Dustee Secondhand Saddlery

Dustee Secondhand Saddlery We sell safe affordable secondhand saddles & tack to average equestrians. We are happy to post! The quote “ice to eskimos” certainly comes to mind.

The Dustee Secondhand Saddlery story:

Dustee Secondhand Saddlery began in 2019 as a hobby, a simple way to make some “pocket money” for our family and to help carry the load of financially providing for our family at least in some small way. I was already reasonably well known in the local horse community, somewhat experienced in identifying, valuing, cleaning and presenting of the relevant item

s and as a consumer of the goods myself understood the desperate need our local community had for such a venture due to the dwindling number of options where such items could be purchased in the area with at least two shops selling similar albeit new items having closed their doors in recent years. Only one dedicated equine shop, dealing solely in new items remained in our town and a handful of produce stores that offered a small selection of the most common saddlery items, again new. The prices were often out of reach of beginner horse owners and riders or families like our own that relied on a single income and seldom had much extra left over to waste on what in this area, is very much a recreational pursuit. There was a thriving second hand market for horse gear in our area but people struggled with finding and meeting up with potential buyers due to location, lack of time, work hours, family obligations, lack of knowledge of the items in their possession, inability to market their items effectively and limited ideas of where to advertise. The majority of people I knew were unwilling to post because they found the process complicated and costly, they were unable to schedule it into a day already crammed full of children, household chores and sometimes full time work hours which prevented them from accessing postal services. As a result items were often under priced and remained unsold far longer than they should. In addition, with our families background on working cattle stations and living in somewhat remote and rural areas for most of my life I was aware of the need further out west for many of the items I saw unsold, and at prices that suited the more low incomes of families living on the land. My husband had always maintained I was exceptionally good at selling items for decent money whenever things in our life had reached their limit of usefulness as hobbies were discarded, or kids grew and items were outgrown. Further more we lived immediately across the road from our local post office and with our youngest child less than a year old I was not inclined to return to the workforce leaving her for somebody else to raise. At the time a small front room in our rental house was given over to the project and with the purchase of a few small lots of gear and saddles I began. The community response was very supportive and I was able to turn a tidy profit quite quickly. Within a month, so quickly I am unsure if photograph evidence of this phase even exists, it was evident my venture had outgrown the front room and my husband relinquished his hold of an old single garage on the property. Whilst fitting out this newly acquired space in a budget friendly way we hit upon our ideal look of rough wooden furniture with rustic recycled horse shoes and horse shoe nails to both embellish and emphasise our chosen subject of business. Several of our saddle display stands, the iconic Dustee Secondhand Saddlery desk and wall units to display horse bits and boots were lovingly crafted by my husband and myself out of discarded pine pallets from local businesses, leftover shoeing nails from our own horse supplies and used horse shoes from those of my most supportive customers. Whilst imperfect these items remain a recognisable part of the saddlery today and show case our ideals that items be safe and usable, however may not be free from minor visual imperfections. The backbone of the saddlery a massive almost full length rail for hanging bridles, halters and other gear ran full length along the middle of the single garage and I envisioned lining the open ceiling with discarded horse feed bags to further add to the rustic effect and add just a pop of fun and colour. Additionally I was wanting to send all my goods home in bags made from recycling the very same kinds of feed bags and given the industry with which I serviced I had an almost unlimited supply of the raw products. Supply and demand of equine items continued to steadily grow through word of mouth, free online advertising on websites and most particularly Facebook where I created a page for the venture. As a start up venture, disposable cash was short and rather than turn away offerings of items I could not buy at the time I quickly implemented a service to sell on commission for my customers, for me this meant I could stock my saddlery without needing to purchase every single item and for my customers it meant they could theoretically receive a higher price from it selling to another customer as opposed to myself who needed to buy at lower prices to ensure I could both make a profit and still offer budget friendly items to buy. On March 1st (my birthday) 2021 Dustee Secondhand Saddlery became a fully fledged business and my secondhand dealers license was approved shortly there after. Due to popular request I invested in Square to be able to offer the ability to pay by card and increased my commission prices to offset the cost of the business name, secondhand dealers license and fees payable for each Square transaction. It was a big leap of faith and initial investment especially for a license I wasn’t sure would be approved (almost $1000 for the first year). I feared customers would think twice about the new higher cost however there was no discernible drop off in my patronage. Sadly the rental property where we began this venture was sold in a business deal along with several other properties in the January before becoming an official business and only a few months later we were advised our lease would not be renewed as the property was again being sold. We met with our bank to discuss a house loan however due to being a very newly formed business my income wasn’t deemed suitable enough until I had a minimum of a year’s financial records in place, preferably two. We called it our two year plan to save a deposit and looked for another rental to bide our time. In the middle of COVID conditions the struggle was real but we were lucky enough to find available to rent an older high set house through our previous real estate and the owner was happy to allow us to operate from the location as a business. Better yet we were assured the property was not going to be sold. The space was bigger however much different to that which we had previously and it took some time to relocate family and business and prepare it to open once again. My customers waited patiently through the upheaval, sales I could squeeze in still racked up funds and we were on track again. Our initial six month lease passed and we re-signed for an additional year, of which is almost half gone. Unfortunately several weeks ago we were hit with a bombshell by our real estate agent, the owners insurance policy has been updated and the terms no longer allow for a business to run from the property. On top of that the property was being listed for sale. We were devastated by this unexpected complication to our two year plan. Unfortunately we just aren’t quite there yet, due to the nature of the business where I can be available outside of normal hours for customers with busy lives themselves, and the desire to remain a stay at home mum for our children, lease of a commercial property is less than ideal and not currently within our financial ability. We are currently operating in a minimised capacity whilst we focus on raising the remaining necessary funds to use as a deposit on a house of our own with a suitable space to permanently house the saddlery. The support of our customers in this time has been outstanding and we have no doubt, as evidenced by their words, actions and offers of help, that they will rally behind us even more once we have a permanent place to offer the service they have come to rely upon. Dustee Secondhand Saddlery
ABN 31296714931

