Is it worth reflocking Wintec 2000?

[FatDinah]

I have a 15 yr old Wintec 2000 and it has never been reflocked. The back panels seem compressed and really hard.

Is it worth reworking or would I be better off buying a new saddle?

If I did redo this saddle, any suggestions where I could send it off? I am in a remote area of southern Utah.

[Highflyer]

Can it be reflocked? I thought they didn’t usually reflock foam saddles?

[Bogie]

Wintecs do not have foam panels. The older ones generally are wool and the newer ones are CAIR.

If you are looking to have a strip and reflock, it will run about $275.

Is it worth it?

If the saddle fits you and fits your horse and you like it? Sure. You’d be hard pressed to replace it for less than that! I would talk to whomever reflocks the saddle and send them photos of your horse’s back to make sure that if you have the work done it still fits your horse.

I don’t have any “local” suggestions for you but Patty Barnett of East Crow Saddlery in CT does a good job.

[FatDinah]

That is my other concern: The horse is 24 and while he is doing great just as a pleasure/trail horse, I will likely replace him in the near future with a more serious horse, so I’d like to wait to invest in a saddle with THAT horse to fit.
Wonder if I can get by with using a good shock absorbing pad, I have a Thinline?

[Bogie]

A pad should be fine if you’re not doing much with him. If it’s one of the ultrathinline pads you might consider getting a sheepskin half pad. My saddle fitter always recommends them for older horses as they offer a nice amount of padding.

[no.stirrups]

It wouldn’t make a lot of sense to replace the saddle if the Wintec fits him and it suits your needs, especially at his advanced age. So certainly it makes sense to put some maintenance into it. Softening the panels would make it more comfortable for both of you! A pad might suffice if the work is light and if there is room for it. Additional padding can make a well-fitted saddle too tight!