Tack Reviews

Here are some of my thoughts on equipment that I have tried over the years. When possible, I will try to locate the best price on the product in question and post it here. Please note that I can't keep track of all sales going on at all times. Instead I try to feature sites who consistently offer the best deals. I will not post a site if it offers only one or two closeouts on that item.

In my barn we currently have 7 different styles of Wintec saddles. Eight if you count a few older models. There are a lot of benefits to owning a Wintec. The main reason we have so many is the easy change gullet system. Wintecs do an admirable job of fitting narrow horses and offer flexibility if you have a young horse in training whos body type is changing. Rather than purchasing a new saddle, you can change out the gullet size. The one problem that I have had with the Wintec Easy Change Gullet System is with wide backed horses. While you can get the tree wide enough, you cannot adjust the panels, and wide horses will still be pinched by the panels. Wintec has recently tried to remedy that problem by featuring a wide all purpose saddle that still has the Gullet system. I have not yet tested it, so I cannot review it. Other pros to these saddles are the care of the synthetic saddle is almost non-existent. Wipe it down and forget about it. They are also incredibly durable.
The cons are the synthetic look - making them inappropriate for rated shows. While I'm sure you wouldn't get thrown out of the ring, synthetic saddles rarely make it past the schooling show level.
*** When buying these saddles - I recommend purchasing the entire gullet kit if it isn't already included. You will likely want to change the tree as your horse changes weight and muscle***

Wintec 500 AP - I have to admit that this one surprised me. I mean - does it look like a comfortable saddle to you? It didn't to me, and yet, it is an extremely comfortable ride. One of my students purchased one and rode in it a handful of times before moving to a different horse and using that horse's Wintec 2000. She recently purchased a horse and brought her saddle out of storage. On her first ride she commented on how she had forgotten how comfortable her saddle was. Since the 2000 is a barn favorite, I was surprised. But she's right. This saddle has a very secure soft seat. It is ideal for lesson programs. Durable, comfortable, and it has a deep enough seat to secure the new riders. It is available in brown and black.

Wintec 500 CC - Another very comfortable Wintec with a more forward seat for jumping. One of my students has owned one for 5 years and has ridden in hers at least 3 times a week. It still looks brand new. The cons of this saddle are that while the shape is good - that caramel color won't fool anyone. It screams synthetic saddle. I have never seen it, but I understand it is also available in black.

Wintec 500 Dressage - This is not the most balanced of the Wintec Dressage saddles. While I prefer the Wintec Pro over this one, if it fits your horse, it is a nice saddle for entry level dressage. The trick is to make sure it does not improperly position the rider. For this reason I recommend you check the store's return policy before purchasing. (A good policy on any saddle purchase!)