RC: wintecs

[Farafix@aol.com]

I've used Wintecs for about 5-6 yrs now.  One drawback is that the fiberglass 
tree breaks rather easily, however, I believe they now have a lifetime tree 
warranty (was 5yrs when I bought mine).  Since Weatha-Beta (sp??) took over 
the distribution of the saddles in the US, the customer service has improved 
1000%.  They got me a new tree for my old saddle (couldn't get a call back 
from the former distributor even tho I was willing to pay for it) & I was 
able to get it replaced very reasonably.
Fitting the horse is the key issue, as well as comfort for the rider.  I had 
2 lovely Stubben saddles that were too narrow in the front for my horses, so 
I got wide tree Wintecs (& the tree is wider on some models than others), and 
have put about 3000 miles on 2 horses with them.  I'll save you the brag on 
the horses, but they've done well.  I did have to do some jury rigging with 
extra padding with the stallion because the widest Wintec was too wide in the 
front for him (while I was getting the other one's tree repaired), and once I 
got that figured out, it worked well.  
My mare was very wide (very comfortable to ride bareback!) & the widest 
Wintec fit her great.  Her son is not quite as wide & the less wide Wintec 
fits him well.  Since mine are several yrs old, they have a fabric type seat 
which I adhere to quite well.  I use riding tights, polar fleece in winter.  
I did have a friend riding the mare who did not like how well she adhered to 
the saddle (she used conventional pants which were not as slick as the tights 
I use).
The Wintecs probably wear out faster.  I've got 6-7 yrs of constant use 
(30-50 miles per week just about all yr long) on my oldest & the billets 
should be replaced.  I had the Stubben about the same time, but I didn't ride 
nearly as much back then!!
I should probably mention that I'm an AERC Lightweight rider; I've heard that 
the Wintecs can bridge or that they are not so good with heavier riders 
(altho I had a friend condition & ride the mare on CTR's who was a 
heavyweight in the Wintec --- I did notice that the mare got some white hairs 
in the cantle area --- I don't think the saddle was really big enough for the 
HW rider).
Good luck in the Great Saddle Search!

Nancy
Md