Prices for Used County Saddles (Stabilizer, Innovation, other jump models)

[sobriquet]

Straightforward question here. I really want to consider the County saddles as my next saddle as I've been on an unending quest for something that actually fits me and puts my leg in the correct position, and I've heard great reviews of all their saddles. But you don't see many used ones for sale (I'll take that as a good sign, people don't want to get rid of them?). Can I get a range of prices I would expect to pay for a used one, of course it will depend on the individual saddle too, but maybe a low end people have seen and up?

Thanks.

[n2dressage]

I was looking for a Conquest or Innovation and I couldn't find a used one less than $2700. I ended up special ordering a Black Country from the UK (the exchange rate is very good right now!) because they are just as good (if not better in my personal opinion) quality as County and fully customizeable in most areas that is completely included in the price. Good luck finding a used County. They are few and far between! There's a couple on Ebay right now; but either in extra narrow or wide!

[Perfect Pony]

$1500-$2500

I bought a nearly new County Stabilizer in a 17.5 wide/skid row with front and rear blocks but the cheaper leather for $2000. You will pay less for one that is a not so popular size or a little more used, a little more for nicer leather or and XTR, etc.

[CAJumper]

I'd be curious to know how much the Innovations are selling for. I have one that I need to put on ebay this week, but honestly didn't know where to start the pricing. They are great saddles, I hate to part with mine!

[GraySmoke]

2000-3000
I have a Stabilizer and LOVE it! You can also get some "demo" model saddles from County reps and fitters...all it means is that it has sat on a horse at a saddle fitting before, not used - it just has been out of the cover once or twice...usually for a lower price.
PM me if you want and I can give you the contact info for the dealer/fitter that I have used.

[BSFKimbees]

If you don't mind an older model, the Pro Fit is EXTREMELY reasonable and has just as nice quality, for MUCH less. Most Pro Fit's have the stabilizer Spring Tree as well. Omit some bells and whistles, but still a great saddle, we have a couple. The Stabilzer is of course just LOVELY, but hard to find used.

County's hold up VERY well if taken care of (which is why they are hard to find used).

I'd check out Ebay as especially now, with the economy the way it is, saddles are generally selling for less than what they are worth. Tack stores are still a bit high, but private sellers and Ebay are pretty reasonable currently.

Good luck!

[n2dressage]

CAJumper: There is an Innovation on Ebay right now for $2700; it's the XTR leather, XN tree. I was talking to her before she listed it and she paid $3750 and it's hardly used. That saddle is still so new it's nearly IMPOSSIBLE to find it used!! (Especially used enought that I could have afforded it!!)

[symphony123]

Hi
I have a county stabalizer myself that i bought halfway through last show season. I really like the saddle however it is too big for me its a 17 and i could really use a 16.5. [edit]

[Jacqui]

I just bought a 17" medium, County, Stabilzer from EBay in Sept. for 1535.00 and I love it. It did need to be adjusted to fit my DWB (reflocked) but that only cost me 125.00. Check Ebay they had quite a few. The only problem is that if it didn't fit me or my horse I would of had to resell it. I took the chance because I was told that County's are in high demand and now I know why!

[spmoonie]

I have a 16.5" Stabilizer that I bought used (but in EXCELLENT condition) for $1650. It is a basic stabilizer--regular flap, regular leather, no blocks, regular panels. You will love your County!

[flypony74]

If you don't mind an older model, the Pro Fit is EXTREMELY reasonable and has just as nice quality, for MUCH less. Most Pro Fit's have the stabilizer Spring Tree as well. Omit some bells and whistles, but still a great saddle, we have a couple. The Stabilzer is of course just LOVELY, but hard to find used.

You can find some good deals on a Pro Fit, and it is a very nice saddle. I happened upon one buried under a bunch of saddles in a walking horse tack shop. Like brand new, common size, only $600. Immediately called my friend who was saddle shopping to see if she wanted me to pick it up for her. Sealed that deal. Great saddle.

[fivesocks]

Oooo this is good news since I'm considering selling my stabilizer!

[Kadeo]

There's quite a few County's on tacktrader.com
I tried to find a used one a while ago but gave up and called my county rep to get a new one. Just waiting for Dec 19th :)

[sobriquet]

Thanks everyone. I'm hoping to spend about $2,500 max so I think if I keep my eyes open that sounds doable. I'm not very picky about the leather. It can be older as long as still in good shape and well cared for, and honestly after so much trouble trying to find something that fits I'm more concerned with the fit than all the aesthetics. Only problem is I'm in Canada and my closest County rep is in the next province!

