Ranch Saddles For Sale

About Ranch Saddles

A "ranch saddle" is a type of Western saddle built for ranch use. They are designed to handle the stress placed on a horse and saddle when roping, and for long hours of riding in rough country.

The riggings on most ranch saddles are either "full-rigged" or "7/8 rigged." This means the front cinch is directly below, or almost directly below, the pommel of the saddle. In contrast, saddles that are 3/4 or center-fire rigged place the front cinch more toward the center of the horse's belly. The full-rigged or 7/8 rigged saddle allows for better handling of the force and stress of roping, both on the saddle and on the horse.

In addition to the front cinch a ranch saddle will also have a second cinch, called a "back cinch" attached beneath the cantle. A back cinch prevents the back of the saddle from rising up when roping or riding in rough country. When a saddle has both a front cinch and and a back cinch they are referred to as "double-rigged" saddles.

When Buying A Ranch Saddle...

Below are good things to know when buy a ranch saddle off of eBay or anywhere else.

Is it really a ranch saddle? Some eBay sellers get a little confused when trying to properly describe just what type of saddle a saddle really is.

Is the ranch saddle new or used?

If it is used, how used it it? Does the seller clearly state that the saddle is barely used, heavily used, etc.?

Are there several clear pictures of the saddle? In most cases you will want photos of the saddle from all angles, including underneath. If the seller describes any damage to the saddle (scuffs, tears, stains, etc.) are these shown in the photographs? If you do not feel the seller is showing enough photographs of the saddle, ask them for more before you bid or buy.

If the seller claims the saddle is a certain brand or make, do the photos show a stamp or other mark on the saddle to back up their claim?

Does the saddle come with or without cinches, stirrups, latigos, billets, a breast collar, etc.? It would not be unusual for a new or used saddle to come with or without any of these items, so you should know exactly what you are, and are not, getting.

Does the seller give you details about the ranch saddle such as:

Type of saddle tree (rawhide covered, bull hide covered, Quarter Horse bars, full Quarter horse bars, Wade tree, etc.)
Type of rigging (full, 7/8, in-skirt, out-skirt, dropped or flat plate, etc.)
The hardware on the saddle (stainless steel, brass, something else, etc)
The height and type of saddle horn (post horn, short post horn, etc.)
The size and style of the swell (aka the swells or the pommel)
The height and style of the cantle
The material the fleece beneath the saddle is made of (sheepskin, etc.)
Seat size (15 inch, 16 inch, etc.)
Type of seat (hard seat, padded seat, roughout or slick, etc.)
How much the saddle weighs
Tooling, if any
Finish (medium oil, dark oil, etc.)

What will the shipping charges be? Remember, a saddle can be heavy to ship. Make sure you know what the shipping charges are before you buy the saddle.

Will the seller ship to your area? How soon will the saddle be shipped after you pay for it?

What payment methods does the seller accept? How soon after the sale do you have to pay for your purchase? An increasing number of eBay sellers are getting tired of buyers who take a long time to pay for their item. Some of these sellers are now requiring the item be paid for within a certain time frame or the sale is off. Read the item's description for acceptable payment times and terms.

Every eBay item for sale has a "Meet the seller" area. Be sure to check this area to view the feedback rating that previous buyers have left for that particular seller. There is also an area where a potential buyer can read comments left by previous buyers.

If you have any questions on a ranch saddle be sure to ask the seller before you bid. Look for the "Ask seller a question" link in the "Meet the seller area" to ask your questions.

If you have never bought anything on eBay before, you will need to register with them. Registering is FREE. eBay requires registration in order to attempt to verify your identity to keep eBay a safe place to buy and sell, and to make sure you are over 18 years of age.