Can Wintec saddles work for Newforest ponies?

[BrumbleBee]

This may be a stupid question, but I've been told by a few people that no wintec saddle would be suitable for my 13.2 new forest I think because of the shape of the tree. I love wintec's (especially since I do a lot of beach riding) and love that they are so much lighter than most leather saddles (especially their new 'lite' range).

Does anyone else use one on their newforest?

Also are the saddle flaps to forward/ curved on the gp's for ponies with larger shoulders? The VSD's start at 16.5 and I would need a 16 inch.

Can anyone recommend other saddle makes?

I'm also desperately looking for good saddle fitters in Hampshire

I'm at my wits end trying to find a saddle for this pony it's been over a year now since I have had one I've been happy with I just want to ride him again without worrying that the saddle is causing him discomfort

Sorry for all the questions, any advice is appreciated

 

[Showmum]

We have a 13.3 newforest cross with a Wintec saddle and I've never heard that before that they are not suitable. We had our saddle fitted and he didn't mention any problems. Our saddle has interchangeable gullet and he has an extra wide with no problems.

 

[Suby2]

I preferred a Thorowgood cob saddle for my NFX with a flat back. The one that I have is straight cut and so cleared her shoulders. (She is now retired)

 

[Snow Falcon]

Where in Hampshire are you? Can give you a few names of saddlers if you are near the Southampton/New Forest area

 

[Suby2]

Personally I use Norris's in Beaulieu.

 

[Queenbee]

We have a 13.3 newforest cross with a Wintec saddle and I've never heard that before that they are not suitable. We had our saddle fitted and he didn't mention any problems. Our saddle has interchangeable gullet and he has an extra wide with no problems.

I think what OP is saying, is more that people have seen the shape of her pony and commented that wintec would be unsuitable. It is in my opinion a bit of a sweeping statement for them to say that wintec saddles would not fit any NFP, as we know that each horse/pony is different, perhaps they mean that 'the general/standard shape of a NFP is not suited to the shape of a wintec tree. On the one hand if people are looking at your horse (which we can not do) and saying this, perhaps pay some heed to it, there are plenty of saddles out there - many of which are specifically designed with more 'native' types in mind. I would get hold of a good fitter and go from there.

 

[sbloom]

On the whole no, they are not a good fit for natives, and I'm not keen on the Wintec Wide for natives either, it's usually fitted much too wide and is "too much saddle" for most NF types. A forward flap can be possible even for big shoulders, it's more about the configuration of the muscle behind the shoulder blade and how much the shoulder actually sticks out to the sides. A GP is almost always possible, but you need the right tree and panel most importantly, and nothing super wide over the top.

 

[dizzyneddy]

l once tried a wintec on my nf mare when she was a youngster as she has a straight shoulder & it didn't fit her right especially around her withers. l ended up using my old Jeffries stamford working hunter saddle that l used on my old nf pony but had put away after his passing.

l was so fed up looking unsuccessfully for a synthetic l bought another Jeffries gp saddle that l use on her and our other nf pony who isn't as stocky but it seems to fit them both a treat & although it's leather it wasn't that expensive. l think they are fab saddles for nfs although some people aren't keen on Jeffries l've had their saddles for nearly 20 years so can't rate them high enough.