Leather Quality
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Leather Quality
Don't just pick a saddle on a whim—there are many things to consider. Fit is obviously at the top of the list but quality is also essential. Buying a saddle made of top-quality leather will cost you a lot more than if you were to buy one made of poor-quality leather. The difference, however, is that a poor quality saddle will end up looking less than impressive. In addition, it is likely to fall apart quicker. On the other hand, a saddle made of high-quality leather will look great (if properly cared for) and last a long time. But, how can you pick out a quality product while perusing through equine tack stores? Here are some tips on spotting high-grade leather:
• Feel the texture. Quality leather will be supple and smooth and will not feel spongy to the touch. Bend the different parts of the saddle and look for tiny cracks in the grain—this indicates that the leather is too dry or there is dry rot.
• Test the strength of the leather. The hair follicles of the leather should be extremely close knit and there shouldn't be any sign of wrinkles. Wide spaces between hair follicles indicate that the leather has been taken from stomach of the animal, the weaker part—avoid purchasing these saddles.
• Examine the finish. There should be no sharp edges on the saddle; a quality saddle will have sealed edges that are coated.
