Dressage saddle, Wintec?

I'm sure this has been done before, sorry if you have answered this a gabillion times. I just started dressage a few months ago and got a dressage saddle used from a local tack shop. I have a quarter horse, 15.3 hands and very beefy (was gelded late) The saddle I got is a Passier and it wide tree, fits him ok but not perfect. Another problem I'm having is with my right butt cheek bone as the saddle is hard as nails. I've heard that the Wintec has an adjustable system to fit nearly any horse but I'm also wondering about the comfort? Does anyone use one in dressage and how is it working for you? Thanks!

I've just switched from being a stadium jumper to dressage with a nine year gap in between so take my advice as you see fit. I wanted something with maximum comfort (I have back issues). Also I wanted something I knew could adjust to fit my horse (he's awkward to fit) while being inexpensive while we both 'tried' out the sport. So I bought the Isabella Werth Wintec and really like it. It came with adjustable blocks too which seem to keep me in decent form. Next year I'm thinking of investing in an Albion, if my horse and I are decent enough to be competitive.

I'd suggest to look into Thornhill or Duett. I tried both on my wide qh and they are nice quality and very comfortable for the price. I ended up with Thornhill Vienna (that was the best fit out of 8 saddles including rather expensive Black Country).

Thornhill: Thornhill Saddles from Maryland Tack, Inc. (scroll down)

Duett: Duett Saddles: The Partnership of Horse & Rider (I tried Fidelio and Encore, Fidelio was very comfy too, unfortunately wan't a good fit).

I'm no expert saddle fitter, believe me but my trainer suggested the Isabell Werth Dressage saddle and I just love it.

But I don't have experience with any other dressage saddle so not sure how helpful that is.

I love the lightweight fabric and price - no reason to pay a lot for a saddle unless you're competing seriously.

I have the Wintec dressage 500 and I've had it since I was a young teen. Its seat isn't especially deep but its okay. Its not as good as your $4,000 Kieffers, but its not a $4,000 saddle. I think in the Wintecs price range, they are one of the few good choices.

If I were to buy another dressage I'd try for a Kieffer, because I really like the feel of them but I'd still keep my Wintec. Its kind of my everything everyhorse saddle.

If you are just doing local fun shows a Wintec is good, but for higher levels you want a nice leather saddle.

I have found the gullet changing very helpful - but there are still some horses it doesn't fit.

I like the Wintecs OK. I ride a friends horse in one and the position is not bad.
You might also consider Thorowgood dressage saddles that also have changeable gullets but also make three different tree shapes, cob (wider back), high wither, and average.
Or, you could contact a place like Trumbull Mountain tack that does a pretty good job of helping riders find the right saddle for their horse and for themselves. They also happen to sell Thorowgoods and Wintecs and used saddles.

Which Passier is it? I absolutely LOVE Passier saddles. They can be hard, but they really allow you feel your horse under you. Is the seat of this saddle all worn out? You could put on a small sheepskin pad, (the english style).
I don't like Wintecs at all, but I guess I just have to be contrary to the majority on the forum.
Wanna attach some photos?

I certainly cannot say my Wintec dressage saddle is comfy, then I have the cheaper dressage pro model. I with I could afford a leather one.

I also have the Wintec Isabell (the older model, not the brand new one), and I am madly in love with it. It is insanely comfortable!!! And I personally love the full sueded look...and the grippiness certainly doesn't hurt!!!
The Easy-Change System is no miracle worker, but it does definitely help the saddles fit a much wider range. I would definitely consider trying one out. Definitely see if you can sit in one before you buy, because they will either work for you or they won't. Some people who have tried them will go on about how uncomfortable they are and how they put you in an awful position, but it really does depend on how YOU'RE built. Personally mine helps my seat a great deal- and comfortable as heck to boot. Honestly one of the most comfortable saddles I've ever ridden.
As far as lower models, you'll either love them or hate them. Definitely try to find someplace to sit in one!

Good luck in whatever you decide!

I had one of the cheaper dressage wintec saddles, and hated it. I couldn't feel the horse under me at all. I rode in the Isabel Werth Wintec dressage saddle, and LOVED it. If I get back into dressage, that's what I'm going to get.

They just came out with a new version of the Isabel, so you can get a pretty good deal on the older model since stores are trying to get rid of them and carry the new one.

Wintecs do have the adjustability, but I think no matter the gullet you use, they sit kind of low. So if you have a high withered horse, you might want to look for something else.