Format: There should be two lines of numbers on your serial plate. The top line is the Model Number. The bottom line is the Serial Number and will begin with the year of production. Model # 1234-5678-90. Serial # 20061234 (This is the number to type in the search below.). Simply the Best Dressage Saddles on the Market. Dressage Saddles, custom fit saddles, jumping saddles, saddle fitters.
Many people find used saddles for sale at flea markets, tack stores, garage sales or in classified ads, and need to identify the type of saddle they have. The first step is to get a general sense of the overall type of saddle, followed by identifying the saddle maker. Many popular saddle makers have websites or catalogs, and you can look up more information about the saddle online or in books to find out how many were made, when it was produced, and in what styles and colors.
![]() Western or English Saddle
First, determine whether you have an English or a Western style saddle. English saddles are flatter and have less padding than the Western, or cowboy-type saddle. Western saddles have a saddle horn, a protrusion on the pommel or front of the saddle that is used in ranch work. English saddles always have a single girth with either two or three straps to attach the girth, while Western saddles may have one or two girths.
Finding the Maker's Mark on an English Saddle
The maker's mark on an English saddle usually is stamped into the leather under the leg flap. Place the saddle on a stand or a fence post so you can look at it carefully. You may want to have a magnifying glass handy if the saddle is very worn so you can see the marks better. Lift the flaps up, first on the left side and then on the right. Look under the flap for the name, country of origin, and any identifying serial number. These often are stamped on the sweat panel or under the leg flap near the girth straps. Common saddle brands are Crosby, Kieffer, and Steuben, but there are many others.
Finding the Maker's Mark on a Western Saddle
Western saddle makers typically place their marks on one of three places: the latigo holder, behind the cantle or on the fenders. A few makers stamp underneath the flap or on the seat itself. Sometimes you can find the maker's mark on a metal tag placed on the saddle. Popular Western saddle makers include Billy Cook, Circle Y, Tex Tan and Tucker.
Final Identification
Once you have determined whether or not you have an English or Western saddle, and found the maker's mark and serial number or other identification number, it's time to learn more about your saddle. First, do an online search and find out whether the saddle still is being made. If it is, you can find information about it easily on the company's website or on a tack store website. If it's an older saddle, many saddle repair shops offer information on popular saddle makers and saddle types.
References (3)See More AnimalsSerial numbers on saddles can tell you more than you may realize but we also know that they can be a bit confusing. As a certified Prestige dealer we have put together the following guide to help you decode the serial number on your Prestige Saddle!Where Can I Find The Serial Number?County Saddle Serial Number Lookup
For dual flapped saddles, you can find the serial number by lifting up the top flap! The serial number will then be located on the lower flap where the billets hang.
For the monoflap saddles, you will need to flip the saddle over. The serial number is also on the left side and will be located underneath the single flap.
What Do All Those Numbers Mean?!
Let’s start by looking at the first cluster of numbers which contains 4 digits.
The first two digits are going to be the seat size which means that the first two numbers will either be a 16, 17, or 18.
County Saddlery Serial Numbers
The second set of two numbers are the tree size. The example saddle shown below is a 17″, and was originally a 33 cm tree.
The tree of a Prestige saddle can be adjusted by a certified Prestige dealer so, if there is a number stamped underneath the second set of numbers (the tree size) that means the tree has been adjusted and the adjuster has stamped the new tree size underneath the original. In the example, you can see that the original tree size was a 33 cm however, there is a 32 stamped underneath of that 33 which means the tree size is now a 32.
Not sure about what your tree sizes mean? We can help you decode those here!
The next three digits of the serial number stamped on the saddle is a three digit serial number given to that particular saddle as an identifier of that individual saddle.
After the three digit serial number, it is followed four more numbers which tell us the date of manufacture. On the example saddle above you see “0211” which means that it was manufactured in February of 2011.
Though not all saddles will have it, this saddle has a “C 5” stamped at the end of the eleven digit serial number. This tells us the tanning batch the leather came from. If needed, this would help you trace the leather back to the tannery. You can see this on the example saddle below!
County Saddles Serial Numbers Lookup
The final marking, “L” means that this saddle has a long flap.
Depending on the saddle it may have another letter printed towards the end. For example, an “A” means that the flap is +2 inches more forward than a standard flap and “AA” means the flap is +4 inches more forward.
You are now fully equipped to decode the serial number on your Prestige saddle!!
As your Certified Prestige Dealer, VTO Saddlery would be happy to help you find the perfect Prestige saddle for you and your horse’s needs. Please give us a call at 1-800-506-5344 or send us an email at [email protected] for help on choosing what saddle would be best for your needs, any additional questions that you may have about Prestige saddles, or to inquire about having the tree adjusted in your Prestige saddle. For a full selection of saddles that we have available on consignment and available for order please visit www.vtosaddlery.com!Comments are closed.
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