Hello! I’m looking into buying a second dressage saddle for mostly schooling purposes. I currently have a collegiate convertible that I adore but I have to change out the gullets every time I switch between my two horses. Considering that I normally ride in my jumping saddles, this is not normally a problem but I want to get back into eventing and that means cleaning ourselves up on the flat. Since I am a college student and this is more a convenience purchase than anything else, I’m not wanting to spend a bunch and found a practically brand new one near me so I wanted to get some more opinions before I make the jump.
I know that many people have their opinions on the leather/ synthetic debate and over whether or not the adjustable gullet systems truly offer a better fit. While I think these are interesting topics, I’m not too concerned about them in this regard. I started out many years ago with just two wintec all purpose saddles on these same horses before moving into my current bates jumping saddles. All four of these, plus the collegiate, when adjusted properly, seem to allow a comfortable fit and range of motion for both of them. I still trail ride my senior guy (not one of the two I’m talking about here) in one of those all purpose saddles and love it, that thing has been put through the ringer for nearly 11 years and it still looks almost new plus it’s very comfortable.
So, with that in mind, I’m curious as to how others feel about the synthetic dressage saddles as far as the position they put the rider in, ability to “feel” the horse, etc. And, while I don’t plan to, what are your opinions on showing in them beyond the beginner levels of eventing? Thanks so much!
I have an ancient Wintec Pro dressage saddle I ride in the rain in. It is actually a great saddle and very pleasant to ride in. I wouldn’t hesitate to use one as a backup though it is not nearly as nice as my regular Stubben dressage saddle of course.
I can feel the horse perfectly well in it, there is very little to it, but it is tacky as well and very grippy. The balance is pretty good too. Considering someone gave it to me when they quit riding, I think I got my money’s worth (it was free).
If your alternative is changing the gullets every time you ride, I definitely would get the second saddle. The Wintec dressage is much better than the Wintec all purpose which I have ridden in before and which was just awful balance wise. The epitome of all purpose=no purpose. If you liked that you will have to enjoy the dressage saddle.
They will be fine to show in.
I would not hesitate to get an inexpensive one for a second horse if it met your needs.
I have a Wintec Pro that I’ve used for years on all types of horses. I’ve changed the gullet size when necessary but found one of the middle ones gave a good fit for most horses.
When I got this saddle, I’d just sold my horrible Devoucoux, which didn’t fit any horse ever despite three panel rebuilds, and embarked on a search for the best-fitting, most comfortable dressage saddle, regardless of price. This is how I ended up buying a friend’s barely-used Wintec Pro for $200. 
[QUOTE=fordtraktor;8469221]
The Wintec dressage is much better than the Wintec all purpose which I have ridden in before and which was just awful balance wise. The epitome of all purpose=no purpose. [/QUOTE]
Please, let’s stop parroting that line about all-purpose/no-purpose. If a saddle fits horse and rider, it has a purpose. OTOH, a ‘purposed’ saddle, like a jumping or XC or dressage model, has no purpose for you if it doesn’t fit.
IME, the Wintec AP is a nice saddle for horses/riders that don’t accommodate a forward flap. When I was doing some 25 mile endurance stuff several years ago, the Wintec AP was a popular saddle among competitors because it was lightweight and comfortable for the horse and rider. Same with fox hunting.
I really like the Wintec Products and still currently have a Wintec Pro Stock which I trail ride in. It’s fabulous for riding green/young horses in because of it’s deep seat and thigh polies. That, and the grippy equisuede. And who cares if it gets wet. They clean up super easy.
Mine has CAIR and absolutely zero problems. I also had a Wintec Pro Dressage with CAIR and loved it as well. The only reason I sold it was because the seat turned out a bit roomy for me. Otherwise, I found it very comfortable and used it on multiple horses without a problem. I think they are a good value for the money. Resale value on them seems a little soft for what you have to shell out for them new, so I wouldn’t buy new unless you’re really certain you’ll love it. Otherwise, used is the way to go. That Wintec Lite all purpose they’ve just come out with I like a lot. Even comes in a pony size.
I have the Wintec Isabelle (or is it Isabella) dressage from a few years ago before they came up with their current model. It is wool flocked. That saddle is just awesome and heck, I may just show in it at some point. I am in love with my County but I swear the Wintec gives that $5k saddle a run for its money, AND it fits my current younger horses better.
I think the CAIR panels can be problematic with age but I have had those panels in previous saddles with no problems. My hesitation is more in regard to horror stories from others.
The velcro blocks seem to be in the way for me so I have removed them and that works just fine.
