What needs repairs on this saddle?

Question

http://img387.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dancepartysaddle091qh1.jpg

Alright, so this is a really old saddle but never used on a horse, the skirt is a bit bent but the tree is fine. The metal riggings are a bit rusted.
Ive never really dealt with western, so what needs to be fixed or replaced before this is useable? How much would it probably cost? Is this saddle doomed to only be a decoration saddle for life?

I know about saddle fit, im just wondering what the saddle needs, and I cant sell it it was my aunts

Answer 1

The saddle actually looks to be in pretty good shape. If the tree is fine, and all the parts ARE NOT FAULTY, it should be a good saddle. However, there are several things you need to factor in here:
a. What breed/type of horse will you be using this saddle for? Probably NOT a good idea to just through a western saddle on a strictly English-trained horse.
b. The SIZE of the saddle matters the most here as well, MAKE SURE the saddle tree/saddle in general fits your horse. If it doesn't fit properly, saddle sores and back problems are eminent.
c. IF the saddle does not fit your horse, or your needs, you may be better off selling it. If it IS so old, it could be historically valuable and you could get a good amount of $$$ for it.
d. IF everything fits and you still want to use the saddle, buy some leather conditioner to give the leather its nutrients back and lime away for the rusty rings and conchos.

Hope this helps!!

Answer 2

It is hard to say from the pictures. I would take this to a saddle shop and let them look at it. They can tell you what and how much needs to be done. A lot will depend of how that saddle has been cared for. I have saddles that are 20 & 30 years old that we still ride every day. But they have been taken care of very well and repaired as needed. Good Luck

Answer 3

Hard to say from the pictures. I would make sure that all the leather used to hold it on the horse is in good shape. The most important issue is making sure you don't have any leather rot which would cause the saddle to come loose at exactly the wrong time. I'd also try it on my horse and look for rubbing and pressure points. Not all saddles fit all horses well.

Answer 4

From what I can tell, the saddle seems to be fine. You said the tree is fine, which is important for the horse's comfort. Just be sure to check all the leather pieces and straps. If you have to replace anything it will probably be the cinch straps, but only if they look worn. They are pretty cheap.....usually about $15 for a leather one.