Wintec
Pro Stock
Trail Saddles
Manufacturer: Wintec
Model: Pro Stock
Category: Trail Saddles
Purchase: I paid $1,035, including fittings from Adam's Horse Supplies online. I wanted an "Englishy," secure trail saddle that would also be good for schooling so I could work a half hour in the ring then go for an hour trail ride without retacking. I did not want to pay this much for a saddle, but I figured it would be cheaper (and hurt less) than a broken bone and doubly worth it if it could do double duty as a sort-of dressage saddle.
Likes: I tried this saddle out on my green four-year-old gelding in the ring and on a couple of lone trail rides. I felt very secure at all times, and he gave a couple of good spooks for me to judge by.
Dislikes: I had been wanting but wary of buying an Aussie-style saddle because all the info I could find stated they were made to be ridden with legs well forward and I prefer to ride more upright. I decided to try the Wintec Stock on a recommendation from another "Englishy" rider who said it could be ridden in like a dressage saddle. Well, maybe she could, but whenever I tried to ride with my legs well under me, the bowl-shaped seat edges would press hard into my seat bones. Also, while I didn't have much trouble with the poleys while posting, the forward placement of the stirrup bars made it impossible to rise unless my horse was at a road trot and giving me a good "push." The flaps are so long you can forget feeling your horse with your calves, and lets face it, the saddle, black with yellow stitching, is just ugly.
Quality: I kept the saddle for only three days, so I can't say much as to the quality of the construction. The flaps seem to be a heavier weight and thicker than on the Wintec 500 dressage saddle I've been using recently.
Summary: Do not buy this saddle unless you are happy riding with your legs well forward.
I wrapped the stirrups, and used a clean saddle pad, but, when I sent it back, there were marks on the billets and a little rubbing on the underflap from the billets. Nevertheless, Adam's Horse Supply was true to their word about refunding my money with no hassle.
Rating: 1
Author: mlamerato
Date: 2006-12-13
Usefulness Rating: 3.76316 out of 5.
38 reader(s) voted.
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