Josephine Thornton
Second-Hand Dealer No 4476478.

Beautiful artwork !
23/04/2025

Beautiful artwork !

18” Aledo Saddlery Slick Fork Wade Western Roping Saddle + Bridle + Polished Heart Cutout Oxbows + Matching Back Girth &...
23/04/2025

18” Aledo Saddlery Slick Fork Wade Western Roping Saddle + Bridle + Polished Heart Cutout Oxbows + Matching Back Girth & Hangers + Padded Caribu Carry Bag.

This is an excellent eye catching offering of a USA made Aledo Saddlery slick fork wade western roping saddle with extras. This saddle is in excellent used condition and very well priced, payment plan is available, as is postage at the buyers expense.

Made to work this saddle does weigh in at 18.5 kg with its current mounts (does not include front girth) so please take that into consideration!

We would call this 6 1/2” FQHB but please see measurement photos in sale album and ask for any more that might be needed to determine correct fit for you and your horse.

The saddle comes with matching Aledo Saddlery back girth and hangers. Similar tooled but NOT the same brand western one ear bridle with crystal concho’s. And polished heart cut out oxbows. Padded purple Caribu saddle storage and carry bag. There is no front girth.

Local trial on full payment is available.

$1650 Inc Gst, payment plan available.

For sale by commission at Dustee Secondhand Saddlery, Bundaberg North Qld. Post available at buyers expense.

BARS C272/4

17” Kieffer Dressage Saddle. Approx 6-6 1/2” gullet or about a medium wide. See pictures showing saddle being measured t...
23/04/2025

17” Kieffer Dressage Saddle. Approx 6-6 1/2” gullet or about a medium wide. See pictures showing saddle being measured to decide for yourself. Cut back wither. Points in excellent condition. This saddle does have wear to the seat and rear blocks as pictured. As a cheaper priced saddle it is being sold as is.

$110 Inc Gst

For sale by commission at Dustee Secondhand Saddlery, Bundaberg North Qld. Post available at buyers expense.

HBRDA C265/3

An interesting read on saddle size, because just like clothes, two "identical" saddle sizes may not fit the same!
23/04/2025

An interesting read on saddle size, because just like clothes, two "identical" saddle sizes may not fit the same!

17.5" Saddle =/= 17.5"

[For those not understanding why 2 completely different saddles were used. Both saddles are marked at 17.5", however, the area for the rider and tree size varies greatly. This highlights a common issue we see when riders are searching for a new saddle, assuming that since they rode in a 17.5", they will need a 17.5" in any other saddle they purchase. The space for the rider is not just where a rider sits, but also the area over which they post. Tree size =/= Seat size.]

Both saddles pictured are 17.5" as per the standard method of measurement from the seat nail to the center of the cantle. However, you can see that the blue line indicating the amount of space for the rider varies greatly between the two saddles. Seat size is a bit of a misnomer as it doesn't accurately identify the amount of space there is for the rider with zero consideration on pommel style and size at the very least. When it comes to fitting the rider, seat size is just one aspect of fit that must be considered to ensure the rider is comfortable and supported, but not "stuck" in their position or held in place.

