Wintec
Wintec 500 AP
All Purpose Saddles
Manufacturer: Wintec
Model: Wintec 500 AP
Category: All Purpose Saddles
Purchase: I was looking for a saddle that could have its gullet adjusted since I owned 2 very differently shaped horses at the time. I purchased the Wintec 500 All Purpose at my local tack shop for $500 (all fittings included).
Likes: I have had this saddle for 5 years and it still looks brand new. Wintecs are very easy to clean and are very comfortable to ride in. I also liked being able to change the tree size depending on which horse I was riding.
Dislikes: I just don't like the overall shape of the saddle. The cantle is very high even when the saddle is at the proper tree width for your horse. I also don't like the knee rolls at all. While I'm flatting the knee rolls are OK, but as soon as I shorten my stirrups my knees are at the very edge or over the knee rolls. Also, the Wintec AP doesn't put you in a very good position for jumping.
Quality: All in all I found this saddle to be very durable and even after my horse did bite a chunk out of the seat the first week I had it, 5 years later the hole is still the same size and it hasn't gotten bigger or caused the material to rip/crack. HOWEVER, one big complaint is the construction of the billets. I highly recommend getting your synthetic billets taken out and putting leather ones in instead because my synthetic ones are cracking and splitting at the holes.
Summary: I did like this saddle when I first bought it but now I must admit that I am in the market for a nice leather Close Contact. This saddle is a good investment for someone just looking to pleasure ride or even just school in but for the serious rider I would recommend spending the money to get a nice quality leather saddle. Even if you do decide that you want a Wintec I would at least get a CC or jumping saddle and not the AP.
Rating: 3
Author: Sarah
Date: 2007-06-29
Usefulness Rating: 2.98077 out of 5.
104 reader(s) voted.
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