Wintec Saddle

As you already know I have horses and to ride a horse, a saddle is an essential item. I know it is possible to ride without and I sometimes do to improve my balance, but really it is an important piece of kit. The saddle needs to fit the horse and horses can change shape. It also needs to suit the rider. Saddles are traditionally leather. The saddle that I have now for my young horse is a synthetic, Wintec saddle. The saddle actually came with the horse. I have a leather saddle for my other horse and I have always prefered leather, but am perfectly happy with the Wintec synthetic, at least for now.

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I will quickly explain why I am happy with the synthetic saddle. I have quite a history with saddles and they can make you spend a lot of money. Even though you sell the old saddle when you get a new one, you still lose money. The saddle fitter costs about £30 a time with mileage on top of that, even if you end up not buying a saddle. When I bought my first horse, she was 5. Five is still young, she had not been ridden much and at that age they are still changing shape as they are still growing and they change shape the more they are ridden. To cut a long story short, from the time when my mare was 5 to around 7, I needed 6 different saddles. I was getting quite frustrated, each time I spent money on the saddle fitter and lost money selling the old one. I had alway bought second hand as you get a better quality second hand leather saddle often, but you still need to be prepared to spend £400. The last saddle I bought for her was £700 and a brand new leather one, I knew this one would last once she had stopped changing shape and has been alright for a number of years. By the way, they don`t all need that many saddles, I was unlucky, but you can almost guarentee that when buying a young horse, you will need to change your saddle.

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My new horse is only 4 so I know she will change shape considerably. I was able to negotioate when I bought her, for the saddle to be included in the price. It is a Wintec synthetic saddle. At first I was not that keen as I prefer leather. However it meant I had a saddle and did not have to spend money straight away (she was advertised without a saddle). I know she will change shape and I will probably need to change it at some point. There is nothing more disheartening than finding the perfect saddle and then 6 months later having to get a different one. I knew even if the saddle didn`t fit for long, they are not too expensive so it did`t feel such a waste.

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Advantages of the Wintec Synthetic Saddle.
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The Wintec synthetic saddle is made form equi-leather. It looks quite like leather (unlike the earlier versions in other makes). It is easier to clean than leather as you just wipe it off. It does not require saddle soap, it does not need to be suppled up. It is just a case of get on, ride, get off, wipe of if necessary. No time consuming leather treatment.

The Wintec synthetic saddle is availale with an easy change gullet system making it easy to change the width without having to buy a new saddle.

It is available with CAIR which mine doesn`t have. The saddle is usually stuffed with flocking. The CAIR system has air instead of flocking, moulding more easily to the horse. This is an option when buying the saddle which I won`t go into.

The saddle has strong, non stretch, girth straps.

The saddle is comfortable for the rider, helping to place them in the correct position and improve rider performance.

The Wintec saddle has a lifetime guarentee on the tree of the saddle, which is the inner frame.

The Wintec Synthetic Saddle does not become slippery when wet!

Rider comfort and security.
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My first real test of the saddle was after a week when I went on a picnic ride which was in a large group and lasted afew hours. I was pleased because I found it comfortable and I also found it good for security. The equileather offers a lot of grip. We were on the moor going up and down steep hills, through rivers so a good test. Not only that it didn`t slip. I was more impressed than I thought I would be.

Value for money.
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The Wintec synthetic saddle is exceptionally good value for money, they are £219 new without CAIR, £299 with CAIR. In comparison to a new leather saddle, you are talking £700 or more.

Fit for horse.
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The Wintec synthetic saddle fits my horse quite well. The easy change gullet system is a good idea. It does not mean that it will be a perfect fit for any horse, but it certainly has more of a chance than if not adjustable. It does fit my horse and doesn`t slip. I find some synthetic saddles can slip when you get on, but htis one doesn`t, at least not on my horse.

My Verdict
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I have to say I am more than satisfied with the WIntec synthetic saddle. If my horse changes shape and I am able to adjust the gullet to fit her, it will be even better.

I do prefer leather, but since having this saddle, the Wintec synthetic saddles have gone up in my opinion. Riding in the rain does not matter, there is no need to worry about the saddle as you do with leather.

It looks pretty smart, not too unlike leather, but leather still has the slight edge.

It has to be said that the price is amazing in comparison with leather and it is just as funtional. The Wintec synthetic saddles are available in different styles. You could have a separate one for dressage and jumping, they are so reasonably priced.