Synthetic saddle durability

[Paint it Lucky]

Hi I have recently bought a new saddle, it is a Thorowgood synthetic one (a T4 high wither), I bought it off a saddler as it fitted my horse the best and is really comfy to ride in. I'm not normally a fan of synthetic saddles for a few reasons but as this one fits my horse really well (and he can be awkward to fit to) I decided to get it.

My question is, how long do these saddles last/ how durable are they? I know they are not meant to be as durable as leather and have seen a few tatty old ones around. Bear in mind that I ride 1-2hrs most days and do endurance, so it will get a lot of riding in! How many years do they stay in good condition for? And are there any good ways to prolong their lives?

 

[merlinsquest]

Mine still looks like brand new (wintec 2000) but have had it 3 years and only used it in total for about a year. Daughter has it as her saddle for merlin so we dont have to change stirrup leather lengths.

 

[Christmas_Kate]

I think so long as you don't think "oh, it's only a synthetic" and chuck it around it'll last pretty well. use a saddle cover, wash it gently, and use the proper Thorowgood products on it. I used to have one of the first thorowgood synthetics and it lasted years. My mate still has it in her garage!

 

[xxcharlottexx]

i bought the thorogood griffin last year and its still looks brand new

i bought i sheepskin seat saver as it was so uncomfy to ride in as horse is very narrow but it has kept the seat in perfect condition.

and then i just use a face brush to get all the hairs off!

 

[bellaM]

They are very durable, the older ones are made with different material that does tend to look tacky but the newer ones are more like fake leather.

 

[darksecret99]

I hoover my wintec to get the hairs out - it comes up looking like new after every clean, but I do look after it, keep it covered, out of the sun, dont put it on the floor etc!

I dont think it will last as long as a good quality, well cared for leather saddle, but I dont think my horse will stay the same shape for that long anyway!!

No point having a saddle that lasts forever but doesnt fit!

 

[Paint it Lucky]

Thanks for your advice everyone

 

[Chex]

I've had mine about 5 years now, and if I clean it still looks new. I use a seat saver though, so that keeps the seat in better condition. Strangely, by leather treeless that I've used for less than 6 months is already looking worn and scratched

 

[hussar]

I bought a Thorowgood endurance in 1998 - it's done 3000 competitive kms plus all training and general hacking since then. Sadly the horse semi-retired in 2004 but the saddle still looks pretty good although it's used infrequently now. I always cleaned it with Thorowgood products.