That’s my thought. And I have young horse… I really don’t need anything to necessarily last over 10 years anyway. I mentally accepted the possibility of a few saddles over the years.
I can’t ride in the Isabel for the same reasons as you. I’m 5’9" and was born clubfooted. My internal rotation is crazy.
I ride comfortably in the Pro. Would I like an even slightly narrower twist than even the Pro? Yes. Sadly my horse doesn’t give a flip about my conformation, the selfish wench lol. All she says is, “You knew we were going on a 2 hour ride. Why didn’t you shorten your stirrups ahead of time? Your stupidity knows no bounds. Gimme me a mint to chew while you figure out how the hell you’re going to get your hips to behave enough to gtfo off me.”
Editing to add this issue is with pretty much all saddles except those with a supremely narrow twist (which generally aren’t going to fit the kind of backs I ride) and not just a Wintec/Bates thing. If I am smart and ride with shorter stirrups than I did when I was young, it is almost a non issue
I do miss Gary Severson. He had a real knack for making saddles work for you. And he always laughed at me because I tried so many saddles – I have a bit of a problem when it comes to saddles. I’m always finding ones I want to try.
Right now I don’t know of any independent saddle fitters that will come to my barn that have a selection of saddles. There is a brand rep that could come but I wouldnt buy based on that persons recommendation especially since my instructor doesnt think the trees offered would be good for my horse.
The fitter I have used now rarely comes to my area and didnt carry sale saddles. The one my instructor used is now not working for a while.
No consignment nearby any more. So it seems like perhaps the best plan is to try to coordinate with a fitter appearance and drive two and a half hours to Pelham beforehand to bring some saddles to try.
I really liked him too. He was very good at what he did and like others, left a huge hole with his passing.
Which is why it’s nice they can come off so easily
Yeah, slight changes - my current Pro is about 8 years old now. It is far and away different from the first generation of Wintecs, but I didn’t mind the changes. I’m a little worried about next gen, but will reserve judgment until I actually sit in one. I hope that the additional padding in the seat doesn’t take away any of the close contact feel. Otoh, I’m older and wouldn’t mind a little extra padding under my seat bones … as long as that doesn’t make the twist feel any wider!
While I am a one brand saddle fitter, I don’t like it when people diss other brands. What works for you, doesn’t necessarily work for another. I maintain the saddle has to fit three aspects: the horse, the rider, and the budget.
Good luck, xx
Neidersuss are fantastic saddles for the price. They do not have the cushy seat or giant blocks but mine will need to be pried from my cold dead hands.
I also really like my Niedersuss (Symphonie)… It was given to me by a very generous woman. I wish it fit my current crew.
What brand did you get?
I ended up with a Duett!
I’m in Area 1 as well (MA) and am currently saddle-hunting. Would you be open to sending me some details on your experience with fitters?
I am in area 1. You might want to try Diane Williams.
Another Gary Severson fan here! I really miss him.