I was an anti-Wintec snob for years. I’d ridden a few times in a Wintec A/P, but my knee went over the flap and I just never felt balanced. In hindsight, I’m pretty certain it fit that mare rather poorly too. Back in November, I purchased a secondhand Wintec Pro Jump for a mare that I’m leasing and I absolutely adore it. It’s comfortable, balanced, and sticky as hell when the mare decides to be a brat.
If I decide to buy her a dressage saddle, I would not hesitate to look for a Wintec for her. Just my two cents and I haven’t actually sat in the Wintec dressage saddles outside of the tack shop, but they felt rather nice there.
I’ve been debating this question (for different reasons) so thanks for this thread!
I have a lovely barely broken in custom Stubben Portos that is pretty much my dream saddle. But! We don’t have an indoor, so I often times will ride in the rain/drizzle, and it guts me thinking of my Stubben getting wet. I also have a young (15 y/o) girl who 1/4 leases my horse, and I’d love to get a cheap second saddle for her to ride in instead of the custom. Seeing as I already have that amazing jump saddle, might as well get a dressage saddle for flat work, and lessor isn’t allowed to jump outside of lessons anyway.
I have a big shouldered (but concave behind the shoulder blades) Appendix QH who is 16 hands, with a very well developed topline. Is there any Wintec dressage saddle that might be better suited to him over another? TIA!
[QUOTE=JER;8469449]
I have a Wintec Pro that I’ve used for years on all types of horses. I’ve changed the gullet size when necessary but found one of the middle ones gave a good fit for most horses.
When I got this saddle, I’d just sold my horrible Devoucoux, which didn’t fit any horse ever despite three panel rebuilds, and embarked on a search for the best-fitting, most comfortable dressage saddle, regardless of price. This is how I ended up buying a friend’s barely-used Wintec Pro for $200.
Please, let’s stop parroting that line about all-purpose/no-purpose. If a saddle fits horse and rider, it has a purpose. OTOH, a ‘purposed’ saddle, like a jumping or XC or dressage model, has no purpose for you if it doesn’t fit.
IME, the Wintec AP is a nice saddle for horses/riders that don’t accommodate a forward flap. When I was doing some 25 mile endurance stuff several years ago, the Wintec AP was a popular saddle among competitors because it was lightweight and comfortable for the horse and rider. Same with fox hunting.[/QUOTE]
Sure, if it works. I have never seen a rider in one of those Wintec APs that it didn’t cause them to perch because the knee block is all wrong and seems to push the knee back too far and create instability in the lower leg. The balance is bad. If you like them, fine. I think they are terrible. I used to ride a horse for a client that had one and it is hands down the worst saddle I ever rode in.
It’s not parroting. If you happen to like those saddles, great for you. I have never met an all purpose saddle that I’d want for myself and I have ridden in a lot of them, you tend to when you ride a lot of other people’s horses. And the Wintec is a particularly poor specimen, there are many nice all purpose saddles that are not bad saddles but are just not what I would choose to buy myself. People are allowed to have different opinions. I don’t happen to share yours. That’s OK.
Like I said, I like the Wintec dressage saddles. The Wintec close contact-type saddles we haven’t discussed but they are pretty nice too.
I guess you will next defend the Silver Fox $80 saddle package to the death too, just for the heck of it. :lol: After all, they have a purpose. Lots of people really like them! Just look on craigslist!
[QUOTE=JER;8469449]
Please, let’s stop parroting that line about all-purpose/no-purpose. If a saddle fits horse and rider, it has a purpose. OTOH, a ‘purposed’ saddle, like a jumping or XC or dressage model, has no purpose for you if it doesn’t fit.
IME, the Wintec AP is a nice saddle for horses/riders that don’t accommodate a forward flap. When I was doing some 25 mile endurance stuff several years ago, the Wintec AP was a popular saddle among competitors because it was lightweight and comfortable for the horse and rider. Same with fox hunting.[/QUOTE]
Absolutely. I have a Wintec AP that I love for trail riding. It fits me like a glove and is both comfortable and secure.
Look, it’s OK to have different opinions. I rode in a Wintec AP for a client and it was hands down the worst saddle I’ve ever ridden in. The balance was horrible and those huge knee rolls in the wrong place made me feel unstable. Give me my flat close contacts any day. I personally feel that all purpose saddles have no purpose for me and wouldn’t have one. it’s fine if other people like them! in fact it is great, someone has to enjoy them or they wouldn’t keep making the things.