The seat size is the most common way of identifying whether a saddle is the right size for you, despite the fact that it inaccurately depicts the true size of the saddle. To better determine the actual amount of space you'd have in any saddle, measuring from pommel to cantle (much like in Western) will provide more accurate information on if it'd be suitable. The seat size can vary greatly and simply by moving the seat nail, with the manufacturer able to stamp an 18" tree with a 15.5" seat based solely on where that seal nail is. The tree size (pommel to cantle) is the most accurate in finding a saddle that provides adequate room for the rider and is applicable to all makes, models and styles.

For those not understanding this post, the ENTIRE POINT was to show that 17.5" is not 17.5" across different styles and disciplines. That does not change the fact that many riders when buying a saddle assume since they rode in a 17.5", whatever next saddle they're looking for, regardless of style, also needs to be a 17.5". This simply highlights the importance of measuring the TREE (pommel to cantle). This post also does not delve into the other dozen + points that are considered when fitting a saddle to a rider.

17” Fels Bach “Korporal” show saddle, made in Switzerland. Three short leather points each side. Comes with leathers and...
23/04/2025

17” Fels Bach “Korporal” show saddle, made in Switzerland. Three short leather points each side. Comes with leathers and irons as pictured. Approx 5” narrow gullet.

Whilst we cannot fault the saddle it is an older model, cheap and therefore sold as is.

$55 Inc Gst

For sale by commission at Dustee Secondhand Saddlery, Bundaberg North Qld. Post available at buyers expense.

ECARD C267/2

23/04/2025

Gorgeous little tan 15” Tottenham leather turn out or show saddle, good used condition, obvious wear for a used saddle but no “faults”. Long triple girth points, covered buttons, wool flocking.

Sellers children have sadly outgrown.

Approx 6 1/2” or medium wide gullet but check out photos showing it being measured to decide for yourself.

Great little quality starter saddle for the show ring!

Local trial available.

Only $440 Inc Gst, payment plan available.

Bundaberg North Qld, post at buyers expense.

For sale by commission at Dustee Secondhand Saddlery.

SHARPE C189/1

23/04/2025

Approx 17” Leather Jump Saddle. We cannot find a brand on it but doesn’t look and feel cheap. Medium wide to wide gullet (see measurement photos).

Three short girth points per side. Only one girth buckle cover (possibly something written on it but can’t read).

Saddle has obvious wear for age and scratch’s on the seat at pictured.

Comes fully mounted with Collegiate antigall girth, Wintec slim line stirrup leathers and brown synthetic stirrup irons (see last photo, not the stainless ones in most pictures).

Local trial available.

$550 Inc Gst, payment plan available.

Bundaberg North Qld, post at buyers expense.

For sale by commission at Dustee Secondhand Saddlery.

VT C233/1

23/04/2025

17” Southern Cross Competition Fender, older model built to last and work. This saddle has seen its fair share of work and does have some wear which includes a small hole in the nearside fender where it was hung incorrectly at one stage, the offside false flap has been removed but could be replaced with minimal work, some fraying of edges of the fender reinforcement webbing, a small round mark in the seat area and some holes in the leather at back of cantle - all pictured.

This saddle has roughout seat and kneepads which have flattened down with age.

Features felt lining, extra campdraft/pony club girth D’s, rear girth D, fenders on the stirrup bar, smart escape safety oxbows in brown, patterned nylon Latigo and billet set and antigall cinch girth.

Approx 14” inner seat, 6” SQHB.

REDUCED TO $1,400 Inc Gst, payment plan available.

Bundaberg North Qld, post at buyers expense.

Last sold by us in 2021, current owner is no longer riding and we are pleased to offer this saddle o commission here at Dustee Secondhand Saddlery.

IM C240/1

23/04/2025

A true cowboy saddle made in Texas by Billy Cook.

Gorgeous western saddle, hand carved leather, small amount of bling, conchos, beautiful floral design throughout including on the aluminium oxbows which also feature rubber treads. Breastplate and back girth d’s. Nearside nylon Latigo and offside leather billet, no girth. Fender keepers. False flap to prevent fender catching on girth rigging and stop unnecessary wear.

Suede seat.

Saddle is in beautiful condition with leather that has obviously been well cared for.

Some wear to nearside back girth d as pictured.

