Dressage saddle - which one?

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m1stify

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I have my heart set on getting a dressage saddle and my budget will only stretch to synthetic. So I would like your opinions on:
Thorowgood t4
Vs
Tekna s line
Vs
Wintec 500

I would love an isabell but it's too much new unless one comes up on eBay.
Also could stretch an extra £100 for the thorowgood T8 if you think they are much better than the T4..
 
Not had any of the others but did have the isabell and I loved it, such a deep seat really gave me a good position. I just sold mine as well to a fellow HH person for cheap. I'd say hang in there till one comes along that you can afford .

Or if possible at least have a sit on them all.
 
I have just purchased an Isabell and am really pleased with it.
(I am not normally a fan of synthetic)
So if you can, I would be patient and wait for an Isabell to come up on Ebay.

If it's of any help, my saddle fitter was of the opinion that he wouldn't touch the Wintec 500 DR with a bargepole. However there are several on here who have used one with success, but the majority seem to prefer the IW of the synthetic models I believe.
 
Whichever fits your horse, they are all very different. You need a good saddle fitter rather than a saddle recommendation which is nearly always the case on here :cool:
 
I borrowed a Tekna from my saddler whilst he was repairing and adjusting my Keiffer, and (as I'm a snob) it pains me to say, but I was loathed to hand it back!
Was an absolute dream to ride in, so comfy, and without going all gushy I felt I was riding "with my horse"

I was really very impressed.
 
I had a Tekna and although I liked it, it didnt fit Ginge at all. I bought it from ebay and paid to have it fitted by a saddler who said that it was definately the right size but it really restricted his shoulder which kind of bulged out in front of the panel....so maybe the shape isnt right for all horses? Although adjustable it also isnt that easy to adjust as it needs to go back to Tekna...although I have heard rumours that a prestige saddler can adjust as well?

I had a saddle company saddle for a bit which was good for what i paid and easily adjustable, you can pick them up for not very much.
 
I've got a TG T4 and a T8, I have to say the T8 is lovely, super comfy. Definitely worth the extra if you can stretch to it. Have you got a saddle fitter who could bring out a couple of brands for you to try, to see which suits you and your horse best?
 
Hi

I agree with Sbloom, they are all very different fits so I would consult your saddle fitter. I am a big fan of Wintec because of their versatility. Not only can you adjust the gullet but you can also balance the saddle and the cair really allows the horses muscles to develop.

The Isabell is amazing to ride in so if your fitter reckons it will fit then wait until one within your budget shows up! The differences between the Isabell and the 500 (apart from the suede) is the fact that it offers a much deeper seat and is narrower through the waist. The stirrup bars are also set further back putting your leg in a much better position (if not used to this it could make you tip forward or make your lower leg more insecure, however, this can easily be remedied by working without stirrups and working on overall position! It did wonders for mine!) (I know ride in a Bates dressage and Bates AP)

If what you like about the Isabell is the suede then you can always go for the Wintec Pro Dressage which is all suede. Never ridden in one of these but a lady at the yard has it and loves it!

I can't comment on the Tekna or Thoroughgood as have never ridden in either.
 
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