[rocky pony]

I'm looking to buy a used Wintec dressage saddle. Not really looking at others for personal reasons.
I have my eye on a few saddles and came across a great deal on an Isabell, which I had thought to be out of my price range so I hadn't even considered it. But now that there's one here I wonder...

I would think that the Isabell would be better obviously because it costs more and also because the seat looks much deeper, but I had also read some reviews where people had said they much preferred the Pro. So what do you think? Has anyone had experiences with both? Or anything?

Isabell

Pro

Thank you so much for your time

 

[Speed Racer]

I've sat in both.

I much prefer the Pro over the Isabell. Yes, the Isabell has a deeper seat, but I felt 'stuck' in it, whereas in the Pro I had more maneuverability.

I don't like a saddle where I feel as if I can't move in it.

It all depends on what you want. If you want to feel snug and secure, the Isabell is the one for you.

 

[Kayty]

I absolutely hate the isabell. My hips ached after I rode in it, it locked me into a revolting position and I had to continually force my legs back under myself where as they usually just hang where they're meant to, I also had a hell of a time staying upright in it. Have never had any of these issues with other saddles Iv'e ridden in.

However lots of peopel do liek the isabells, so id recommend that you go out and ride in both of them. You shouldn't buy a saddle without trying it just because of the brand or because it's an expensive saddle.

 

[eventerdrew]

I personally like the Isabell a lot! I know some people don't like them, but each saddle fits everyone differently. Give both of 'em a shot!

 

[rocky pony]

Yeah, that's definitely what I was reading a lot, that the Isabell tends to kind of lock you in place. I want to feel secure but definitely not trapped.
I forgot about the idea of trying them both out, I'll definitely look into that. The Isabell is pretty close to me so I could probably talk to the seller about a trial, and I know of a nice lady at my barn with a Pro..

Thanks so much everyone =)

 

[eventerdrew]

is there a tack shop close to you that does a trial period? that might be ideal...

 

[eventerwannabe]

If you want a deap seat that will keep you somewhat "locked" in place, go for the Isabell. If you want to feel like you can learn your own position (dont know how to word it), for the the Pro. I would say go for a used leather saddle with a deap seat if you can afford it. =]

 

[Carleen]

I have the Isabell and I love it, it's one of the comfiest saddles I've ridden in. If you found on for a good price, I'd say go for it!

 

[Kayty]

It's all about feeling comfortable in the saddle. Everyone is built differently, so you can't say 'yes buy it it's great' or 'no don't buy it it's horrible' because each and every one of us is built differently. A saddle that I love, someone may hate, and a saddle that I hate, someone may love. Typical scenario with the Isabell.
It all depends on how you are built. Personally I would hate to be locked into place every ride. You will not learn how to hold an independant seat, and when you need to move around on a green horse to exaggerate certain aids, it makes it might hard when you are 'stuck' in the saddle.

So definately have a ride or two in both saddles on YOUR horse (I like some saddles one one horse, but hate the same saddle on the next horse! - it depends on how the horse moves and is built).

 

[churumbeque]

I think the Isabell has the adjustable gullet and the pro does not.

 

[shadowanne]

I OWN both. My Pro is the newer 2009 version. Both have adjustable gullets, btw. The twist on the Pro is wider - similar to the treeless I used to ride in. I loved the security the Isabell provided on the horse I was leasing - I didn't feel locked in and I was also using the larger knee blocks. The Isabell has the full equisuede and the Pro has the leather like at the bottom flap. The flaps are different sizes, I preferred the shape of the Isabell. The Isabell also have cushion in the knees rolls I think. Isabells almost always come w/ Cair, my Pro did also.

I think it comes down to personal preference. They are 2 totally different seats. I also got the Pro in an 18 and the Isabell in an 18 because they tend to run small.

The saddles are about a $250 difference purchased new.

Both mine are for sale because neither fit my new horse properly tho of the 2 I prefer the Isabell. If you're interested I currently have them on Ebay: eBay My World - shadowanne

 

[Kayty]

I think the Isabell has the adjustable gullet and the pro does not.