Suit western pleasure, dressage, trail or possibly extreme cowboy disciplines.

Measures 16” - 17” depending on where you put the tape and approx 7 1/2” gullet on FQHB but please use the included measurement photos to decide for yourself and please ask for any other info as required.

Local trial available (on full upfront payment).

$1,650 Inc Gst, payment plan available.

Bundaberg North Qld, post at buyers expense.

For sale by commission at Dustee Secondhand Saddlery.

JH C233/1

23/04/2025

16” Western saddle with matching leather covered oxbows, bridle, reins and breastplate adjustable to suit full to cob horses. Super eye catching mahogany colour with barb wire stamping along all edges and decorative black/silver conchos for that touch of bling. Contrasting black suede seat. Narrow twist, deep seat. Unbranded.

Features rounded skirts and full qh bars with approx 7” gullet. Back girth dees, breastplate dees, three way girth rigging making it easier to find that sweet spot where the saddle sits on a wider range of horses. Comes with nylon Latigo and billet.

Ideally suited to cowboy dressage, extreme cowboy, trails, pleasure, even barrels.

$1200 Inc Gst, six week payment plan available.

Local trial available on full payment.

Located at Dustee Secondhand Saddlery, Bundaberg North Qld, a registered Australian business with licensed secondhand dealer owner for safe and secure purchase.

For sale on commission.

BREE C243/1

23/04/2025

Big Horn King Series western saddle made in the USA.

Beautiful floral hand carved leather design with matching leather covered oxbows, decorative conchos. Breastplate ds. False flap to prevent fenders catching and wearing on the girth.

With rounded skirts and full length of 24” this saddle makes an excellent quality choice for those with short backed steeds and would be suitable for cowboy dressage, western pleasure and extreme cowboy among other things.

Measures 15”- 16” depending on where you put the tape and approx 6 1/2” gullet on FQHB but please use the included measurement photos to decide for yourself and please ask for any other info as required.

Local trial available (on full upfront payment).

$2,200 Inc Gst, payment plan available.

Bundaberg North Qld, post at buyers expense.

For sale by commission at Dustee Secondhand Saddlery.

JH C233/2

22/04/2025
Hi folks we are back at it after our Easter break, but its a super short week, we will be getting back to all the lovely...
21/04/2025

Hi folks we are back at it after our Easter break, but its a super short week, we will be getting back to all the lovely people who have messaged us shortly!

We are open today until 12.30 pm and Wednesday 9.30 am to 2.30 pm or we can be available between the hours of 3.30 pm and 5 pm by appointment Wednesday afternoon.

Available by appointment Thursday morning to lunch time only, as we have family medical commitments later in the day.

CLOSED Anzac Day, Friday 25th April 2025

16/04/2025

Pretty certain it says in the Geneva Convention that having a horse that hard ties is a basic human right.

All jokes aside standing tied should be the absolute minimum your horse can do. If you can’t take the time to teach the minimum then don’t expect it to ever do the maximum.

And using bailing twine is not hard tying it’s just silly.

Oh and since I’ll probably get told I’m wrong anyway they should all tie up in a bridle. We used to always tie our horses to a branch at dinner camp by their bridle.

If it don’t hard tie it ain’t broke.

Address

33 Hinkler Avenue
Bundaberg, QLD
4670

Opening Hours

Monday 9:30am - 2:30pm
3:30pm - 5pm
Tuesday 9:30am - 12:30pm
Wednesday 9:30am - 2:30pm
3:30pm - 5pm
Friday 10:30am - 2:30pm
3:30pm - 5pm
Saturday 9:30am - 12pm

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Dustee Secondhand Saddlery in “2020”..

Dustee Secondhand Saddlery began as a joint venture between myself, Josephine Thornton of Dustee Stud and a friend in 2019 with the goal of purchasing and selling safe secondhand saddlery for the budget conscious pony club, pleasure or trail horse rider.

And what a great start the year of 2019 has been! We have been blown away with everyone’s support of this little venture and just how many times we were told how desperately a shop like ours was needed in the area.

However going into “2020” Dustee Secondhand Saddlery is now solely owned and operated by myself Josephine Thornton and I will be dedicated to bringing you some awesome saddlery deals as always.

As a mother, and horse owner, from a single income family I am well aware of the struggle to provide everything your family needs and support a healthy horse addiction. I am approachable and realistic with my prices. I will accept short payment plans, and/or trade ins of appropriate nature and value on items owned by Dustee Secondhand Saddlery.