Crosby saddle - worth the repair?

bubbleslove · 11-03-2009, 01:21 PM

One of the ladies at the barn moved up north and abandoned this Crosby (jumper? a/p?) saddle. I called her to ask if she wanted me to hang on to it until she comes down (thinking she just forgot to pack it). Turns out she didn't want it, couldn't sell it, finders keepers

It's in somewhat rough shape - the left panel underneath needs to be reattached, and I have no idea what that would cost. Otherwise, needs a good cleaning and oiling, new leathers, and it would be functional. I have no idea what the worth of a used Crosby is, what it would cost to repair it, and if it's even worth it to get it repaired at all. Here's some pics:

Modeled by Hank:

How it fits him - seems okay to me?

The damage - it's not attached here or at the back of the saddle

So what do we think?

Slim Pikkens · 11-03-2009, 04:23 PM

A half decent used crosby runs between $300 and $500. From what I am seeing, the leather has deteriorated, possibly from too much humidity It will probably cost you more to repair the saddle than it's worth. Perhaps you can salvage the iron and leathers, as the safety irons are worth more than regular irons.

rescueme · 11-03-2009, 07:01 PM

I agree with Slim; it's unfortunate that it's so damaged. Crosby's are great saddles and when properly cared for , will last for a very long time. I've got one that's near 25 years old and it's in fantastic shape. The safety stirrups are priceless for the purpose they serve, though.

RenosGirl · 11-03-2009, 07:13 PM

I agree, its not worth it. Safe the leathers and irons, and maybe use it for a training saddle...

Slim Pikkens · 11-03-2009, 08:03 PM

One must question the safety of this saddle.

bubbleslove · 11-03-2009, 08:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RenosGirl

I agree, its not worth it. Safe the leathers and irons, and maybe use it for a training saddle...

Yeah....not so much. I wouldn't even tighten the girth on it because that panel is so loose, I don't want to rip it off all the way. If it's not save-able, it's in the trash. I'd be reluctant to even longe with it because there is a piece of metal on the inside that's just about exposed, I'd worry what it would do under pressure

I could salvage the stirrups, but I don't think the leathers are any good.

It's too bad she never bothered to take care of it, but oh well.

Thanks everyone!

evelynwolfe · 11-05-2009, 09:32 AM

You could always use it as a decoration, or sell it as a decoration, just make sure that you tell whoever is looking at it that it is not safe to use on a horse.

redboy · 11-05-2009, 10:00 AM

That saddle totally reminds me of my first saddle, a 'Crosby All Purpose' saddle.
Mine is, (oh I HATE to say it) about 32 years old(

!!!) now.
YIKES,..,Vintage!!

I ordered it brand new, from Miller's Saddlery in N.Y., and paid about $500 for it with $$ I earned as a babysitter.
I'll post a pic one of these days, so you can compare.
I agree with the poster who suggested using it for decorative purposes.

RockHorseRanch · 11-11-2009, 12:26 PM

If you were close to me I'd come pick it up and give it to my neighbors - they decorate their home & fences with old saddles!

I agree - it would be dangerous & detrimental to use on a horse.

You could craigslist it - $25 decorative saddle - someone will buy it - there's always people looking for stuff like that.

Horselady44 · 11-11-2009, 12:29 PM

I agree...its not worth the repairs...although saddles do make great decorations!

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11-03-2009, 01:21 PM
bubbleslove Long Yearling Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Sunny South Florida Posts: 1,058	Crosby saddle - worth the repair? One of the ladies at the barn moved up north and abandoned this Crosby (jumper? a/p?) saddle. I called her to ask if she wanted me to hang on to it until she comes down (thinking she just forgot to pack it). Turns out she didn't want it, couldn't sell it, finders keepers It's in somewhat rough shape - the left panel underneath needs to be reattached, and I have no idea what that would cost. Otherwise, needs a good cleaning and oiling, new leathers, and it would be functional. I have no idea what the worth of a used Crosby is, what it would cost to repair it, and if it's even worth it to get it repaired at all. Here's some pics: Modeled by Hank: How it fits him - seems okay to me? The damage - it's not attached here or at the back of the saddle So what do we think? __________________ Proud owner of: Mr. Bubbles, Hank, and Sparky

11-03-2009, 04:23 PM
Slim Pikkens Seasoned Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 4,438	A half decent used crosby runs between $300 and $500. From what I am seeing, the leather has deteriorated, possibly from too much humidity It will probably cost you more to repair the saddle than it's worth. Perhaps you can salvage the iron and leathers, as the safety irons are worth more than regular irons.

11-03-2009, 07:01 PM
rescueme Halter broke Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: My dream home Posts: 152	I agree with Slim; it's unfortunate that it's so damaged. Crosby's are great saddles and when properly cared for , will last for a very long time. I've got one that's near 25 years old and it's in fantastic shape. The safety stirrups are priceless for the purpose they serve, though. __________________ Our talents are God's gift to us; what we do with them is our gift to God.

11-03-2009, 07:13 PM
RenosGirl Long Yearling Join Date: May 2008 Location: Edmonton, Alberta Posts: 1,495	I agree, its not worth it. Safe the leathers and irons, and maybe use it for a training saddle... __________________ Go and love your babies today, and everyday...you never know when it could be the last time.

11-03-2009, 08:03 PM
Slim Pikkens Seasoned Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 4,438	One must question the safety of this saddle.

11-05-2009, 09:32 AM
evelynwolfe Weanling Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Southern IN Posts: 250	You could always use it as a decoration, or sell it as a decoration, just make sure that you tell whoever is looking at it that it is not safe to use on a horse. __________________ Sell the cow, buy the sheep, but never be without the horse. ~ Irish Proverb

11-05-2009, 10:00 AM
redboy Greenbroke Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Eastern Shore of Maryland Posts: 3,153	That saddle totally reminds me of my first saddle, a 'Crosby All Purpose' saddle. Mine is, (oh I HATE to say it) about 32 years old(!!!) now. YIKES,..,Vintage!! I ordered it brand new, from Miller's Saddlery in N.Y., and paid about $500 for it with $$ I earned as a babysitter. I'll post a pic one of these days, so you can compare. I agree with the poster who suggested using it for decorative purposes.

11-11-2009, 12:26 PM
RockHorseRanch Halter broke Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Colorado Posts: 60	If you were close to me I'd come pick it up and give it to my neighbors - they decorate their home & fences with old saddles! I agree - it would be dangerous & detrimental to use on a horse. You could craigslist it - $25 decorative saddle - someone will buy it - there's always people looking for stuff like that.

11-11-2009, 12:29 PM
Horselady44 Started Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Montana Posts: 2,550	I agree...its not worth the repairs...although saddles do make great decorations! __________________ A happy horse equals a happy rider!