[barnprincess]

I was wondering if some of you have opinions on your experience with english wintec saddles. Im looking at a 500 all purpose model for my big mare. i like the gullet system and the deap seat. hard to find used though. so any opinions / suggestions are very apprechiated =]

edit
the wintec 2000 looks really nice too​

 

[Speed Racer]

People are very polarized when it comes to Wintecs. They either love 'em or hate 'em; there doesn't seem to be much in between.

I LOVE my Wintec 2000 AP. It has the gullet change system, CAIR, and the seat is Equisuede, which is more 'grippy' than regular synthetic.

I have to laugh though, at what they call 'easy change' when it comes to the gullets. I haven't found it that easy to do, but the two horses I have it for are fine with the medium width gullet, so that means no changing it out every time I want to ride.

The 500 AP is a decent saddle, but I went with the 2000. Purely personal preference, and had nothing to do with the 500 being 'inferior'.

If your mare is bigger, you might want to purchase an actual wide gullet saddle. They do make Wintecs in wide width now, for the larger horses. The gullet change system doesn't make the saddle truly wide, just makes it wider than regular medium.

As far as I'm concerned, Wintecs are the way to go if you're set on a synthetic English saddle.

Other opinions may vary..... :wink:

 

[horsea]

People are very polarized when it comes to Wintecs. They either love 'em or hate 'em; there doesn't seem to be much in between.

I LOVE my Wintec 2000 AP. It has the gullet change system, CAIR, and the seat is Equisuede, which is more 'grippy' than regular synthetic.

I have to laugh though, at what they call 'easy change' when it comes to the gullets. I haven't found it that easy to do, but the two horses I have it for are fine with the medium width gullet, so that means no changing it out every time I want to ride.

The 500 AP is a decent saddle, but I went with the 2000. Purely personal preference, and had nothing to do with the 500 being 'inferior'.

If your mare is bigger, you might want to purchase an actual wide gullet saddle. They do make Wintecs in wide width now, for the larger horses. The gullet change system doesn't make the saddle truly wide, just makes it wider than regular medium.

As far as I'm concerned, Wintecs are the way to go if you're set on a synthetic English saddle.

Other opinions may vary..... :wink:

I agree with everything you said! I love my Wintec! And if it gets dirty, you can set it down outside and hose off the dirt!

 

[barnprincess]

Thanksss =] its not that shes big, well yes it is. shes got a huge wither so my lancer is sitting right on top of her spine so i dont want to use it.
for a better idea here she is

dont mind my horrible clip job here lol

 

[rocky pony]

I had the 500 AP and loved it..I'm a huge fan of Wintecs. I only replaced it to buy a Wintec Isabell when I decided to pursue dressage.
I'm a fan of the Easy Change System for sure. It isn't magic, it has limits, but it sure as heck makes the saddles fit more horses than your average saddle without it. It takes some figuring out and some practice but once you have a pretty good understanding of it it's quite easy to change gullets.

Overall I find Wintec saddles comfortable, durable, easy to maintain, and overall great saddles. If they fit you and your horse well, I say go for it!
I'd go with the 2000 if you want a slightly more secure feel. The 500 saddles just have synthetic seats and are a bit slippery IMO..I'm very thankful for my new saddle being full equisuede, haha

 

[chrispy]

I have the Isabell Dressage and I LOVE it! The stirrup "leathers" aren't good, though -- one of them broke! I just got some Stuebben synthetic leathers that are much better quality.s

 

[rocky pony]

That is a nothing thing, too..personally I've never had any problems with Wintec leathers (I use the webbers) but if you choose to replace them I always hear that it is best to replace them only with other synthetic leathers because leather on synthetic makes icky permanent wear on both the saddle and the leathers. Unless of course you don't mind that :wink:

 

[~*~anebel~*~]

If you are just riding around, a Wintec is fine. Keep in mind that although the gullet is changeable, the tree shape does not change. This means that the saddle will still only fit horses with a suitable back shape.
I had a Wintec 500 that fit so poorly it turned my ranch broke, kid safe QH into a bronc in a matter of weeks despite the gullet being the "right size".
Wintecs also don't fit all riders. I find most riders in Wintecs to adopt a very strange posture, with hips pushed out behind them, legs too far back and hunched over through the back. They simply have too deep seats with no support. The flaps are generally designed decently.
If I am going to be forced into a Wintec, I will always ride in the biggest size possible and lift up the back as high as possible in order to adjust the balance enough that it is possible to sit correctly.

You get what you pay for. Buy a collegiate a/p or something. You can pick one up for $500 at most used tack stores and they're way better constructed than a Wintec.

 

[Carleen]

I agree with Speed Racer, I love my Wintec. I wouldn't use it for showing, but for schooling and just playing around it's a great saddle.