, they were older, very well made and heavy -- not fancy, not real pretty, but serviceable. I had these same models/brands years ago so I knew exactly what I was getting when I saw them. I found one on eBay and the other at Goodwill, both were dirty, and need some parts, some of which I would replace anyway --- cinch, latigo, and stirrup hobbles, but otherwise they're in good shape; they are going to an old school saddle shop in a few days for an expert "going over" before I put them on a horse.

[@tracyjohnson5023]

I've got a 50 year old saddle I ride daily. I've had it refurbished a few times over the 30 years I've owned it. Looking for a McCall wade now.

[@emersontayten]

Afternoon. Excited to see this from you. Would love to see your take on bits.

[@tedsmusic5556]

I just watched this one from Dewayne: kzbin.info/www/bejne/inuuYWl8btGbes0

[@sharongruener6078]

Thanks for the info on the saddles. Blessings.

[@jeremydunlap7763]

Thank you for your advice!!!!

[@MrBearbait75]

Don't rode but always willing to learn new things. Thank you!

[@bluejay9940]

that’s an nice looking saddle ! I like the style and high cantle. looks like mama will enjoy it

[@bencovington1121]

Waiting for part 2..good job

[@Jules-fh4rf]

Great content, as always! Looking forward to your advice on turning stirrups. I know very little about western saddles and have one with a left stirrup that I can't get comfortable with. Really agree good, used saddles can be a great buy. I still ride in a stubben siegfried english saddle I bought used in 1979. A saddle maker in Lexington replaced its billets many years ago and raved about how well made it was. It's the only repair I've had done and still going strong to this day. A statement for buying used quality. It can last a lifetime.

[@JosephOjea316]

(Assuming your saddle is new, with straight down, flat stirrups) Get you about a 4 foot pole.. Take your left stirrup, turn it 180 degrees to the left- Take your right stirrup, turn it 180 degrees to the right- Stick the pole through the stirrups, so it’s set in place between both stirrups.. When you let go of everything, your saddle stirrups should look like it’s in ridding position (stirrups penned slightly further back) Once that’s done, lather it down with leather lotion once every morning, for a week straight while leaving it in the sun the whole time…. Man, after that week, your saddle will look and feel like you paid $10k for it. It will be the most supple leather you ever felt.. And when you take the pole out, the stirrups will be stuck in that 90 degree riding angle for the rest of the saddles days. 😃

[@Jules-fh4rf]

@@JosephOjea316 Thanks for the advise!

[@tuckerallen3621]

Always excited

[@comesahorseman]

Thanks, Dwayne!

[@98ChevyC5]

I wish I could grow a mustache that gloriously

[@zzre7456]

Welcome to the neighborhood! I live somewhere just to the south of you if you are near Pulaski. We bought out a lady's stuff who used to race chuck wagons (of all things). It was more of a charitable donation considering why she was selling out. In the stuff was a very nice saddle but had a broken tree. I was quite ignorant of the underlying science and depth of saddle making, especially the trees, until I took on that project. Now that I know a little more I think I will just be taking your advice and finding a good quality used one.

[@Jbdunham]

Before I started following you, I got a Corriente saddle and thought it was good, especially for the money. After watching this video, I noticed the saddle strings were held on with deck screws and so was the rigging. I’m now in the process of saving up for a good McCall saddle. I don’t plan on selling the Corriente, just because I can’t bring myself to sell an inferior saddle to someone else.

[@wildbill2718]

Thanks for the review and pointers, I can’t think of anyone better to get tack advice from! If you ever have the time, I’d love to hear your wisdom about McClellan saddles.

[@craig5477]

Good stuff Dewayne

[@saleemwaheed9956]

Take care of Momma! I learned a lot Big Brother.

[@jnw60]

I've seen saddles like that for training. Some people run driving lines through the big D rings for ground driving

[@Threewolfs-]

Good info, smart, Thanks 👍🏼🤙🏼❤️🇺🇸🤠

[@ronaldtucker1262]

Sounds good

[@beeamerica5024]

I guess you'll tell us in the next post what kind of oil you use 🐝

[@itsapittie]

Saddles and firearms can actually get better with use because the parts "wear in" to fit one another. Of course, this presumes they are properly maintained. My favorite trail riding saddle is a U. S. Army M1917 skeleton-rigged packer saddle (built in 1917) and has a tree shape very similar to this one. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, people who spent an entire day in the saddle usually preferred a high cantle. It's a bit of an exception to the "heavy saddle" rule because it is open down the middle and has no skirts. You don't get something for nothing; if the saddle is lighter, you give up something. With a thick wool pad the horse seems to be just fine with it. I replaced the rings and quarter straps but the tree/seat is still going strong after 105 years. Invest in quality.

