[harli36]

Originally Posted by CowGirlUp1833

Sorry, I meant more in how they fit the back of the horse The Isabella puts you in a really odd position, so I will agree with you on that!

It's funny that you say that too. I own a Bates Isabelle that fits me like a dream. It was the first saddle I've ever really sat in that made me go "ah ha so that is how a saddle is supposed to fit". It doesn't put me in a chair position at all. And I know some people complain about it being restrictive but I don't find it like that at all.

It just goes to show that saddle fit to a human is 100% important and one saddle can fit two different people completely differently.

[Miss Thunder]

I WISH I could buy the saddle I'm using now, lol, but unfortunately the owner LOVES the saddle too, and it's the only one she's found that fits both her horses.

I'm going to ask the owner next time I see her what exactly the model is.
But I also have an opportunity to buy a 250 english for $200. So I was thinking of trying that out. I have a western and really, I like it My boyfriend hates it but to each his own, right?

It's funny, for the longest time I've been looking for an HDR or something - but now I'm like "hmm... wintec are nice"

[Chester]

Wintecs are good little saddles. I am in the process of buying a good jump saddle now that chick has basically gotten to her adult size. She already has a stubben dressage to go with the 3 wintecs sitting in my tack room.

Wintecs have served her and us very well and at least one of them will remain.

[Gypsy Rose]

Originally Posted by harli36

It's funny that you say that too. I own a Bates Isabelle that fits me like a dream. It was the first saddle I've ever really sat in that made me go "ah ha so that is how a saddle is supposed to fit". It doesn't put me in a chair position at all. And I know some people complain about it being restrictive but I don't find it like that at all.

It just goes to show that saddle fit to a human is 100% important and one saddle can fit two different people completely differently.

Very true!

I also have the Wintec Isabell, and IMO, the best thing about Wintecs is the adjustable flexibloc system.

When I first got mine, it fit me like a glove, legs in the correct position, seated comfortably in the flat part of the seat, all that jazz.I have an older one without CAIR panels, btw.

Over time- a few years to be precise, I noticed I was not sitting as deeply as I would have liked. The long time frame probably had more to do with the fact of no lessons, rather than something drastically changing, lol!

I was using the large flexiblocs, and last year, for the first time, felt restricted in the saddle. I simply changed to the smaller flexiblocs, and I now sit deeper, and in the correct position.

Point being that you can feel comfortable in a saddle for a long time, and then suddenly discover you're not, for many different reasons.

The flexiblocs allow for a lot of adjustability for comfort- too bad there wasn't a way to change the seat size as well- now that would be something!

[Gypsy Rose]

Originally Posted by Miss Thunder

I WISH I could buy the saddle I'm using now, lol, but unfortunately the owner LOVES the saddle too, and it's the only one she's found that fits both her horses.

I'm going to ask the owner next time I see her what exactly the model is.
But I also have an opportunity to buy a 250 english for $200. So I was thinking of trying that out. I have a western and really, I like it My boyfriend hates it but to each his own, right?

It's funny, for the longest time I've been looking for an HDR or something - but now I'm like "hmm... wintec are nice"

Keep in mind that the 250 may not have the Easy Change gullet system.

[ ALL PURPOSE SADDLES ] WINTEC 250 ALL PURPOSE


Well priced general riding saddle that will get you started comfortably and riding in the correct position. The Wintec 250 All Purpose is an ideal beginning saddle for general pleasure riding, training and schooling.
FEATURES:

• Cloth seat insert and panel<LI class=listLightBG>Lightweight and easy to carry
• Shock absorbing for rider comfort<LI class=listLightBG>Wide bearing cloth panel fits snugly to the horse's shape
• Saddle can be easily cleaned with soap and water<LI class=listLightBG>Weatherproof so saddle can be ridden in conditions which would otherwise damage a leather saddle
• Changeable gullet system<LI class=listLightBG>Lifetime Guarantee on Wintec Tree
• Changeable Gullet can not be accessed using the EASY-CHANGE Gullet System. The head of this saddle must be opened by a saddler.

