I had one of these on trial. I needed to change the gullet in it and when I turned the saddle over I realized how misshapen the panels became. There is fake leather on the panels and there were big creases in each one and the panels seemed very understuffed. Has anybody had issues with the flocking or panels on these saddles?
Sounds like maybe it got stored on a metal saddle rack without any cushion. A fitter should be able to add some flocking and fix the issue.
This was a test ride saddle…quite new. So, I sent it back. The panels became that way from the motions I had to make to change the gullet size in it. I’ve never noticed a Wintec having this happen while changing the gullet. I’m considering ordering one, but not sure about the panel/flocking on these saddles.
I have the T 4 all purpose. A few months after I got it, I noticed it was not fitting quite right. Saddle fitter came and checked. The flocking had flattened a bit. She added some flocking and now I have a happy horse
The reason why the wintec do not do that because they are hard. Yes the Thorowgood panels do wrinkle when changing the gullet but they smooth right out. You do realize that Thorowgood are not leather? Even the T8 the panels are not leather, just the seat and knee pads. They do not stuff the panels full because you are suppose to have a saddle fitter out and it allows us to make adjustments and tailor the fit to your horse.
It is normal for any new saddle with wool to need a touch up after about a month depending on how much you ride.
Thanks Shelton. I just spoke with someone familiar with the Thorowgoods and she said that the Thorowgood dressage Saddles have a tree that is actually flexible and moves with the horse. Have you found that to be true? She also said the trees on the Wintec Isabells are not flexible but very rigid…
So my understanding is that the Wintec/Bates is a ridge hard tree and seat. I have seen the seat and tree before. So when you change the gullet of the saddles you are only changing about the first couple of inches of the saddle. That is why it is hard to get the really narrow or really wide gullets in the saddle and the saddle is very static when on the horse.
The Simi tree which is in the Thorowgoods and other saddles actually adjust the rails of the tree as you change the gullet. if you take the gullet out, you can actually flatten the entire saddle. This is great because as you widen the gullet for the board horses the rails widen also and the other way for narrower horses. To answer your questions, yes the are more flexible than the Wintec tree and spring trees. It is not something that you would notice as a rider. Most horses do not notice or care. Some horses really love it and a few hate it. You do not know until you try it.
