Wintec AP Saddles.. The differences and your experiences.

[RoyalRain42]

I am wanting to start to dwell in english riding, having spent a life riding western and ranch work. Since we are moving, i found out that where we are heading has a very well talked about trainer not far from the house. Current location it would have been a two hour trailer ride. Now its maybe 10 minutes down the road. Needless to say maybe my dreams of hunter jumpers may come true after all.

Now, I will be riding outside so much, and i have no fear of weather. So naturally I wanted something easy to clean off and care for. Plus, since i have 6 different horses to ride I wanted a saddle that could change to them somewhat as needed.

So of course i started to look at Wintecs.

As of now i am looking at the Wintec 500 AP with CAIR and the Wintec Pro AP with CAIR. I would most likely be getting the saddle in brown and a 16.5 inch seat.

But i am having trouble figuring out the difference between the two other than their price. They both seem to have the same features, and design. Either way i do really like the look of both saddles. They are both right in my price range brand new, and if i could find used it would be even better.

So please, does anyone here know the differences off hand? Or even just your experiences with Wintec saddles:3

Thanks!

[Velvet]

I have a 500. Really rides like a regular AP with the seat being a bit more like an old fashioned dressage saddle (flatter and narrower). That’s all I know.

[NoSuchPerson]

I have a Wintec AP 2000. I love it. Fits me like it was made for me. And I like the faux suede seat, which provides a little bit of grip.

I have a Wintec wide all-purpose that I’m not so in love with. The seat is flatter and the knee rolls aren’t as cushy.

However, be aware that while the gullets can be changed to fit different horses, this is not something that you will want to do on a daily basis. Changing a gullet is generally a blood, sweat, and tears prospect. You’re not going to want to do it often.

[Velvet]

Yeah, gullet changing is a pain in the backside, and if you do it too often you end up with screws coming loose and poking the horse. Which is a very BAD thing. Getting a bunch of older ones, that are now cheap, is not a bad idea. Get the original ones that were flocked. The CAIR panel design is crap. It’s two sections and there’s a gap between the sections (in each panel) that can cause your horse problems.

[Kanza]

I have an older Wintec saddle and I really want to like the thing because it is easy to take care of, it fits my horse and it is comfortable for me but, it is so slippery that I really dislike riding in it.

[Blumeroo]

I have had my Wintec AP Wide for about 10 years and it’s still going strong. It works well for my hard-to-fit appendix mare and it’s good enough for me. My saddle has the CAIR panels and I haven’t had any issues. My saddle fit is checked by a knowledgeable fitter a few times a year and she hasn’t said anything negative about the structure/fit of the saddle. I have heard about issues with the CAIR panels though.

I don’t know much about the different models, so I can’t help you on that front.

I like my saddle and it was about the only one I could find to fit my horse in my budget at the time. I would consider another Wintec down the road if need be.

[shayaalliard]

For the most part, the pro models have leather billets vs synthetic on the regular. Also some difference in the seat I think.
The AP is a saddle that is jack of all trades master of none- for a little dressage its ok for a few little crossrails its ok- trying to do either of those things very well, and it kind of stinks. Not bad for dabbling in english, but be aware that your skill may outgrow it- especially if you want to jump.

I’ve been schooling a friend’s appy after she fell at a jump and broke her leg. He stopped at a jump and I had the same kind of fall, though I didn’t break. Could not figure out why I fell like that-until I swapped her saddle for mine. My Wintec pro jump puts me in a rock solid position to the jumps and gives me a chance to catch myself, which her ap lacks entirely.

Had her ride him in mine for a day, and now she is saddle shopping. It’s that much of a difference.

But mine is not very useful for dressage at all- I do that in another saddle.

[Villager]

I’ve had an all purpose Wintec for 12 years- great for hacking in west coast weather . I’m interested in the new Wintec Lite D’luxe which only weighs 9 lbs. anyone have one? They are all purpose with equisuade . I can’t find any reviews. I love the Wintec for casual riding. Also have a Thoriwgood for x wide highland pony but it tilts forward .

[clanter]

Or even just your experiences with Wintec saddles

have three of the western style that we used on competitive trail primarily because they are light weight (about 16 pounds) putting well over 10,000 miles on them… nothing ever broke.

[betsyk]

I have an older AP 500, I think, and it’s been an absolute workhorse. Fits everybody and nobody! I did have the billets replaced because they were synthetic and they started to crack, but the local saddle repair place did it quickly and fairly cheaply. These saddles are available used, cheap, so you could buy one and see if you like it and then look for others for your other horses. If you were serious about showing you’d probably want something else, but for what you describe (trying something new for you and your horses) a couple used winteks in your tack room is a pretty good idea.

You probably know this, but English and western saddles are sized differently. If you like a 16-1/2" wintek AP, you are probably about 5’ tall and 90 lbs. Mine is a 17-1/2" and it’s been used by everyone from elementary school age kids to full sized adults. 17" and 17-1/2" will also be easier to find used.

[RoyalRain42]

[QUOTE=betsyk;8843881]

You probably know this, but English and western saddles are sized differently. If you like a 16-1/2" wintek AP, you are probably about 5’ tall and 90 lbs. Mine is a 17-1/2" and it’s been used by everyone from elementary school age kids to full sized adults. 17" and 17-1/2" will also be easier to find used.[/QUOTE]

I have to laugh, cause i am 5 foot tall, but i am right around 100 pounds lol and i am not kidding i am short haha

Thanks everyone, so far the idea of getting more than one could be an option if i can find the right place to find them used.

[Sabino]

I have a used one for sale…just saying.

[Velvet]

When I was young I rode in Stubben Wotans and Siegfrieds. They’re the Stubben AP saddles and they are AWESOME. Wear like iron and fit everyone. I’m sure there are a lot of the old ones still out there for sale, and cheap. They are rock solid saddles and I swear will last 50 or more years even if the person doesn’t baby them. Baby them just a bit and they’ll last 70.

You should look at some of the used ones. Used Passier APs are also something to consider. I’m talking older models. You’ll need to look at the ones from the 80s for Stubben and 80s and 90s for Passier. Stubbens after the 80s weren’t quite the same (for APs). I like the older leather better for lasting and not splitting.

[Velvet]

Just to give you an idea: http://www.ebay.com/bhp/stubben-saddle

[GallopHer]

I have a Wintec 2000 AP and I love it. I switched to an AP saddle 5 years ago because of hip replacement and needed a more narrow saddle. Primarily, I have ridden western all of my life. That said, I’m not an expert on English saddles. I can say, though, that my saddle is incredibly comfortable, lightweight and easy to to clean.

Best of luck.

[Nezzy]

I have the AP 2000 and i love mine. even my horse loves the cair panels. Have never had an uncomfortable ride.

[uphill]

I bought the 2000 to replace my Stubben Siegfried. It is light, love the suede seat which gives me secure seat. Frankly the changeable gullets are too much of a pain so I use different saddles as needed. Be careful to put the keepers over the metal on webbers or it will rip the flap. Other than that it’s lightweight, easy care and comfortable secure ride. Not keen on smooth Wintecs.

[Zan]

I am a wintec fan Have owned the 2000, the Jump Pro, and my personal favorite, the old style Isabell dressage. Easy to care for, comfortable pony, comfortable me. win/win/win

[kcmel]

I like the wintec 2000 much better than the 500. Much more grip.