Just for a little extra help in narrowing down what I actually need from them so I can hopefully take an appropriate one on demo at least, can anyone tell me how the Innovation, Conquest and Pro-fit differ from the Stabilizer? I test rode in a Stabilizer in the past but stupidly turned away from it immediately because it wasn't what I was used to. More shallow in the seat, wider in the twist from what I remember. But I didn't give it a chance to see that the balance probably makes up for that. Also, for the flap sizes, I'm longish in the thigh, not sure where you're supposed to measure that but I'm 16 inches on my inseam from crotch to exactly where the knee creases as it bends. However, my leg does not generally sit forward with a lot of bend in the knee, and I don't like the feel of an extremely forward flap. Anyone have a similar conformation and can recommend what they found worked?

Thanks!

[norcalammie]

Call County and get the name of your local rep and see what deals they have right now as I think many of the demo saddles are on sale - the reps talk to each other when someone is looking for something so that if your rep does not have it another may. A lady in our barn got a really nice Stabilizer XTR that fits her horse perfectly by our local rep asking others what they had used and she found one for her, did some minor reflocking and they have been good to go ever since.

[Bearhunter]

I originally had the Innovation which was very comfortable on the flat (and put my leg in a good place) but was way too deep for me over fences. My horse is built uphill to begin with and is a push ride, so I found the depth of the Innovation a problem. Also, it tends to have a more forward balance than the Stabilizer. I am waiting for my new Stabilizer which should be here any day. I really like a flat saddle and even though I have a longer thigh (I am 5'8") I do not prefer too forward of a flap.

[boswell13]

Thanks everyone. I'm hoping to spend about $2,500 max so I think if I keep my eyes open that sounds doable. I'm not very picky about the leather. It can be older as long as still in good shape and well cared for, and honestly after so much trouble trying to find something that fits I'm more concerned with the fit than all the aesthetics. Only problem is I'm in Canada and my closest County rep is in the next province!

Just for a little extra help in narrowing down what I actually need from them so I can hopefully take an appropriate one on demo at least, can anyone tell me how the Innovation, Conquest and Pro-fit differ from the Stabilizer? I test rode in a Stabilizer in the past but stupidly turned away from it immediately because it wasn't what I was used to. More shallow in the seat, wider in the twist from what I remember. But I didn't give it a chance to see that the balance probably makes up for that. Also, for the flap sizes, I'm longish in the thigh, not sure where you're supposed to measure that but I'm 16 inches on my inseam from crotch to exactly where the knee creases as it bends. However, my leg does not generally sit forward with a lot of bend in the knee, and I don't like the feel of an extremely forward flap. Anyone have a similar conformation and can recommend what they found worked?

Thanks!

[edit]

[sobriquet]

Boswell and others who offered specific saddles for sale, I should mention I need a 17.5 med tree in most saddles. I have contacted the local rep again to get another demo and once I figure out for sure what model and size suits me best I will be in a better place to move on what I need. Thanks!

[bayknight]

Thanks everyone. I'm hoping to spend about $2,500 max so I think if I keep my eyes open that sounds doable. I'm not very picky about the leather. It can be older as long as still in good shape and well cared for, and honestly after so much trouble trying to find something that fits I'm more concerned with the fit than all the aesthetics. Only problem is I'm in Canada and my closest County rep is in the next province!

Just for a little extra help in narrowing down what I actually need from them so I can hopefully take an appropriate one on demo at least, can anyone tell me how the Innovation, Conquest and Pro-fit differ from the Stabilizer? I test rode in a Stabilizer in the past but stupidly turned away from it immediately because it wasn't what I was used to. More shallow in the seat, wider in the twist from what I remember. But I didn't give it a chance to see that the balance probably makes up for that. Also, for the flap sizes, I'm longish in the thigh, not sure where you're supposed to measure that but I'm 16 inches on my inseam from crotch to exactly where the knee creases as it bends. However, my leg does not generally sit forward with a lot of bend in the knee, and I don't like the feel of an extremely forward flap. Anyone have a similar conformation and can recommend what they found worked?

Thanks!

I would definitely recommend the Stabilizer then!! I also have a similiar conformation and my knee does not naturally have a lot of bend and I definitely did not need a forward type flap, I tried the Innovation but the flap was cut too forward, I also tried the Stabilizer XTR (more of a forward flap), but again the standard Stabilizer was the best fit for me! You sound the same as me so I say look for that one!

I just got a new Stabilizer about 2 1/2 weeks ago (I just posted a thread with pics on here), so far I am enjoying it, I have had some adjustment due to being so used to my other saddle.

[symphony123]

[edit]

[splash2009]

I'd be curious to know how much the Innovations are selling for. I have one that I need to put on ebay this week, but honestly didn't know where to start the pricing. They are great saddles, I hate to part with mine!

[edit]

[Cinnybren]

I've a Pro-Fit that is in great condition (has that nice patina from consistent good care) that I am thinking of selling. I liked this saddle much better than the newer Stabilizer's, Innovations and such. It has a little deeper seat which is nice in the jumpers. I'm seeing prices all over the board like some said anywhere from $600 to $1700...how on earth do you set a fair price??

