Synthetic saddles are becoming increasingly popular. Why? Because they are cheaper than leather, easier to clean and many think they are just as good. There are some people who will not ride in anything but leather, but with increasing choice these days people are able to chose and pick something exactly for their needs.
Saddles. * * * * * * *
It is important to have a good saddle. The saddle must accomodate the rider as well as fit the horse. Saddles come in various styles. The most commonly used saddle is a general purpose saddle. They are ideal for hacking but suitable for jumping also and even dessage, but not a high levels. For those jumping really high tracks, they would require a specialist jumping saddle which allows for the rider to have shorter stirrups so that they are able to jump with the horse. Dressage riders at a higher level would need a dressage saddle which is straight cut. This allows the stirrups to be longer which is a requirement of riding dressage. Likewise, showing saddles are straighter cut to show off the horses shoulder. These types of saddles are all available in the traditional leather, but for the past few years they have been sold in synthetic aswell. Synthetic saddles are cheap enough for those who want a dressage saddle, or jumping saddle as a second discipline as they are cheaper than leather.
Synthetic Saddles. * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Synthetic saddles are made from man made materials. They could appeal to horsey vegans as they do not derive from any animal products. They are lighter than leather saddles, which is good for horse and rider. They are easy to clean as they don`t need saddle soap, they just need wiping off. They don`t need breaking in when new either or oiling like leather saddles do.
The Wintec 2000 is only available in black which could be a disadvantage for those with a brown bridle. It is constructed from man made materials, the seat and the knee rolls being equisuede. This offers more grip which is always good. The only disadvantage from this is that, it gets wet. It is apparently quick drying, but it still does take a little bit longer than leather, or certainly the rest of the saddle, to dry. It is breathable though, which does speed up the drying process. It is comfortable though and also has seat foams, increasing the rider comfort. Still, the saddle is lightweight and durable and helps the rider to sit in the correct position. The saddle has wide weight bearing panels, which contributes to the comfort of the horse. It also has flexible tree points to allow for free shoulder movement. It is weatherproof and durable. I still am not too keen on the equisuede though, it may dry quickly if rained on, but I still think it holds a tiny bit of moisture. It has a fully adjustable flexi block system. This means that there are blocks under the knee rolls. They are secured by strong velcro and are easy to move for you own personal fit.
The Wintec 2000 has a lifetime guarantee on the tree. The tree is the internal frame of the saddle. I had a saddle once, quite an expensive leather one. My horse went charging through the stable door, caught the saddle and broke the tree. Where the tree broke it was on the pommel of the saddle, the bit that sits above the wither (the bit just in front of you). I called the saddler and thought how easy it would be (if not annoying and slightly expensive) to have the tree repaired. It was sitting too low on the wither so it needed doing. You can imagine my frustation when the saddler infomed me that it could not be repaired. It had gone to the factory of the manufacturers, they had taken in apart and informed me that, because the saddle was a few years old) they did not supply the trees any more, and I would require a new saddle. I then had a saddle in 4 bits (they don`t put it together again as it is not funtional anyway), so you could imagine how attractive a lifetime guarantee on the tree sounds. I had to fork out for a new saddle.
Another good function of the Wintec 2000 saddle is the easy change gullet system. Horses do change shape, especially when they are young. Rather than have to buy a different saddle (I have done plenty of this in the past) it is possible to change the gullet. Most of the saddles come with a medium gullet fitted as standard, but you can buy different gullets and change them as required. I haven`t actually changed them but I know someone who has and it is suposed to be straightforward enough with a little tool.
What is CAIR? * * * * * * * * * * *
I don`t know what CAIR stands for, but WIntec saddles are available with flocking (like traditional saddles) or CAIR. CAIR is air. It is not traditional flocking, but air panels. The advantage of this is that it is suposed to fit the horse better. It allows more free movement and comfort apparently. it is more money as the Wintec saddle with flocking is £299 and with CAIR it is £355. It is more money but they shouldn`t need any attention (unless you puncture the panel which is highly unlikely) apart from the usual checks from the saddle fitter that it still fits. Saddles with flocking need reflocking every now and again which involves more expense.
I am not convinced by CAIR but I know a lot of people who think it is wonderful. I had the leather version of this saddle once with CAIR. I had it for my ex race horse and it was fitted by a saddler. Firstly I found it to be bouncy. I tried it in the school which is quite small and I did not find it very comfortable, I found it quite bouncy. However, she convinced me that it was the best for the horse so I bought it. I still found it quite bouncy (I think exacerbated by a bouncy horse). It is not like sitting on an airbed, not quite that bouncy, but it is still a bit more bouncy than a saddle with traditional flocking. My horse didn`t like either. If I had to get off when hacking, which I do on occassion to open a gate if it is really awkward, he would not let me get back on again. OK, I know this is a common problem of ex race horses, they are used to the rider being given a leg up on the move so they don`t need to stop. I taught him to stand still at the mounting block, it just wasn`t so easy without one, but we used to manage. When I used to try and get on with the CAIR saddle from the ground, he used to rear up. As you can imagine it made it quite difficult and I didn`t keep the saddle for long. This is not a criticism of the CAIR though as it suits so many horses and many seem to go better. What I am saying is, it is made out to be wonderful, but it does not suit every horse.
Do I have a Wintec 2000? * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Not at the moment. I had a synthetic saddle on trial a few years ago when my saddle was away with the broken tree. I was so impressed with it because it offered so much grip, was cheaper than leather and so easy to maintain. I was going to buy the saddle, but the new ones for sale, had these equileather seats, which I was not keen on. If they had all been wipe clean, then I would definatley have bought one. I decided to buy a leather one. Funnily enough, just after I had bought the leather one, I won a Wintec 2000 in a competition in horse magazine. I was delighted, I love winning things however small, but a saddle is fantastic. In my wisdom, I decided to sell it though. I needed money and I had just bought the leather one. The saddler checked the fit on the horse though as she was at the yard and she said it was a good fit. I had to go and sell it though.
I have a different (cheaper make) synthetic saddle for my youngster. I do think they are good for youngsters as they change shape. The cheaper ones you can buy from Ebay for around £50. The Wintec 200 are more but they are good quality. Leather saddles new are around £700 (depending on make) and £300 - £400 for a decent second hand one.
Many people prefer leather and will not try synthetic. In the show ring, synthetic saddles are often frowned upon (I would have thought at bigger shows rather than local ones). I have a leather saddle for my older horse. For youngsters I will always have synthetic as they are so cheap and easy to care for. There are so many synthetic saddles on the market now, some cheap, some better quality. The Wintec 2000 saddle represents good value for money and at the same time quality. I am wishing that I had kept my Wintec 2000, but at the time, money seemed more attractiive.
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Price
£299-£355
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