Re: [RC] Wintec 500 (or other saddles) - Mike Lewis
Thanks, everyone, for your replies regarding the Wintecs.
Has anyone used the Wintec Isabel for endurance? I
like it because the stirrups are placed a little farther back, which I think
will be helpful. What I do not like is that the seat is very deep; I think
that would be a liability for endurance rides where one must jump ditches,
etc.
Does anyone beside Wintec make an English-style saddle for Endurance,
perhaps with stirrup bars a bit farther back than the Wintec? My budget is
somewhat limited (had intended to spend about $550, but maybe around $1000 if I
have to), and I'm leaning toward the 18" Wintec Dressage 500, as I'm
guessing folks will say that the Isabel is too deep.
Things I Like about the Wintec: easy care, inexpensive, can be modified to
fit many horses, fit my horse well when she tried it on yesterday.
Things I Don't Like: stirrup position doesn't feel quite right, seat cover
is a must for the 500 model (and may not be available for the Isabel due to its
seat depth), stability not what I'm used to with the Bob Marshall.
Appeciate any advice. Hate to think about trying specialty endurance
saddles due to shipping and time it takes to try several saddles and find one I
like. Maybe some of these specialty saddlemakers should come to
rides!!
I used the Wintec 500 with the Adjustable gullets
until about 3 years ago. For a lighter rider it's not a bad saddle, and
I like the adjustability factor. My main complaint is that I was always
tipped a little bit too far forward. It worked well on my compact
little gelding, and the vets thought it was a great fit for him. I have
been using Specialized saddles since then, and I noticed i am much better
balanced, especially on turns when I am trotting. I think in general,
the larger/heavier/less balanced a rider is, the more structure the saddle
needs !