[PNWjumper]

I paid $3200 for a lightly used County Innovation in Bull Leather. My County rep just told me that I can probably sell it for $3500. So seems like you'd probably be in the $2500-$3500 range for a newish used Innovation.

I have a Stabilizer XTR and an Innovation and there are definitely some differences. I don't find that my Innovation is any deeper than my Stabilizer, but it does have a much more forward balance. I LOVE where it puts me for the big jumps. Having said that, I rode in my Stabilizer through the AO Jumpers and never had any complaints (until I got my Innovation, that is :lol:). The seat size is also a little different. A 17" in a Stabilizer is bigger than a 17" in an Innovation (I hope I got that right....if you ride in a 17" saddle you can likely do a 17 1/2" in an Innovation). And the trees are a little wider on the Innovation, so if you need a medium tree in a Stabilizer, you might find that you need a medium-narrow in the Innovation.

I would highly suggest contacting your local County rep and having them come out to do a fitting. That way you can figure out what you like and what you need and then go about finding exactly what they fitted TO YOU. The rep can also look in the used/demo inventory to see if they have what you need at a price you can pay.

[oldenburger with fries and a cold beer]

Check out Trumbull Mountain Tack shop online. I have bought my used County saddle from them in the past and found them to be extermely reasonable. I would call them as well because sometimes they have some they have not listed yet. I bought mine which was in good condition for about $1,500. They let you ride in the saddle for a week with your irons. I would also call your local County rep. Good luck!!! I love mine and so do my horses.:D

[Jleegriffith]

Recently bought an 18" stabilizer xtr narrow with skid row panels on ebay brand new for $2k. Exactly what I needed and although I wasn't ready to spend the money I figured that same saddle was not going to come around at that price again so I bought it. Love it! I have bought several county saddles new and a few used on ebay but I know what models work for me and my horses.

[BlueBobRadar]

Cool! I just bought a used County Stablilizer! It's a 17', narrow, w/ skid row panels, low, forward flap. OP, mine was much cheaper.Guess it depends! It's also six years old, that might have affected the $$$. Most importantly, it fits my boy. All my horses before him have been wide. Extremely wide. I never knew how hard it is to find narrow saddles!:lol:

[camohn]

Straightforward question here. I really want to consider the County saddles as my next saddle as I've been on an unending quest for something that actually fits me and puts my leg in the correct position, and I've heard great reviews of all their saddles. But you don't see many used ones for sale (I'll take that as a good sign, people don't want to get rid of them?). Can I get a range of prices I would expect to pay for a used one, of course it will depend on the individual saddle too, but maybe a low end people have seen and up?

Thanks.
I have paid 700 to 900 for the 2 I bought used on Ebay. They are certainly not new but in good shape. I did have to cruise Ebay for some time to get what I wanted at that price.....but with patience it can be done! A lot depends on HOW old/used it is of course......for a nearly new one you are probably looking at closer to 2K+.

[EquiTerra]

I just got a great deal on a Stabilizer, demo, for 1600. That's a pretty outstanding price for a demo, I got lucky! You'll be spending a bit more on an innovation I believe; I rode in that one and liked it but didn't fit my horse as well. Good luck, I love my County!

[kayfry]

I sold my County Innovation for $2500 not too long ago - it was the high-end bull leather and cost $4000 new, was in excellent condition. A friend sold hers for about the same, so I think this is a good ballpark figure. As it happens, I know of another County Innovation, also in the bull leather, that is for sale now in my barn. It's a 17.5 narrow tree, with the skid row panels, in very good condition also. I should point out that the County saddles tend to run wide, so the narrow tree will probably fit a horse that normally takes a medium. Mine was a narrow tree, and it fit my fairly wide warmblood cross. P.M. me if you'd like more details on this saddle.

[Spartacus]

Hey all,

I'm having a tough time finding a used county with skid row panels. I'm looking for an Innovation, but would definitely try a Pro-fit or Stablizer (Symmetry). Seat size 18, I think. The county rep had a demo that fit my horse perfectly, but they wouldn't sell it. It was a 17.5, which felt a little snug to me; she told me that she would probably stick to a 17.5 for my horse (he's a little bit short-backed--I can post a picture of the saddle on him and separately, for you guys to judge. I do need forward flap, medium tree, brown.

How much should I expect to spend? I can't stomach the new prices for County, and am also trying Black Country as the quality seems same and the prices are about half for new saddles. Also, the turnaround time is 3 weeks!

thanks! kris

[admin]

To all on this thread, I'll remind you that it's against the Forum Rules to advertise For Sale or Wanted items! General discussions about pricing are acceptable, but not specific conversations about items for sale or wanted.

