How to Ship a Saddle?: 8 Easy Steps (EXPOSED)

The first step is to collect all the packing materials you need and keep them handy while packing. 
The things you will need are:
✅ Sturdy packing box.
✅ Protective materials like bubble wraps, saddle pads, crumpled paper or old newspaper, foam sheets, saddle cover, and the like.
✅ Bed pillows or cushions.
✅ Packing tape.

If the original package is retained and is sturdy enough, then it’s okay to use it for shipping. Otherwise, you need to purchase a box (either online or offline) that’s the appropriate size for the saddle you wish to ship.

To determine the size of the box, you need to check the saddle’s seat size first. For an average saddle, a box size of 18” x 18” x 24” will be perfect. However, if the saddle is of a different variety, a wider box size of either 20” x 20” x 24” or 22” x 22” x 24” might suffice. 

Next, you must also check the saddle’s weight to determine the box’s weight. An ordinary saddle weighs around 13 to 15 lbs. If the saddle weighs more, you would need a box with greater strength.

Remember to purchase a box slightly larger than the saddle to ensure a comfortable fit and allow extra spacing for the wrapping stuff. Also, the box must be doubled-walled, labeled as heavy-duty and sturdy enough to endure the weight of your precious saddle.

After you have successfully purchased the perfect box, you must now prepare it to handle your shipment. 

First, fold the box to bring it into its shape, and then tape the bottom across the seam and the flap edges. The best way to tape it is to run two pieces perpendicular to one another, covering a bit up the edges. Consider doubling the layers to provide some extra strength.

Next, line up the box bottom with layers of bubble wraps, saddle pads, soft towels, and the bed pillows or cushions. If you wish to use packing peanuts, ensure they are enclosed in bags. 

Remember there must be at least 2 to 3 layers of protection at the bottom of the box that must cover all the edges completely.

Once the packing box is all set, the next thing you need to work on is the saddle.
Wrap the saddle in the foam sheet or bubble wraps and double or triple the layer as per the thickness of the wraps.

But avoid putting too many packing materials or packing the wraps so tight that it damages the panel with the inward pressure.

Take extra care while covering the front of the pommel, the seat, the cantle, the patent, and delicate saddle parts. For calfskin, an extra amount of foam or a layer of bubble wrap will be added.

Secure the bubble wraps with packing or scotch tape to ensure that it doesn’t get unwrapped during transit. If needed, consider double tapping at the sensitive places.

Consider putting the saddle in a trash bag of around 55 gallons to protect it from water damage. Having a saddle cover to compliment the packing can work wonders too.

Once the saddle is covered, it’s ready to be put inside the box. But there is a particular method for it:

✅ The saddle is to be placed with the pommel down to allow maximum room for the flaps. The horns and the forks must rest on the cushion inside the box with added padding around them.
✅ Ensure that there is no curling of the flaps and that the flocking is not folded or creased.
✅ The pommel must be supported by a pillow or cushion underneath to keep the weight and pressure away from the delicate flaps. 
✅ The space between the flaps must be carefully filled with bubble wraps or saddle pads to press and hold them in the correct position. 

Consider putting some bubble wraps, peanut bags, or cushions on the top surface if there is space. Fill up any extra space with the packing materials so that the saddle does not move inside the box.

Once completely satisfied with the packaging, seal the box with double layers of packing tape. Again, the seal needs to be done by tapping the two pieces of packing tape perpendicular to one another and going up the edges.

All the edges must also be sealed properly with the packing tape so that the box doesn’t burst open during transit. Here too, doubling the layers will multiply its strength.

Once the package is all sealed up, you must attach the shipping label. This is the step that would ensure that the package reaches its destination. Hence, it’s important to ensure that:

✅The label is properly glued to the box and wouldn’t come off at transit.
✅The address, tracking number, bar codes, and other information are properly visible.
✅No trace of any old labels is left on the box that might create any confusion at the time of delivery.

The last step is to select and contact the courier company to ship your saddle with.
 
You can make the decision based on your previous experiences with different courier companies and choose the one which seems most reliable.

Or, you can also select the company based on the method and cost of transportation and the services offered. 

There are various shipping methods and courier services like tracking facilities, insurance services, fast deliveries, etc. Plus, the cost of these services needs to be considered too. Compare the services and prices each company charges and then make an informed decision.

Once you choose the shipping company with which to trust your package, the next thing is to contact them. You can either have them pick it up or drop it yourself at the shipping center, as per your preference.

Remember to take your shipping receipt from them and keep it safe with you till your package reaches its destination.