Saddle with "Medium Wide" tree/gullet?

[Proffie]

I have a very old Wintec CC saddle with CAIR panels, and the “medium wide” gullet insert. It fits my horse fabulously. I’ve owned him for almost 7 years and while I’ve tried other saddles on him periodically when I thought about upgrading, I’ve always gone back to this one. It’s absolutely a perfect fit.

But… I’m getting a year-end bonus at work and I would LOVE to upgrade to something fancier and newer.

My horse (a big-bodied OTTB gelding) is definitely a “medium wide.” I’ve tested wide tree and standard tree saddles on him many times over the years. Wides are too wide, standards are too narrow.

Are there any brands you recommend for an “in betweener” like this? Are the Bates with interchangeable gullets a good option? Or are there other brands that offer a medium-wide gullet/tree? I’m looking to stay around the $3000 mark if possible, and I like close contact styles.

[akhunterrider]

I personally did not have good luck with the wintec/bates gullet plates fitting my horse. They did not work for his larger shoulders. I also have not been at all impressed with the leather quality on any of the Bates saddles I have seen.

Why not work with a saddle fitter and get suggestions that way? You can get a very nice used saddle for around $3000.

[HJgirl]

Bates and Wintec are made by the same company, so if your Wintec was a really good fit, the Bates may be a good option.

Like you, I have an in-between width horse, as well. I had a Bates saddle, but sold it as the flaps were too long for me. I ended up getting a Pessoa with the XCH system so I was able to put a MW gullet plate in the saddle. Other than Pessoas, I know that Stubbens seem to have a lot of width options, as well.

Why not start with a saddle fitter like akhunterrider suggested? 3k is a good budget that will allow you to get a nice, higher end saddle used or a good, new saddle. FWIW, I got my Pessoa on a closeout. It was originally $2100 and I paid $1100.

[NoSuchPerson]

Pessoas come with changeable gullets just like the Wintecs. So do Ovation saddles.

But, for $3000 you can buy a nice used saddle from a higher end brand. If you don’t have a local saddle fitter or tack shop you know or want to work with, contact the folks at Trumbull Mountain. http://www.trumbullmtn.com/

I’ve purchased two saddles from them, long distance, and been completely happy with both.

[jaybird660]

There are many saddles with the changeable gullet systems. However, the gullet bars from different companies are not the same across the board. The Wintec ones have a little indent that makes them fit a little different than the ones that would go in the Pessoa types and the Thorowgood/Kent and Masters/Fairfax lines. If your horse is between sizes then I would always opt for slightly wider and pad or flock more as there most horses prefer roomier than tighter.

[no.stirrups]

You can get a brand new custom made saddle that will fit you both perfectly for that price range. The models I carry from Frank Baines and Black Country (soon to add Harry Dabbs) are all under $3500. Save yourself the hassle of shipping things back and forth, and have your local rep come for a visit.

[pryme_thyme]

Bates and Wintec more or less fit similar.
I have a new Bates, 2013 model, I love it!

I had a Collegiate and a Keiffer prior, neither fit me/my horse as well.

Now, though, my horse is 7 y/o, I am starting to experience some saddle fit issues with my Bates. My mare’s shoulders have muscled dramatically in the last year and the Bates seems to have a bit too much twist for her large shoulder/flat wither.
Not a big deal, not bothering her and simply rectified with a shimmed half pad…

Loves my Bates though! Excellent blend of great quality/lasting leather. Not so soft that the seat wears in a few years but soft enough to feel lovely.

[Cabaret_SK]

My Equipe was a medium when I ordered it, but I had it widened to a MW. I’m not sure if you can order them in that size?

It was a perfect fit for my big shouldered, long withered TB gelding.