Wintec 500 ECFS/Cair - reviews?

[TPO]

Does anyone have a new Wintec 500 with the Easy Change Fit System (shims and gullet?)?

My TB has changed shape so that his high wither Kent & Masters isn't fitting as well as it should. It's not a bad fit even allowing for him to muscle up and gain top line the fit isn't going to improve.

My mum's horse was recently fitted with the Isobel Werth ECFS dressage saddle so I tried it on my boy and the tree/panels certainly do appear to fit much better than the K&M currently does.

There is a good fitter that stocks them but as it's cheaper for me to buy elsewhere and then have her fit it. I'm a fitter for a different brand so confident at fitting myself but given the new shim system and the fact it's hard to ride and fit at the same time I will use a fitter. My questions are just about how people find the actual saddles for riding in, wear & tear and, most importantly, how comfortable are they on their horses?

I've never been a big Cair/Flair fan previously so interested to hear how others find these saddles.

Thank you in advance

 

[Slightlyconfused]

I have cair wintecs on my four riding horses, an ex racer to a big barrel flat backed appy and they fit like a dream. My saddle fitter is a wintec/bates fitter only so she knows all the intricate bits you can do with them.

as to wear and tear, the last years, the longest on I had was ten years and still looked like new, only sold it because I needed a smaller seat for my tiny bum I love the wintecs as you only have to wipe over with a cloth and they come up fab.
Have been in the sea at Holkham too and still just a wipe.

 

[JulesT]

I have cair wintecs on my four riding horses, an ex racer to a big barrel flat backed appy and they fit like a dream. My saddle fitter is a wintec/bates fitter only so she knows all the intricate bits you can do with them.

as to wear and tear, the last years, the longest on I had was ten years and still looked like new, only sold it because I needed a smaller seat for my tiny bum I love the wintecs as you only have to wipe over with a cloth and they come up fab.
Have been in the sea at Holkham too and still just a wipe.

Had a brand new Wintec 500 cair supplied and fitted, always had problems and taking saddler on in trading standards. Just discovered the saddle may have a faulty tree and other issues.
Totally screwed up our ponies back!

Would never have another for any horse again

 

[Sukistokes2]

I have used the 500,( Dressage, wide) did'nt like it. Fitted by an expert , pivoted on my horses back causing bald patches, had to stop using it, went back to my Isabel Werth. Usually get on with wintec saddles didn't this model at all. As to the cair system it does depend on your horse. Some horses do not like it, others like mine really like it. Had heard horror stories about it being terrible, found out that it can work well. The Isabel werth I has was cair and it was the best saddle I have ever had.