Wintec saddles

[Allie]

Has anyone had any experiences with the new Wintec saddle that have the easy change gullet system? I have a couple of hard to fit horses that I would like to be able to ride english occasionally, but I cannot afford a custom made saddle. It took me forever to find a western saddle to fit the narrower one of the two, and it still only fits the other "better". I mostly ride now in my bareback pad, as there are no fit problems there. Anyways, back to the subject. I was looking into these adjustable gullet saddles, and I just wanted to hear other people's opinions on them before I went out and bought one (as I really can't even afford that right now, and I already have too many saddles!). Also, does anyone know of anywhere that sells them for less than $315? That is the cheapest price I have found, and that is minus fittings, and you also have to buy the interchangeable gullet plate. Opinions please!

Allie

 

[Laya]

I have a Wintec 500.

I bought my new Wintec 500 for $315. The lady at the store where I bought it really loves helping people out and the companies she sells for have a fit when she goes under the recommended prices. She only makes a profit of $40 per saddle, and $315 was a severe stress of her limit. I have only rode in it once, and it is very comfortable, with adjustable knee rolls. Justin (my horse) is a western built QH, and since he's young his back is going to change a lot. I only have to pay $14 when I need a new gullet change for the metal part, and the lady will change it for free. I highly recommend the Wintec. It looks like leather but it isn't.

 

[Anna.C]

I bought a Wintec 500 last year when my horse was just coming back into work after a long break and I knew his back would be changing shape alot. He has already gone from a medium to a medium-wide! I've found the interchangeable gullets really useful. In the UK you can take the saddle in and have the new gullet fitted, but the saddler will charge you about £10-£15 AND keep the old gullet!!! I've ordered a range of the wider gullets from the Robinsons catalogue and change them myself, it only takes 5 minutes, all you need is a screwdriver and a bit of determination. I don't feel I've had the saddle long enough to comment on how good quality it is though.

 

[Allie]

Thanks for your replies, unfortunatly the saddle is on hold for now because gas prices have skyrocketed again ($1.79 a gallon!), and I am going to have to pay some show bills soon...which costs even more with the raised gas costs...

Allie

 

[Heather]

If only petrol (gas) were that cheap here! Ours costs £1.82p a LITRE in the UK! I think that the dollar is about 1.62 to the pound or something.


Heather