Isobell Werth and set back stirrups

[aussie]

Heather, I had the chance to ride in an Isobel Werth saddle today and it has the set back bars like your saddle. Are yours further back? I desperately need to buy a saddle as I have a new horse and do not know if I should wait for your dressage version and ride in a 'cheapie' or just get this Wintec which is remarkably similar? I must say it was an instant position improver with the new bar position!!

[Heather]

HI Aussie-

It ought to! I worked for four years on a synthetic version of my saddle with Wintec, who then dumped the project, and brought out the Isabelle with the features that I had given them. They evenbought thevery sasddle on my website to use to develope it! They then told me that they did not wish to proceed with my project, for which I was not paid a penny, and I had emails from around the globe as soon as the Isabelle came out, remarking on the similarity to mine. I am certain that Isabelle Werth knew nothing of my input- she just tested the prototypes that were taken over to her, and also did design the tree.

I was so angry. I hot footed it to Thorowgood, the other major synthetic manufacturer, and they gladly took on my design, getting the GP out for last years BETA Trade Fair in February in record time, and this year we have the new HM dressage model coming out. I have just been testing it. They have managed to build in the SEatbone Saver top, and whilst thismakes the saddle look very shallow in the seat, becasue you sink into the foam, you do not need a great bucket seat to hold you in. The tree is close contact with a good bearing surface, and I am sooooooo pleased with it! It is almost as good as my leather version to sit in, very comfortable and you just plop into position.

Thorowgood are a delight to work with, enthusiastic, efficient, and honourable. The finish on the saddle is absolutely first rate, their quality control is stringent, and I am chuffed to bits! The price is also going to be much better than the Wintec at around £325 or less.

The saddles won't be in the shops until probably April unfortunately, but I hope it outsells the Wintec well and truly. Not just beacues it wil make me a few pounds- I just hate people leading me up the garden path. It is not as if I am just some unknown innovator- I was surprised that they did this to me as I am well known and in a good position to make my grievances heard!


Heather