Sizes: 38cm/15", 42cm/16.5", 43cm/17", 44cm/17.5", 46cm/18"
Approx. Weight: 4.17 kg / 9 lbs 3 oz
Colours: Black


Also may not be as durable as the Equleather or Equisuede.

The 500 for comparison:
[ ALL PURPOSE SADDLES ] WINTEC 500 ALL PURPOSE


Tough by nature, traditional in looks and easy to care for. The Wintec 500 saves hassle in the stable and is very versatile making it a great saddle for busy riders whose time to ride is precious.
FEATURES:

• Traditional Leather Appearance<LI class=listLightBG>Soft Equisuede Knee Inserts Provide Extra Grip
• Fully Adjustable FlexiBloc System<LI class=listLightBG>Well Balanced Seat
• Easy Care - No Oiling or Waxing Required<LI class=listLightBG>Weatherproof and Durable
• CAIR® Panel System provides maximum comfort for your Horse<LI class=listLightBG>EASY-CHANGE Gullet System Provides Custom Fit
• Wide Bearing Panel Distributes Weight Evenly<LI class=listLightBG>Elastiflex Tree to Facilitate Excellent Communication
• Lifetime Guarantee on Wintec Tree

Sizes: 38cm/15" (Pony), 40cm/16", 42cm/16.5", 43cm/17", 44cm/17.5", 46cm/18"
Approx. Weight: 5.24kg / 11lb 9oz
Colours: Black & Brown


And the 2000:

[ ALL PURPOSE SADDLES ] WINTEC 2000 ALL PURPOSE


Combining the luxury of suede and the convenience of Equileather, the Wintec 2000 has been designed to put the comfort of you and your horse first. Great for riders who enjoy participating in many disciplines including jumping, hunting, pleasure riding, some Dressage and flatwork.
FEATURES:

• Super-Soft Enduro Seat Foam<LI class=listLightBG>Recessed Bars Reduce the Lump of the Stirrup Leather
• Extra Soft Contoured Knee Insert<LI class=listLightBG>Fully Adjustable FlexiBloc System
• Equisuede Provides the Perfect Level of Grip<LI class=listLightBG>Built-in Hi-Grip Area Assists in Leg Placement
• Elastiflex Tree to Facilitate Excellent Communication<LI class=listLightBG>CAIR® Panel System provides maximum comfort for your Horse
• EASY-CHANGE Gullet System Provides Custom Fit<LI class=listLightBG>Snug Fit Panel and Wide Open Chamber
• Chrome Tanned Prestretched Leather Girth Points
• Lifetime Guarantee on Wintec Tree

Sizes: 38cm/15" (Pony), 40cm/16", 42cm/16.5", 43cm/17", 44cm/17.5", 46cm/18"
Approx. Weight: 5.17kg / 11lb 6oz
Colours: Black & Brown


I would do some shopping around, maybe even check ebay for the exact model you're using.

Here are some prices new for comparison:

Wintec 500 at Chick's Saddlery for $439, Wintec 250 at Dover's and Valley Vet for $269.

Good luck!

[harli36]

Originally Posted by Gypsy Rose

Very true!

I also have the Wintec Isabell, and IMO, the best thing about Wintecs is the adjustable flexibloc system.

When I first got mine, it fit me like a glove, legs in the correct position, seated comfortably in the flat part of the seat, all that jazz.I have an older one without CAIR panels, btw.

Over time- a few years to be precise, I noticed I was not sitting as deeply as I would have liked. The long time frame probably had more to do with the fact of no lessons, rather than something drastically changing, lol!

I was using the large flexiblocs, and last year, for the first time, felt restricted in the saddle. I simply changed to the smaller flexiblocs, and I now sit deeper, and in the correct position.

Point being that you can feel comfortable in a saddle for a long time, and then suddenly discover you're not, for many different reasons.

The flexiblocs allow for a lot of adjustability for comfort- too bad there wasn't a way to change the seat size as well- now that would be something!

Definitely. People sometimes forget that you can also take the flexiblocks off the saddle too.