Wintec
Isabell
Dressage Saddles
Manufacturer: Wintec
Model: Isabell
Category: Dressage Saddles
Purchase: I bought this saddle recently for a new horse that I was having behavior problems with. I hoped that the CAIR air panels and adjustable gullet would help assure me that the saddle was not causing any discomfort. I also wanted a deep saddle with large blocks to give me a secure ride on a green horse. I paid $900 for it on E-bay including the whole gullet system, saddle cover, and additional large knee blocks.
Likes: This saddle is very light and due to the changeable gullet and air panel it should be comfortable for most horses. It has a nice deep seat and the equisuede keeps you in place. I enjoy the big knee blocks because they help keep your leg in the correct position. Easy to clean.
Dislikes: Despite the deep seat, I was very disappointed to find that for some reason, I was unable to sit deeply enough in this saddle to sit the trot correctly, to keep my seat in the saddle at the canter, or to sit deeply enough to correctly execute downward transitions. I do not have these problems in most other saddles. In addition, the seat feels very wide and is uncomfortable for me to sit in. Because of the equisuede- you may find that you get stuck in a position that isn't quite right and is difficult to correct. Although I have several friends that rave about this saddle, it appearently is not a perfect fit for every rider. I found after only several rides in it, that I had to buy a different saddle.
Quality: Equisuede is light-weight and easy to clean; however, the equisuede can easily be worn down if you are not careful how you store the saddle, especially in transit. Although it is easy to clean, the suede-like material attracts every sort of material and holds it (dirt, dust, horse hair, shavings), unlike leather. I found the second overgirth (a third part of the girthing system that secures the saddle flap down) to be awkward, unneccessary and in the way. Changing the gullets can be a difficult chore, requiring more than one person.
Summary: If this saddle fits the rider, it should be a useful saddle that keeps your horse comfortable and is a good purchase.
Rating: 3
Author: Jenn
Date: 2005-07-05
Usefulness Rating: 3.37255 out of 5.
51 reader(s) voted.
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