I won a really sharp looking trophy saddle this summer and was excited to get it home and try it out. On closer inspection, I found it be poorly put together with rough cut edges on the skirting and screws coming loose before it’s even been on a horse. I have contacted the company about and sent pictures to them but so far no response. My question is does a person pursue trying to get them to fix it or just keep it as a trophy collecting dust? I ride two saddles from the same brand and love them so I would really love to have use of this one too. Anyone else have any experience with this?
I wouldn't say it would hurt to try... I have won a few saddles. One was junk, we used it to break out colts. The others were nice quality and held up fine but I sure would have been bummed if they fell apart.
If you like the brand and want to ride it, I would pursue it. I would also let the producer of the race you won it at know - they may have a more direct contact at the company. I’ve seen it happen before and the company stood behind them and fixed it.
But keep in mind trophy saddles are generally speaking of lower quality than other saddles of the same brand - at least in my experience in the sub ~$1500 brand new range. Still, lower quality leather is one thing, shoddy craftsmanship is another.
Posted 2018-10-04 10:04 AM Subject: RE: Trophy saddles
Expert
Posts: 3815 Location: The best kept secret in TX
For future reference all organizations when buying from any saddle brand have three options for trophy saddles. Higher End, median quality, and lower end. You can't compare the three... even if they are the same brand. Tricky business the trophy saddle market is.
Posted 2018-10-04 10:12 AM Subject: RE: Trophy saddles
Expert
Posts: 1520 Location: Illinois
I have one that's very nice from Reinsman and one that's a Billy Cook. I was involved with the barrel race I got the billy cook from and when we ordered it the cost was $475. The ones we get for our NBHA State shows are $550. That tells you all you need to know about the quality of the saddle. Mine sit in my house as they don't fit me or any horse I own.
Trophy saddles
