I'm pretty sure I'm going to buy this saddle but I want to be 100% sure this is the 500 dressage and not the 500 all purpose. Also, if that is the 500 Dressage should I buy that 500 or this 500-the one without the suedeish looking knee rolls- I ride in this saddle and like it but I'll buy which ever one is better.
The first one actually is a dressage. The AP isn't quite that deep in the seat and is a tad more forward cut. Also, the first one is not balanced correctly on the saddle rack, it is too high in front. That contributes to the "forward-cut" appearance.
AP:
Dressage:
The images were taken directly off the Wintec Australia website and as you can see the two are very similar but the AP is slightly more forward cut. The first picture you posted, the flap is basically straight at the front even if it's not straight up and down (dressage saddle characteristic, and like I said this one is incorrectly balanced on the stand), and the AP has a bulgy bit forward. The dressage has long girth points by default, the AP has short ones. The dressage is a wee bit deeper in the seat than the AP. There are differences, subtle though they may be.
The first one actually is a dressage. The AP isn't quite that deep in the seat and is a tad more forward cut. Also, the first one is not balanced correctly on the saddle rack, it is too high in front. That contributes to the "forward-cut" appearance.
AP:
Dressage:
The images were taken directly off the Wintec Australia website and as you can see the two are very similar but the AP is slightly more forward cut. The first picture you posted, the flap is basically straight at the front even if it's not straight up and down (dressage saddle characteristic, and like I said this one is incorrectly balanced on the stand), and the AP has a bulgy bit forward. The dressage has long girth points by default, the AP has short ones. The dressage is a wee bit deeper in the seat than the AP. There are differences, subtle though they may be.
Thank you for clarifying that. It just looked so close to a 500 all purpose that I wasn't sure. I emailed the seller to double check but I wanted another opinion on it. As long as it's a 500 I'll probably go ahead and get it then
Yeah they do look very very similar. I have the 500 CC and I love it, they are great saddles. The newer model of dressage saddle looks to be more supportive of rider position but different people like different things in a saddle so I would absolutely recommend riding in the newer model before you buy, they do ride very different than the older models.
Edit; also, do excuse the double post, my internet is not being my friend atm and HF will not load properly.