[@joerosselli4473]

Thank you good info... A sad to me story... Many many years ago.. a used parade saddle fancy stirrup guards and such was bought for me for my gilding that was born on the farm ... We spent many many years together sharing experiences , me , horse and saddle, we were best of friends... I became an adult and moved away on jobs my horse stayed home on the farm ... We didn't spend as much time together... More kind years passed he had gotten more grey ..... One day my Dad called me said that my horse had gotten down and he did all he could do to save him... After a few more words the call completed .. I said okay thanks Dad .. my horse has his place in my memory and in my mind ... i see him still in my mind and all the things we did together .. hunting together ...walking trails in the woods .. discovery ancient campsites.. the occasional round-up... He was my best friend ... The Saddle ? Well it was worn and had changed as well... I later sold it for 100 dollar ...it had a lot of wear a lot of memories... but it wouldn't sit right for me on another horse...

[@MrHercules222]

Growing up, we usually paid 500-1000 for a horse and they usually came with a saddle and that's what we rode. When I "grew up" I owned a few saddles made in india or who knows where and I agree wholeheartedly to stay away from them. After a lot of back and forth, I bought a Corriente wade style saddle and I like it. I fully understand I am not riding the best saddle out there, but it's a huge step up from that crap that comes out of Asia.

[@j.p.saverance8972]

I’ve missed your videos for a few weeks. When did you move back east? Thanks for this video and welcome back!

[@SeekerHead]

Great improvement in audio quality, the microphone was a good move!

[@bryanmontgomery4050]

I get those cheap ones he referred to and take them apart and replace all the hardware, let the colts wreck the cheap stuff!!!

[@Trumptrain2024Vance]

A must watch for the family! You Tube Unbranded! It's a Documentary of 4 cowboys who just finished College and they Road wild mustangs from Mexico to Canada! It's a great film! Now these cowboys are all very experienced horsemen! I don't think many people could survive what these young men did! So enjoy the Documentary

[@sandyelliott3350]

I have a really hard to fit horse and had to haul him to a saddle fitter (after hauling 50 used saddles home to try) ended up with a $2000.00 Crates (twenty years ago).

[@deanjenkins4716]

Challenge everyone and anyone! Wait to hear from everyone

[@DAVIDWTCS]

I've always said I'd rather have a used Cadillac than a new Volkswagen.

[@gilberttayler9389]

get in shape get a good saddle but make darn sure the saddle fits your horse the horse's back is more important than your sore behind

[@redneckgirl3326]

I've always been leary of buying a used saddle unless it came from someone I know very well.

[@MaxNafeHorsemanship]

I agree. Buying a new saddle isn't worth it and unnecessary. Unless you are stupid rich and don't care about your money (that's not how you get rich), you can save thousands buying used. I don't think you can buy quality worth putting on your horse (if you care about it) for under $1500 new in my opinion. Even used I have spent up to $1800 (that one would cost about $3500 new...they still make them). I got lucky and got another nice one for about $1000. That was money well spent, and got me a slightly used saddle of quality that hasn't been made for years. Simply put, there are many very good saddles out there you can't buy new. Think used and you can not only save a lot, but you may end up with something that is better than new. Just be careful and look close at what you are buying.

[@rodneyhaanpaa81]

They put those back rings on training saddle.

[@nancymartin9203]

Thank you so much for this video. I am in the process of looking for a saddle to fit a high withered, older horse. I would like the high cantle. I was going to look at a Billy Cook saddle. Do you have an opinion on those? Can you tell me the brand of saddle that you and your wife bought?

[@bhagmeister]

Larger life lessons, DeWayne. thanks

[@cricket12ish]

Next episode "how to buy a "Coors" at the bar" the banquet way

[@daveknaub]

That stitching behind the seat gots to go. It’s rubbed holes in my horses backs from 2 different saddles. Back in the day they never sewed the halves together just for this reason.

[@TMats100]

$500, wow! Didn’t look like the sheepskin was even compressed. I think Deanna will really like that Arizona-style breast collar.

[@gerhardvanwaltsleben8944]

Lekker man lekker 🇿🇦

[@Fellowrser]

Cowboy were due for another cigar video 😂

[@carlosrodriguez5900]

Maybe someone working a paso? Usually use something that looks like a

[@mm25937]

Could you explain how to know what type of saddle an offered one is? Cutting, roping, working and howrver they are all called? How can i see the diferences? May be in seat and/or tree? ...please....

[@bryanmontgomery4050]

Mule designed saddle on a quarter horse tree.

[@SteveMrW]

I am 62 years old and do not and have never had a horse.........But I love watching your videos.........Will you remove the 'Mule' items from the back of the saddle or leave them on?

[@DryCreekWranglerSchool]

I am pretty sure at this point that we will just leave them on.

