Recommended Saddle?

Zacksmum

Zacksmum

Active Member
Joined
12 March 2010
Messages
36
Location
Northumberland
Visit site
I'm getting a new saddle in the next few weeks and have narrowed my search down to Thorowgood or Wintec. I particularly like the suede seat and for my price range these come out on top (unless Ive missed something).
My problem is which one? Wintec 2000 is the one I really like but not sure if this will fit my Welsh Section D, the Wintec Cob more than likely will but doesnt have the suede seat from what I can gather.
So the next was Thorowgood, but I'm not as keen, but thats purely going on looks than anything.
Can anyone give me some advice? Thanks
 
I teach a couple of people who have the thorogood cob saddles, they all been fitted by saddlers. However they do the riders no favours at all. They all have to ride REALLY long for their knees not to come over the knee roll and give generally no support. In comparison, when I've seen them ride in different saddles, they have no position problems.

Have you considered getting a saddler out and getting a 2nd hand leather saddle?
 
The newer T4s have a more forward cut design (they're the ones with a crease in the suede knee roll) and there's loads more room for knees than in the old design!

I've got a Wintec 2000 and Thorowgood T4s in High Wither, Std Wither and Cob, and between that lot have a reasonable chance of fitting most horses! I agree with you about the Equisuede on the seat!

See if you can find someone with a Wintec 2000 and a T4 cob to try on?
 
That is a new compalint to me re Thorowgood (not saying it's not the case)
However, I would recommend Thorowgood any day, not so Wintec. get your saddler to bring both for you to try though.
 
I bought a thorogood saddle with the equisuede knee rolls twelve years ago, and it has been in fairly regular use for most of that time apart from a couple of maternity breaks. It has been comfortable from day 1 and still is, the knee rolls look worn where the suede has smoothed out, but apart from that it is still going strong. I certainly can't complain about the quality!
I got a saddler out with a selection of synthetic saddles and tried a few out as my mare is very high withered. No idea of the fit for cobbier builds, but try as many as you can before you buy.
 
Choose whichever fits the best. IMO it is unlikely to be the wintec though. The thorowgood saddles are much better in their design and this shows in their fit. They are designed and made in the UK. Wintecs have too curved a tree for many horses.

With regards to the thorowgood cob flap being too small, they are straight cut (think vsd) and not overly big. But i'd rather have that and compromise myself than a saddle thats better for me but doesnt fit my horse. In that price range there will be a lot of pitfalls buying second hand (girth strap wear, flocking needing doing, older design of saddle e.g. narrower gullet, etc) and you will be very lucky to find a decent second hand one that would be better than the modern fit/design of the thorowgood.
 
Thanks again. The local saddle fitter has recommended the Thorowgood also and with fitting it will cost £375. Is that reasonable?
He will also give me advice on how to use the saddle on my other horse.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top