We don’t all have to like the same things. I’m sure most of you would HATE my Tad Coffin which is flat as a pancake and very few people would accuse of being “comfortable” but I love it and feel far more secure in that.
And I do think there are MUCH better choices if you intend on doing any serious jumping. I find it hard to believe anyone would defend it as a good choice for serious over fences work. I am sure many people find it comfortable for trail riding. I have a Wintec endurance saddle I trail ride in myself that I daresay is even more comfortable.
If it’s the utility/price/easy care of the synthetic you’re after and not specifically Wintec, take a look at the Thorowgood saddles as well. I’d never tried a Wintec, so this isn’t a knock at them, I’ve just loved the Thorowgoods I’ve had. They have a nice variety of options in terms of fit for the horse, and I’ve found them to be really nicely balanced.
[QUOTE=one1horse;8469700]
I have a big shouldered (but concave behind the shoulder blades) Appendix QH who is 16 hands, with a very well developed topline. Is there any Wintec dressage saddle that might be better suited to him over another? TIA![/QUOTE]
It might be worth looking at the Thorowgood broadback models for your horse, if you are wanting a synthetic adjustible. I believe Wintecs tend towards a V-shape, which can be great for Thoroughbred shapes, possibly not so great for rounder, U-shaped QH type bodies.
To the OP - I vote for the Wintec Isabelle - I haven’t ridden in one for several years, but borrowed one for about 6 months to ride a lease horse with, and it was very nice to ride in. It put me in a good position and helped me sit some of the spooks and bucky canter strides of the mare I was riding at the time. I am a long-legged, short torso body type.
Thanks for all of the opinions everyone! There are a few in my area that I have emailed people about so we’ll see who I hear back from
I ride in a Wintec Pro CAIR on my very hard to fit mare, and loved having the option to change the gullets to one that finally worked. I find it pretty comfortable, and since I don’t have an indoor and I ride (and compete) in all weather, it is much more practical. I also often ride in the Isabelle. I hated it at first because it put me in an awkward position. As I have gotten better at dressage and can now use a longer leg, the Isabelle is more comfortable than it was. However, it still has a deeper seat than the Pro, and I prefer a less deep-seated saddle. I have no problem showing in it at any level (not that I’m going above 2nd Lvl/Training with this horse…) and can think of a gazillion other things I would want to spend my money on before I would buy a “snazzy” dressage saddle
[QUOTE=fordtraktor;8469797]
I’m sure most of you would HATE my Tad Coffin which is flat as a pancake and very few people would accuse of being “comfortable” but I love it and feel far more secure in that.[/QUOTE]
I have a Tad Coffin dressage saddle and also, have ridden a number of times in Mike Plumb’s Tad Coffin jumping-ish saddle. (No, the talent did not rub off on me.) The flap is quite straight and there’s no real knee roll. I like it very much, although it’s got a seat saver on it.
[QUOTE=JER;8470903]
I have a Tad Coffin dressage saddle and also, have ridden a number of times in Mike Plumb’s Tad Coffin jumping-ish saddle. (No, the talent did not rub off on me.) The flap is quite straight and there’s no real knee roll. I like it very much, although it’s got a seat saver on it.
:)[/QUOTE]
Interesting! Didn’t know he had one.
[QUOTE=fordtraktor;8470944]
Interesting! Didn’t know he had one.[/QUOTE]
Yes. Personally delivered by Tad Coffin himself.
I like Wintecs in general, but I have found it can take a solid week trial to see if they are really going to work for a horse.
I think it’s the CAIR panels–they feel different to me as a rider, so I’m sure they feel different to the horse, too. Most horses seem to go fine in them, but I’ve ridden one or two horses that hated them, and one or two that seemed to be going ok in them for about a week, and then started coming up with a sore back. So if you can do more than a day or two trial, I really recommend it.
Most of the ones I’ve ridden in put me in a pretty good position. They might tend slightly towards a chair seat, but not so significant that I am fighting it the entire ride. My Passier GG was a worse transgressor in that regard. At least with the Wintec you can play with the blocks and stirrup length a bit to help find the best balance point.
Wintecs also come in a wool-flocked panel so if you or your horse have a problem with the CAIR panels, you can choose the wool.
I had a Wintec Pro dressage at one point. It pitched me forward and kind of had me flopping all over the place. I tried an Isabell and it felt like a straight jacket. I couldn’t more in that thing I wanted too. I ended up with a Thorowgood and love it. Enough room to move around in, but not so much I feel wedged in. It’s wool flocked and fits my horse very well.
