Crosby Hunterdon saddle

Question
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What do think of a used Crosby Hunterdon saddle? It is in excelent condition. Is $750 a fair asking price?  The seller said she paid $1500. This saddle does not seem to be avaiable for purchase any longer. Also there seems to be some mold what saddle soaps/conditionors should I be using.

Answer
It's hard to tell without seeing the saddle.

They did sell for around $1500 brand new, and there are a couple of different models they made (one close contact, one hunter.) So for me, it would greatly depend on condition and fit. And yes, they ended the production runs awhile ago on that particular model.

The first thing I always recommend is looking over any saddle purchase carefully. I take the saddle and check that the tree isn't broken, the leather isn't dry and that the stitching is good.

To check the tree, I place the cantle of the saddle (back) into my stomach, and hold the pommel in both hands and pull moderately hard. If I hear a wood cracking sound, or I see a ripple in the leather on the seat of the saddle, then the tree is broken and I give an immediate "I'm not interested." Replacing a broken tree can cost $500 or more. A little "give" (less than an inch) is okie, just not a lot more than that.

Next, I take each flap, and bend it over itself and look at the outside edge of where I am folding it. If it turns "whitish" or has large cracks, the saddle has dry rot and will fall apart within a few months of use. This meant that the saddle wasn't oiled/dressed regularly, and the leather has begun to dry rot. Once this starts, nothing can fix it. I've even found this with new saddles if the leather is poorly tanned.

Next, I check stitchings. They should be neat, complete, and not loose. I don't mind if they look like replacements, but I do want to know they were replaced. And where, and why. Along the flaps are less of a concern, since that's normal wear and tear from your legs. But up near the pommel or panels, it's time to look more closely.

Lastly, it's about fit. For both you and the horse.

As for cleaning, I recommend "Dry" saddle soap foam and a lot of elbow grease first to remove some of the dirt and mold. You can also get some "leather saddle dressing" that will help. DO NOT USE BOOT OIL! In fact, ask what the owner used, and then I'd probably stick with that.

So let's say it fits, the saddle is in great condition, and shows little wear, the person is someone I know or is really an honest dealer - and most of all you really want it - then it's worth $750. On eBay, I've seen them for less than $500. This one ( http://cgi.ebay.com/Crosby-Hunterdon-Jumping-Saddle_W0QQitemZ7232155112QQcategor )for example, I'd probably not go above $550.