All wintecs have n adjustable gullet. It is one of their tradmark selling points.


I'd avoid getting CAIR as well. Everyone I know that has purchased a CAIR saddle has spent another few hundred getting it converted to flocking because it put the horses back out.

 

[~*~anebel~*~]

If you must get a synthetic saddle (I'm assuming you're vegan?) then look around for a good high quality one of a different brand name. Wintec came into the game when there were more synthetic saddles available. There still are more brand names out there, they are just overshadowed by Wintec. I don't like Wintecs.
The Wintec Pro (same model as the picture you posted) has physically left bruises on the skin over my seat bones. It is like sitting on a 2x4 with absolutely no support and trying to keep your back soft enough to absorb impact. It is also a horrifically built saddle that will not place your leg correctly unless you force it underneath you (and then risk bruising your crotch enough to reduce fertility).
The Wintec Isabelle is an OK beginners saddle. It is very secure feeling and while it doesn't really allow you to move, at least when you're on a horse that isn't too "bouncy", it will hold you in a fairly correct position. Buy it at least one inch oversized to avoid the "trapped" feeling and move the blocks to the very front to allow you to sit properly on your seat in the middle of the saddle (as opposed to the back). I also suggest buying a Mattes correction pad with this saddle because it fits only one back type well. Do not get the inflatable version. While it is better than some air systems, it's still an inflatable saddle and it's as cheap as it sounds.

Good luck!

 

[MIEventer]

Ugh, those tree's look so strait.

 

[Kayty]

Ugh, those tree's look so strait.

They are straight, hence why they only fit certain horses. Wintec advertises them with the changable gullet so people think they can just buy a wintec off the shelf, fiddle with gullet size and it will fit any horse. So not true.

 

[rocky pony]

Well, I've always ridden my horse in a Wintec 500 A/P with CAIR..he just wears a normal gullet and the saddle fits him perfectly. I know that some horses have problems with both the CAIR system and the Wintec saddles in general, but mine does great with them. I've been very satisfied with the way that the CAIR panels work on him. I've seen that it spreads weight nicely over his back and doesn't have any pressure points or anything..I would probably prefer it to flocked for this particular horse.
I would consider other brands of saddles, though, if they were available within my price range and without leather, but the only other synthetic saddles I've seen were the Thorowgood which do have some leather on them and yes, I am vegan so it's really not an option..I'd love to see any recommendations of other synthetic dressage saddles that I could find used for $300- because more options is always better.

I'm going to see the Isabell in the next couple of days and talk to the owner about a trial on my horse..so we'll see how that goes. If I can't do trials through the sellers I'm a bit stuck because I am a bit in the middle of nowhere and the only tack shop in the area that carries these saddles I'm pretty sure only does them if you're seriously considering buying from them and I'm just not the kind of person to lie like that..

 

[rocky pony]

I brought the Isabell home today. I decided I would just buy it since it was such a good deal, and resell it if it didn't work out since I'd probably actually gain money anyway..so I rode in it today and it was amazing! I definitely don't feel trapped or locked into any position in it, just that I'm being lightly encouraged to sit properly. It's extremely comfortable and I'm just in love! It fits my guy really well, too, as I had expected since other Wintec saddles do.
We even had a bit of an oops in it..I was riding pretty late so it was dark and my guy gets a bit jumpy. He spooked pretty bad and I was..unseated and wound up in a weird position with him spinning around, but I was able to stay on and feel very secure even in that position until I was ready to jump off at the right moment. I definitely feel that I would have flown off straight away in my previous slippery all-synthetic A/P or even my western saddle. I'm pretty excited about that!
Overall I'm very glad I found this saddle. It was an incredible deal at $290, too. It's pretty well used but still in very good shape if you ask me.
Just thought I'd share the good news =)

 

[shadowanne]

YAY! That's wonderful. Having a secure saddle that also fits your horse is heaven - I know, I just went thru the process