Moderator 3

[amt813]

I just purchased a almost new county innovation with the upgraded leather and panels and paid $2800. I also looked at a few demos that were all priced above $3000 for the upgraded leather. It is also my understanding that a county saddle cannot be sold as a demo until it is at least three years old- not that it really matters they are all in excellent condition - but just a bit older models.

I also noticed that they are really hard to find used! I searched on ebay and couldn't find anything. I got really lucky and just happened across the perfect one in a tack store. Someone had basically ordered the saddle and then quit riding.

The other models seem to be less expensive and more available used.

They are definitely worth the money though - I love mine.

[S4zeus]

I just sent back an 18" stabilizer wide tree that didn't fit either me or my horse that the person was asking $1700 neg.

[Spartacus]

Yeah, I can't find any on ebay (or anywhere else, for that matter) either, except for one that's been advertised for months and months--it's a narrow, and they want $3500.

I bet that as soon as I order a different saddle, the market floods with Countys. What do you think?

Frustrating part: A county rep in another state (who I didn't realize was a rep at first) was advertising on her site that she had lots of demos for sale. Her email address was a private one, not with "county" in it. I contacted her, and she said she had both a 17.5 and an 18 available, and that she was happy to send them to me for trial. Then, when she asked where I lived and I told her, she refused to work with me further and told me I had to go through my own rep. My own rep (a super person) has been looking for me as well, and knows I've been trolling the internet and contacting tack shops and saddle fitters all over the country. I tried to explain this to the other person, but no go--even though I'd cc'd my rep on the email(s).

It left a really bad taste in my mouth. I've heard a lot about County having poor customer service, but since my own rep has been so great, I didn't think too much about it. Now I wonder. Since I've had such a great experience with Trumbull Mtn, and the BC saddles seem so similar, maybe I'll be better off going with BC.

[3DogNight]

Since we're discussing County saddles . . . my trainer has an older (not quite sure how old) County Competitor (the close contact, not the dressage) that is very comfortable and fits my high-withered TB mare very well. I can't find this model on County's website, and I'm sure it has been replaced by another model. Does anyone know anything about the Competitor model, or what current model would be closest to it? We don't have a County rep in the area, so having someone come out is not an option.

[jn4jenny]

We don't have a County rep in the area, so having someone come out is not an option.

Unless he quit doing it, yes you do. ;) He lives right over in Washtenaw County. http://www.greatlakessaddles.com/services

[JumpinBean17]

[edit]

[3DogNight]

Unless he quit doing it, yes you do. ;) He lives right over in Washtenaw County. http://www.greatlakessaddles.com/services

Thank you for the link. I will definitely contact him. His name did not come up in any of the searches I tried for this area.

[3DogNight]

Unless he quit doing it, yes you do. ;) He lives right over in Washtenaw County. http://www.greatlakessaddles.com/services

Thank you for the link! I had Jeff come out and measure my horse and myself, and if I can convince my husband that I need to spend $4100 on a new saddle, I'm going to end up with a brand new Stabilizer XTR, bull leather, with all the appropriate gullets and channels for my mare and pencil rolls and calf blocks for myself. I'm hoping it doesn't take much convincing, as after sitting in the demo models he brought out, it's very difficult to sit in my current saddle.

Any ideas (other than the obvious) for buttering up DH? I really want this saddle!

[alliekat]

(other than the obvious)
That usually works!! Good Luck!!

[ynl063w]

Frustrating part: A county rep in another state (who I didn't realize was a rep at first) was advertising on her site that she had lots of demos for sale. Her email address was a private one, not with "county" in it. I contacted her, and she said she had both a 17.5 and an 18 available, and that she was happy to send them to me for trial. Then, when she asked where I lived and I told her, she refused to work with me further and told me I had to go through my own rep. My own rep (a super person) has been looking for me as well, and knows I've been trolling the internet and contacting tack shops and saddle fitters all over the country. I tried to explain this to the other person, but no go--even though I'd cc'd my rep on the email(s).

It left a really bad taste in my mouth. I've heard a lot about County having poor customer service, but since my own rep has been so great, I didn't think too much about it. Now I wonder. Since I've had such a great experience with Trumbull Mtn, and the BC saddles seem so similar, maybe I'll be better off going with BC.

I don't think the reps are allowed to step on each other's toes with regards to the different territories, so I wouldn't take that out on them. I had a great experience with them and haven't heard anything bad as far as customer service from anyone else. Good luck whatever you choose!

[Spartacus]

thanks! Yes, I figured that, which is why I cc'd my own rep on the email and had talked to her about it before I started trolling the web. Funny thing is that they will work together to get somebody outfitted, it was just this one rep that must have gotten all territorial. At any rate, my own rep is awesome and
knock wood, I've just found a saddle that I want.

There has been some stuff posted about the customer service that has been negative, but I have had nothing but good experiences aside from this one incident. Plus, the saddles are awesome....