[@marykeeven5153]

Still saddle shopping. Hard to fit horse

[@lavonleinbach9455]

Any suggestions on where to start looking for a good quality used saddle?

[@DryCreekWranglerSchool]

Anymore, I find mine on the Internet. I have found some on the site ranchworldads.com, I have bought Saddles from eBay and I have purchased them from private individuals that I have found in classified ads.

[@lavonleinbach9455]

Sure, thanks!

[@Sheesh121]

@@DryCreekWranglerSchool hello I left a comment. My grandfather passed away and left a few items one in particular is a old JH Rowell Saddle I have no clue about what it might be worth any help would be appreciated

[@Sheesh121]

Hello my grandfather passed away recently and has a JH Rowell Saddle beautiful condition how will I know what the potential value might be. I know nothing about this kind of stuff and help would be highly appreciated

[@aintthatthetruthmadeintheu2723]

I decided to buy a used OJ Synder high back western saddle, for $350? What do you think Dwayne?

[@DryCreekWranglerSchool]

Made in Denver many years ago, they have an excellent reputation as professional, working cowboy saddles.

[@aintthatthetruthmadeintheu2723]

@@DryCreekWranglerSchool Thank you for your input. By the way, I am considering attending your school, due to the fact that I want to excell as a young horseman. A little bit about myself. I have been involved with racehorses since May of 2019, to the present day, and I have watched your videos for years as well. My goal moving forward is to eventually own my own horse and name it Looney Tune. As it stands, I'm trying to make ends meet now (financially speaking), but I am looking ahead into the future from an optimistic perspective. Do you have any advise on handling, caring for, and riding young Racehorses? Thanks for all of the helpful content you create, and I look forward to meeting you at the school one day! Sincerely, Robert Spinelli

[@ag4389]

I’m looking at a 2002 Tucker old timer. Anyone had any experience with those? Are they good saddles?

[@DryCreekWranglerSchool]

I have never owned a Tucker, because they are a different style saddle from what I use in my work. But a lot of my students coming through have had Tucker saddles and so I am very familiar with them. For trail riding, Tucker makes a very good saddle.

[@ag4389]

@@DryCreekWranglerSchool excellent. That’s exactly what I’ll be using it for. Thank you!

[@garyj2101]

Is that a Version saddle??

[@deanjenkins4716]

Great information! But I personally love a low back saddle VERSES any high back saddle? Okay just again my personal preference!!! But then again I'm ALSO use to riding an ENGLISH saddles which to me personally makes a much better rider out of anyone! Have taken my ENGLISH SADDLE on many cattle drives and yes gotten lots of crap OVER it! But at the end of the cattle round up got such much respect from normal cowboys and ranchers after getting Bs all day over it! Respect goes both ways all of us are comfortable in equipment ( saddles, bridles, ETC) because of what each individual actually does with there horses or mules! I'll personally challenge everyone that rides a western saddle that really thinks that they are a Great rider on all types of horses or mules to ride their own horse in an English saddle through real mountainess areas thickets any day of the week any weather conditions! I'll ride an English saddle PERIOD! I personally own both a Western and English saddle!

[@epona9166]

So now it's a character flaw if you want a lighter weight saddle. And lighter weight saddles are by definition inferior. How about if you're 75 years old and 5-3 and want to saddle your horse without messing up your back so you can ride for another 10 years if you're lucky? And it is not necessary for a good saddle to weight 40-50 lbs. I have several McCall saddles (19 and 8 yrs old) which anyone who knows saddles knows are well made. They're in the 30 lb range and one of the ways they keep the weight down is to have just one layer of skirt (compared to two, like on yours) and do in-skirt riggings.

[@bradfarner8750]

Can I ask how much a saddle like that cost you??

[@priscillavelazquezs]

$500 used.

[@Trumptrain2024Vance]

This ain't easy finding the right used saddle! Some of your saddles ain't cheap even used a Harwood used saddle in 2023 could cost $6700 easy

[@chickinpickin1]

Thank the lord that your opening comments about 1k saddles are just an opinion. Ive had 3k saddles from top makers sore up my feed lot horses after a days worth of work. The 1k saddles no problems what so ever. You no dang well its how that horses top line is shaped. Im not buying your bullshit ol son.

[@DryCreekWranglerSchool]

Hoss, you need to pull your horns in and settle down. There was nothing anywhere in that video talking about a saddle fitting a horse. The only thing that was discussed was the quality of construction, the quality of materials used, and the likelihood of the cheap saddle not lasting in a wreck. You’re not buying what I’m selling cuz I wasnt selling you anything in the first place. Just relax, man.

[@chickinpickin1]

@@DryCreekWranglerSchool Your a waste of time with your opinions man!