If you use this, could you please tell me how you like it? Pro’s/Con’s. I am a dressage/trail rider I prefer my english saddle over western, so I am on the hunt for something inexpensive.
I think I would like this but I am not sure about the rear thigh block. I can see that being annoying.
Does anyone know how hard it would be to remove the Cair and replace with wool flocking?
Thanks!
I have the Wintec Isabelle for trail riding. It has the CAIR panels too. I was told you can’t really do much with that in terms of adjusting it. I am not sure if you can put wool flocking in. I’d get the flocked panel if you prefer that. I bought mine used from a friend just for bumming and outdoor summer riding so I can just hose it off. I have other saddles I ride in for lessons and shows. I actually love the saddle and it suits my purposes. Of course, I don’t have the rear thigh block and not sure how that would feel.
I can’t speak to the Pro Endurance, but I have a Wintec Pro AP and a Wintec Pro Dressage with contourbloc, both with CAIR. I haven’t had any problems with my horse and CAIR (yet?)-- my horse seems more comfortable than ever. But the Pro Endurance is available with flocking if you have the luxury of shopping around for one.
Also, I’ve heard this through the grapevine, but have not been able to substantiate it: supposedly the Wintec flocked panels are now made as inserts just like the CAIR panels are. Which means in theory, maybe they can be ordered from the manufacturer and swapped out more easily than in the past? I can say that the CAIR inserts will just slip out if you disassemble the saddle. Regardless, Wintec saddles can definitely be flocked by a saddler-- I have heard of many instances where that was done.
For what it’s worth, I like the contourbloc even more than I thought I would. Can’t speak to the rear thigh blocks. I feel equally secure in both my Wintec saddles. I really enjoy them.
I used to have an Isabell and frankly I hated that saddle. I’ve ridden in the AP’s and they are okay. Budget-wise I’d consider it as my mare is still changing.
Frank Baines makes an endurance saddle - the Enduro. Looks like it might tick all my boxes too.
Anybody used it?
You won’t notice the rear block on the Wintec endurance model. It’s very soft and very shallow - not much of a block at all. Sitting in both, the endurance and the dressage pro are virtually indistinguishable. Same seat/twist, same flap placement (fairly straight), same tree/panels for the horse. The only discernable difference is the ability to re-position the knee block, which is a nice feature, especially for a longer-legged rider. Oh, and the fact that it can be ordered with or without an array of d-rings.
Now, the Frank Baines Enduro? Nice :yes:
By submitting your email, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. You may also receive promotional emails from The Chronicle of the Horse. You can opt out at any time.
For Customers
Company
Terms of Use
