Isabell Saddle Questions???

Savvy · 06-27-2008, 05:42 PM

Does anyone have one? Likes and dislikes? With Cair

Also what kind of saddle pad do you use and why????

DressageGirl22 · 06-27-2008, 06:13 PM

We have one, a bates isabel. It is very nice quality, with cair and seems fairly comfortable for a "normal" fitted saddle. The only thing I didn't like about it is that the twist is very narrow. My fluidity saddle is much nicer. :-) But the isabel is a nice saddle and the changeable gullet system is great.

Gypsy Rose · 06-28-2008, 09:38 AM

I have an older Wintec Isabell w/o the Cair panels, back in the days when they actually made a wide tree, as well as the regular.

I absolutely love it, and have found nothing to dislike about it.

As for saddle pads, I use a Roma pimple pad with fleece underside.

I imagine if I was to use a regular pad with the billet straps, I might not be too happy, as it looks like it would be hard to get over the large thigh blocks.

idlewild · 06-28-2008, 09:54 AM

I have an older Bates Isabell that does not have the CAIR but does have the changeable gullet. I gotta say that I just LOVE the thing! It feels like it just hugs me into position

The only thing is that they have very very deep seats, if you like a flatter seat go with something else, but if you like the security of having a nice deep seat then go with an Isabell.

Oh, and I will say, I do have a wintec jumping saddle with the CAIR and I think they are great.

Rhythm 'n Blues · 06-28-2008, 11:11 AM

A client whos' horse I ride has has the Wintec Isabell and it's a nice enough saddle. It's brand new, so has the adjustable gullet and CAIR. I'm not a fan of CAIR, and the adjustable gullet doesn't go as big as I'd like for the current mount; however, he's a flip-horse, and there's no point going out and buying another saddle for a horse that might be around for only another few months.

Idle is right the seat is VERY deep, and will pretty much "hold" you in place, and with the biggest knee rolls in it, your leg can't go to far either

That is something that many people love about the saddle, and others hate. I can't really comment as the saddle is an 18" (to fit the owners as they ride their own horses in it too) and I should be in a 17" at the very biggest, so I really don't feel "held in place" at all.

What I can say is that for the money, they are a great alternative to the far more expensive Bates Isabell (leather version) and it's the exact same (I've ridden in a 17.5" leather on, and had the same feeling - only I felt a bit more restricted)

06-27-2008, 05:42 PM	#1
Savvy Full Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Michigan Posts: 264 Images: 77	Isabell Saddle Questions??? Does anyone have one? Likes and dislikes? With Cair Also what kind of saddle pad do you use and why???? __________________ I got Savvy

06-27-2008, 06:13 PM	#2
DressageGirl22 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 604 Images: 76	We have one, a bates isabel. It is very nice quality, with cair and seems fairly comfortable for a "normal" fitted saddle. The only thing I didn't like about it is that the twist is very narrow. My fluidity saddle is much nicer. :-) But the isabel is a nice saddle and the changeable gullet system is great. __________________ "If all I did was teach you to think like a horse and truly understand their psychology, you'd have the keys to be able to do whatever you want with horses, and to win their hearts." Pat Parelli PNH Level 2

06-28-2008, 09:54 AM	#4
idlewild Senior Member+ Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Northern Colorado Posts: 3,835 Images: 295 Blog Entries: 106	I have an older Bates Isabell that does not have the CAIR but does have the changeable gullet. I gotta say that I just LOVE the thing! It feels like it just hugs me into position The only thing is that they have very very deep seats, if you like a flatter seat go with something else, but if you like the security of having a nice deep seat then go with an Isabell. Oh, and I will say, I do have a wintec jumping saddle with the CAIR and I think they are great. __________________ *~ Dare to Dream Big~* Feliche + Idlewild = Serial Eventers

06-28-2008, 11:11 AM	#5
Rhythm 'n Blues Senior Member+ Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 1,629 Images: 70	A client whos' horse I ride has has the Wintec Isabell and it's a nice enough saddle. It's brand new, so has the adjustable gullet and CAIR. I'm not a fan of CAIR, and the adjustable gullet doesn't go as big as I'd like for the current mount; however, he's a flip-horse, and there's no point going out and buying another saddle for a horse that might be around for only another few months. Idle is right the seat is VERY deep, and will pretty much "hold" you in place, and with the biggest knee rolls in it, your leg can't go to far either That is something that many people love about the saddle, and others hate. I can't really comment as the saddle is an 18" (to fit the owners as they ride their own horses in it too) and I should be in a 17" at the very biggest, so I really don't feel "held in place" at all. What I can say is that for the money, they are a great alternative to the far more expensive Bates Isabell (leather version) and it's the exact same (I've ridden in a 17.5" leather on, and had the same feeling - only I felt a bit more restricted) __________________ Pay equal (if not more) attention to your own self carriage as that of your horse

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06-28-2008, 09:38 AM	#3
Gypsy Rose Senior Member+ Join Date: May 2008 Location: Bemidji, MN Posts: 1,027 Images: 52	I have an older Wintec Isabell w/o the Cair panels, back in the days when they actually made a wide tree, as well as the regular. I absolutely love it, and have found nothing to dislike about it. As for saddle pads, I use a Roma pimple pad with fleece underside. I imagine if I was to use a regular pad with the billet straps, I might not be too happy, as it looks like it would be hard to get over the large thigh blocks.