Saddle Serial Number Search

 admin
Serial numbers on saddles can tell you more than you may realize but we also know that they can be a bit confusing. As a certified Prestige dealer we have put together the following guide to help you decode the serial number on your Prestige Saddle!

At one time the numbers 331 were on the strap keeper which I tho't might be a model number. I did find then under the jockey, on the skirt, on a Longhorn. Over the years the saddle mfg's started putting their stamp on the strap keepers. Once you have determined whether or not you have an English or Western saddle, and found the maker's mark and serial number or other identification number, it's time to learn more about your saddle. First, do an online search and find out whether the saddle still is being made. Flap sizes are indicated in the serial number as 1 for regular, or 2 for long (note that this varies from other French brands such as Antares or Devoucoux, where a 1 is short, 2 is regular, and 3 or higher is long). In addition to the the serial number, a date code will be included on the plate. For example, after your serial number, you will find 20101234, where 2010 is the year is twas made and 1234 if the unique number of that saddle.

  1. Once you have determined whether or not you have an English or Western saddle, and found the maker's mark and serial number or other identification number, it's time to learn more about your saddle. First, do an online search and find out whether the saddle still is being made.
  2. The saddle should also have a labeled horn cap, and seat. The number under the stirrup leathers is the serial number. The NEWER Billy Cook saddles that are made in Greenville TX. Are NOT genuine Billy Cooks and are the lower quaility of the two brands.
  3. Serial # 20131234 (This is the number to type in the search below.) Please note we have NO RELIABLE INFORMATION THAT’S AVAILABLE FOR SADDLES MADE PRIOR TO 2013. 2013 to Present.

Where Can I Find The Serial Number?


For dual flapped saddles, you can find the serial number by lifting up the top flap! The serial number will then be located on the lower flap where the billets hang.

For the monoflap saddles, you will need to flip the saddle over. The serial number is also on the left side and will be located underneath the single flap.

What Do All Those Numbers Mean?!

Let’s start by looking at the first cluster of numbers which contains 4 digits.

The first two digits are going to be the seat size which means that the first two numbers will either be a 16, 17, or 18.

The second set of two numbers are the tree size. The example saddle shown below is a 17″, and was originally a 33 cm tree.

The tree of a Prestige saddle can be adjusted by a certified Prestige dealer so, if there is a number stamped underneath the second set of numbers (the tree size) that means the tree has been adjusted and the adjuster has stamped the new tree size underneath the original. In the example, you can see that the original tree size was a 33 cm however, there is a 32 stamped underneath of that 33 which means the tree size is now a 32.

Not sure about what your tree sizes mean? We can help you decode those here!

The next three digits of the serial number stamped on the saddle is a three digit serial number given to that particular saddle as an identifier of that individual saddle.

After the three digit serial number, it is followed four more numbers which tell us the date of manufacture. On the example saddle above you see “0211” which means that it was manufactured in February of 2011.

Though not all saddles will have it, this saddle has a “C 5” stamped at the end of the eleven digit serial number. This tells us the tanning batch the leather came from. Forehand arms company serial numbers. If needed, this would help you trace the leather back to the tannery. You can see this on the example saddle below!

The final marking, “L” means that this saddle has a long flap.

Depending on the saddle it may have another letter printed towards the end. For example, an “A” means that the flap is +2 inches more forward than a standard flap and “AA” means the flap is +4 inches more forward.

You are now fully equipped to decode the serial number on your Prestige saddle!!

As your Certified Prestige Dealer, VTO Saddlery would be happy to help you find the perfect Prestige saddle for you and your horse’s needs. Please give us a call at 1-800-506-5344 or send us an email at vto@vtosaddlery.com for help on choosing what saddle would be best for your needs, any additional questions that you may have about Prestige saddles, or to inquire about having the tree adjusted in your Prestige saddle. For a full selection of saddles that we have available on consignment and available for order please visit www.vtosaddlery.com!

A typical serial number

175 N12340113M 4

175Seat Size from 16.5 to 18.5

NFlap length: short= K, normal = N, Lang = L, extra long = XL

1234actual saddle number

0113Date of Manufacture 01 = Month of manufactur 13 = Year 2013

*For saddles made prior to 2010 the date of manufacture is indicated by 3 digits only

e.g. 1234049 04 = Month April 9 = Year 2009 0 = Year 2000

** Saddles manufactured in 1999 or 1998 have a 6 digit serial number instead of the later 7 or 8 digit numbers.

M Width

Widths wider than medium are indicated with a + before the number of cms difference from medium e.g. +1.5 is 1,5cm wider than medium, and widths narrower than medium are indicated by a – in front of the number e.g. -1.5 is 1.5cm narrower than medium.

We do advise purchasers of used saddles to check with the current owners if and changes have been made to the original width of the saddle without being noted on the flap.

Examples of some common widths:

Narrow = -1.5 Medium = M Medium Wide = +1.5 Wide = +2.5 Extra wide = +3.5

4Panel Volume

Each saddle is made with wool flocked independant panels that can be chosen in different volumes 2 , 4 or 6***

***according to requirement.

***Nr. 6 Dressage Saddles only!

SW This means that the saddle has a forward cut flap.

LHI This means that the saddle has been made with an extended head iron.

Passier Saddle Serial Numbers

The longer head irons are suitable for horses with longer, hollow withers, and not for horses with shorter, rounder withers.

Tucker Saddle Serial Number Lookup

Since 2009 each saddle is also stamped with a code indicating the model. For a full list of all codes please see the Saddle Codes section. PDF