Opinions on Wintec Dressage saddles

[Inclined]

I had a Wintec Pro without contour blocks (adjustable gullet), and the balance was good on it. It was extremely comfortable, like a couch, but I decided to sell it because I could not feel the horse’s movements AT ALL. I’m from the old bare-bones saddle era, and I just couldn’t get used to it. The older pre-adjustable gullet wintecs are much less padded, and seem to fit a wide variety of horse shapes also. This is an older Pro: http://www.ebay.com/itm/17-Wintec-Pro-Dressge-Saddle-Regular-Width-Tree-/301641717304?hash=item463b3f5638:m:mygn3rHWCk6jNvxfd9cL6pQ .

Like some of the other posters, I’d also encourage you to try a Thorowgood. Incredible balance and extremely comfortable. The older models can be had for a song.

[woodstock]

[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]

Sounds similar to my boy. The Wintec Isabel (new version) with CAIR fits him really well. Might be worth a try.

[fordtraktor]

[QUOTE=Inclined;8471415]
I had a Wintec Pro without contour blocks (adjustable gullet), and the balance was good on it. It was extremely comfortable, like a couch, but I decided to sell it because I could not feel the horse’s movements AT ALL. I’m from the old bare-bones saddle era, and I just couldn’t get used to it. The older pre-adjustable gullet wintecs are much less padded, and seem to fit a wide variety of horse shapes also. This is an older Pro: http://www.ebay.com/itm/17-Wintec-Pro-Dressge-Saddle-Regular-Width-Tree-/301641717304?hash=item463b3f5638:m:mygn3rHWCk6jNvxfd9cL6pQ .

Like some of the other posters, I’d also encourage you to try a Thorowgood. Incredible balance and extremely comfortable. The older models can be had for a song.[/QUOTE]

Mine doesn’t have the adjustable gullet, perhaps I should have specified that. So maybe that is why I can feel the horse really well in it. It is similar to the one in the link but even thinner, with mine the flap is one piece and doesn’t lift. It’s the original “monoflap”. The billets just come out the bottom.

[Highflyer]

Horseloverz.com has some on sale for the name your own price sale. Idk if they are the right models or how great the prices are, but maybe worth looking.

[dumbpalomino]

I had a wintec AP as my first saddle ever when I was little. This summer I purchased my first dressage saddle which is a Wintec Isabell (sp?). I LOVE this saddle. Personally I prefer leather billets and this saddle has them. I think that it is a very nice saddle. It fits my horse well and the suede on the seat means its /near/ impossible for me to become unseated when I’m wearing suede full seats. Like velcro on my butt… It’s balanced and in my price range and fits my horse so it’s perfect for me! Also cleaning is the easiest thing ever.

[Beentheredonethat]

I love them. You can feel the horse much more. They’re are more flat and open so you can find where you need to be in the saddle instead of having to have it fit perfectly. I’ve been riding in Pros and wearing them out for 20 years, from training level to GP.

They’re also wonderful for trails, and not the worst saddle to jump in. They also seem to be the best fit on TB types with big withers that don’t sit down on the back.

[Interstellar]

I have a Wintec Pro Dressage with the gullet system. I really like it. I’ve had it for four years now. My horse was 3 when I started with it and is 7 now. I’ve been able to change the gullets to fit him as he gains and looses weight and muscle throughout the years. I also like the feel. Very comfy and the deep seat feels very secure for any naughty moments. It’s not a looker for sure but I plan on keeping it for the dressage phase, trail rides, and flat work.

[Pretty_Heart]

Older Wintec verses the new Isabelle Dressage.

I have an older Wintec, that I put hundreds and hundreds of miles on. Rode this baby at Dressage shows, schooling shows, lessons, clinics, long distance trail rides, jumping, you name it, I did it. It was the least expensive model, and no one ever commented, or even noticed that it was a Wintec! I wore out all the stitching around both of the flaps, had the short synthetic billets changed twice to long leather billets, LOL, and that saddle is still up and usable. Such a deal it was at 215.00!! (I had the flaps resown). Anyway, that saddle is nearly twenty years old!! Now, my question is: How do the new Isabella Dressage saddles fit? Are they large in the seat, fit like the size its marked, smaller, or? I have seen so many conflicting posts on different sites. I purchased a 17.5, off ebay, which hasn’t arrived yet. Now, I’m like, oh boy, is it going to be too big? It’s going to take at least a week or two to arrive, via snail mail. So, if anyone has any input, I sure would appreciate your feedback. Thanks, in advance!