Saddle Trial Info & FAQ

 

Saddle Trial Information & FAQ

How long does the trial period last?

• Local Saddle Trials begin the day after pick up and are a duration of 3 days. The saddle(s) must be either purchased or returned before the end of the 3rd day. To contact the store regarding your local trial saddle, please text or call our storefront during regular business hours (803) 989-6093.
  
  
• Shipped Saddle Trials begin the day after delivery and are a duration of 5 days. We ask that you let us know if you are purchasing or returning via text/call/email before the end of the 5th day (803) 989-6093.

Note: Saddles purchased both in store and online via "Make an Offer" (or offer is accepted under asking price) are considered a FINAL SALE. Saddles sold for less than asking price or via "Make an Offer" are not eligible for a trial, return, and/or refund. ONLY saddles purchased at current asking price include a 5 day trial with return option. 
Saddles shipped outside of the US are considered a final sale.

 

How do returns & refunds work?

Click Here for return and refund policy

How do local trials work?

To purchase a saddle online for local trial, you must purchase at asking price plus any applicable taxes. To confirm the trial, choose "Local Pick Up" for the delivery option at checkout. Local trials are 3 days long (beginning the day after pick up) and we ask that you let us know before the end of the 3rd day if you are purchasing or returning.

If reserving a local trial in-store, a Credit Card and Driver's License are both required for a pre-authorization (hold on funds) that is placed on the card of your choosing. If you cannot provide identification and/or proper authorization, you will not be eligible to take a saddle out of the storefront. The amount placed on the card must be for the asking price of the saddle and any applicable taxes. This hold is voided in the event that the saddle does not work out and is returned to us. Should the saddle be purchased, the card used for pre-authorization will be used for the total of the saddle and any applicable taxes unless the client specifies otherwise. If a client wishes to use another method of payment, the original hold will remain until payment is confirmed. Clients can request a copy of their voided pre-authorization at any time. The trial forms/policies can be completed in-store if shopping in-person, or reviewed at checkout if shopping online.

You can browse our available saddle inventory and purchase a saddle for local trial online prior to pick up, or one of our fitters can assist you with narrowing your options down.  If you're looking to receive in-store assistance from a saddle fitter, please let us know when you plan on stopping by via text/call/email. Contact Us

How do shipped trials work?

Only saddles listed for $500.00+ are eligible for trial/return/refund when purchased at asking price plus any applicable taxes and/or shipping costs. The saddle will be boxed and shipped, then tracking information is sent to the client's email if one is provided at checkout. Clients are welcome to request tracking information if needed. After the saddle arrives to you, we ask that you text(preferred), call, or email the storefront to confirm whether you are purchasing or returning before the end of the 5th day (5PM EST). Contact Us

If a return is necessary, please follow our steps below for safely returning a saddle via UPS Ground or FedEx. Once the saddle arrives back to the storefront, management will fully inspect the saddle before submitting the applicable refund to the card used at checkout.

** Please note that all saddle trial refunds will have the 3% transaction fee and cost of original shipping deducted from the total. **

There is a check box to confirm you have reviewed our formal trial policies at checkout. Saddles purchased via "Make an Offer" are considered a FINAL SALE with no return option for a refund.   

Click Here for Return and Refund Policy

Click Here for Shipping Costs

 

Steps for Returning a Shipped Trial Saddle to ATE:

1. Use the packing materials and box to package the saddle as similar to how it arrived as possible. If the packaging or materials are not reusable, please reach out to us at 803-989-6093. You may choose to have the shipper package the saddle at your own risk. We recommend including insurance as Aiken Tack Exchange is not responsible for any damage that may occur during shipping. Any saddle that arrives damaged will be sent back to the client and considered a Final Sale.
   
   
2. Clients are responsible for the cost of return shipping. Bring the package to your nearest FedEx or UPS Ground Ship Center and send to our storefront to be refunded after it is received and inspected:

Can I put a Saddle on hold?

In order to reserve a saddle, you must purchase the saddle prior to shipment or local pick-up. We do not place saddles on hold. If you would like to purchase a saddle to pick up locally from the store, you can go online and order the saddle where there is an option for "Pick Up" at checkout. You can also call the store and place your order over the phone.

Can I ride in the Saddle?

Yes! Please feel free to ride in the saddle you have on trial, try it on different horses, and have others evaluate its suitability for your horse. Saddle(s) are expected to be kept and returned in the same condition as they left. A cover must always be kept on the saddle(s) when not in use, and the saddle must be stored properly and safely. 

Saddles may NOT be altered or adjusted during the trial period. Saddles with adjustable trees may NOT be adjusted during trial period. Saddles with an exchangeable gullet may NOT have the gullet plates changed out. If you would like a different gullet plate in the saddle, we will change it for you by request. If a saddle is altered, the saddle becomes owned by Buyer and full sale price of saddle plus applicable taxes and fees will be charged.

Can the Trial Period be extended?

If you are taking a saddle for a local trial, please discuss with a member of our Tack Team the possibility of purchasing the saddle with a week-long return period. Otherwise, saddle trial periods are firm at 3 days for local trials and 5 days for shipped trials. 

Should I clean the Saddle before returning it?

Please do with the following in mind. We recommend using a slightly damp clean cloth to wipe off dirt, dust, and/or sweat, then a product like Tack Butter to further clean and condition the saddle. Please do not use any traditional saddle soap or harsh cleaners. Any cosmetic or structural damage or uncleanliness will be subject to cleaning or repair fees ranging from $25 to the full price of the saddle(s).

What happens if I am late returning the Saddle?

For local trials, each day after day 3 of the trial will result in a $10 late fee charged to your card. Upon the close of business (5pm EST) on the 7th late day, the saddle(s) will be considered sold and the credit card written on your trial contract will be charged for the full amount of the saddle(s) plus any applicable late fees and taxes. This sale will be considered final- no returns, refunds, or exchanges will be allowed.

For shipped trials, you must notify us of your intent to return the saddle before the end of the 5th day of the trial. Clients are responsible for the cost of return shipping. If you fail to notify us of your intent to return the saddle by the close of business (5pm EST) on the 5th trial day, the sale will be considered final - no returns, refunds, or exchanges will be allowed.