Wintec Dressage Saddles...

I have owned a Wintec AP for more than 8 years. There is basically no wear to the material and has an amazingly comfortable seat. I recently sold my gorgeous but very uncomfortable stubben VSD so that I could buy a Wintec 500 Dressage saddle with CAIR and exchangeable gullets.

I just purchased my new Wintec dressage saddle and haven't tried it out yet, but it's used and shows NO signs of wear. I wonder how my horses will react to the CAIR and am eager to see whether there are positive or negative changes in their behavior under saddle.

Good luck in your saddle search!

Save a cow, go synthetic! :)

I took lessons in a Wintec 500 and thought it was fine, but it was the first dressage saddle I had ever ridden in. After riding in several different types of dressage saddles, I realized that the Wintec did absolutely nothing to enourage a good seat. If you're simply using it for pleasure riding, I'm sure its fine. However, if you are interested in actually learning dressage, I'd wait a little longer and save a few extra $$ to find a quality used dressage saddle. I just found a Crosby Sofride PSG, never ridden in, with the tags still attached for $895 on ebay. The tag still had the original retail price of $1800 on it! I absolutely love it, and my position improved 1000% percent the first time I rode in it!

You know, my thoughts on this is, go with what you're comfortable with. I've owned both and competed in both. It's the synthetic saddles will usually look new essentially thru their entire lifetime and the maintainance and cleaning is fantastic. You might run into some issues, or be frowned upon if you compete in the higher rated shows.
I've seen some really nice synthetic saddles that looked like leather. Didn't even realize it was a synthetic saddle until I felt it.

I think you get a good piece of equipment for the amount of money you spend on it.

One thing I will say tho, don't be fooled by the "easy" change gullet system. Some people might differ on this, but I found the gullet was extremely difficult to change.

I have the Wintec Isabel, and personally I love it. I've had it for 5 years, and it still looks brand new. I've used it on everything from 14.1 arabs to 16.1 thoroughbreds and it's really easy to fit. I find it to be very comfortable and it's nice enough looking for small schooling shows. Plus, it rides well in bad weather, and I don't have to worry too much about water damage. Saves lots of tack cleaning time too haha.
I do know there are a lot of people who dislike it though, so it would be best to give it a try before buying one as they are fairly pricey.