Hey to all you dressage riders!

[BeardedChick]

While it's not recommended and I wouldn't do it to a new saddle (Ok, maybe I would) - the XW wintec gullet can be carefully bent to be just a little wider. It must be bent evenly, which is not easy to do.

As well, a Wintec dealer can install shims to make the saddle fit a flatter back (they inherently fit a more curvy back). I am not sure how Connemaras are built, my Morab is very FLAT over her topline.

I bent one of my gullets a tad wider for my mustang and it works OK. I did this after I already had the RP saddle for him. My friend who rides endurance has put a jillion miles on her Wintec Pro Dressage that has a widened gullet, and on the UltimateDressage forum, there are other folks that have widened them. It will void the saddle warranty and Wintec does NOT recommend it.

It's just a thought it if you find a 'killa deal on a used Pro Dressage & you like the saddle alot to begin with.

 

[horsejody]

Quote:
If he is really barrel shaped, look for the Wintec with the Haflinger tree. Sometimes it is referred to as a small draft tree. I have a Haffie and just sold my western wintec that had the Haflinger tree because DH bought me a new Aussie saddle for mother's day. The aussie tree had to be specially made for her. The wintec fit her well though. It had an 8 inch gullet and was designed for a flat back.

 

[horsejody]

How about this one? It's not a wintec, but the tree might fit.

http://cgi.ebay.com/DRESSAGE-SADDLE...hash=item130237335680&_trksid=p3286.m14.l1318

 

[BeardedChick]

Horse Jody, that Wintec is called the 'Wintec Wide'. It's not really a dressage cut, more AP.

 

[Oblio13]

I have to take exception to the recommendations for Wintecs because you specified "nice". They don't break in to fit you like leather does, they aren't as durable, and they're worth nothing used. I doubt you'll find many advanced riders using them unless they're being paid to endorse them. They have one thing going for them: They're cheap.

Saddles are a mature technology. For thousands of years millions of people have ridden billions of hours and billions of miles. Cast a jaundiced eye on anything "revolutionary", because odds are it's nothing more than a marketing gimmick.

If you want a saddle that will become an old friend and a treasure to be passed on to your heirs, don't buy plastic. My favorite dressage saddle is a Roosli. Quite a few folks who've tried it ended up biting the bullet and buying one, too.

Buy quality and cry once. Have a professional fit you, stick with a good brand, and get one made out of dead cows.

 

[BeardedChick]

The problem is horses change shape, riders change shape, and custom saddles are hard to sell. I have lost more $$$ on custom saddles... I just won't do it anymore. You can check out prices on ebay and check on UltimateDressage for people talking about not being able to sell custom made saddles that no longer fit their horse.

My dressage instructor rides 3rd level and uses a Wintec because it fits her and her horse. It's not unusual at all to see them used for schooling and at schooling shows. For someone looking for a first dressage saddle, I think they are a good choice.

I have bought and sold several Wintecs. Bought used, and usually was able to sell them for a little more than I paid for them. If you look at good used Wintecs on Ebay - they have good resale. Worst case you lose $200 or $300. On a nice custom you can easily lose $1000 or more when you go to resell. Easily.

JMO, and of course YMMV

 

[WrenAli]

Best saddle I have found to fit all horses for dressage is an Ansur. Treeless, very comfortable but expensive.

I have ridden in an Ansur and absolutely LOVED it. I have issues with Wintec, they never fit my horses, even the adjustable ones. And when you have a horse with back issues saddle fit is a big thing. Trust me.

The other Dressage saddle I really like is Country. You can find used ones in good shape for a decent price. They will fit a pony, if you get the right one. They are really comfortable too.

But I really recommend the Ansur. That way when *if* you get a new dressage mount you don't need to worry about getting a new saddle.

 

[Crunchie]

It's really going to be just a lot of trial and error. The perfect saddle is going to be the one that fits your pony and the one you like sitting in.

I like Barnsby. I've heard that some of the Countys are nice. If you've got several thousand dollars to play with, look at the Ansur. You couldn't pay me to sit in a Wintec for the second time (once was enough, thank you!

). But that's just me. Your needs will be different.

I have to agree with Oblio on this one. Save the plastic for your head.

 

[michickenwrangler]

I have to agree that Wintec dressage saddles don't "break in". I bought one two years back since my National Show Horse and my Arab have two very different backs.

Two years later, I rode the Arab in a dressage show. Since I rarely school in my dress boots, I was unprepared for the horrendous squeaking during my training level test from the leather boots on a synthetic saddle. First Level test went better as I had to sit the trot.

Try to find a leather saddle with a changeable gullet

 

[bluerose]

Adjustable saddles do not fit all horses... Wintec/Bates have many issues as well... Up to a MW gullet they are generally OK- but past that the gullets actually torque the tree and are not a good choice for a wide horse. Pressure points are easily made.

I'm guessing your guy will probably be a W/XW if he's very round. Spend the money on a good quality used saddle, or, if you can afford it, go new (either way, as long as it's a good quality saddle, you should be fine).

If you're in a location where you can have a saddle fitter come and show you their line of saddles, it's not a bad option... I love Custom Saddlery and Albion saddles- Custom also has some 'off the rack' type saddles that are less expensive. County has some nice ones as well but I have had bad luck with the company in the past.

You need to sit in and ride in the saddle before you can be sure it will work...

Equestrian Imports will let you 'lease' a saddle to try it (they carry several brands). Not a bad idea if you have a picky horse.

I have also heard very good things about Black Country saddles.