Wintec 500 or pro?

[TandD]

I'm in need of an interim dressage saddle for a horse till next spring, when she'll get her life long saddle. I have been looking at the wintecs as she's happy in the basic Bates dressage saddle that we have been borrowing (but now need to give back).

I've narrowed it down to the dressage 500 or the dressage pro (No contour block) but can't decide which.
Both saddles used but newest style, both the same size/colour etc.
The 500 model of £270, the pro £350....so both about 1/2 rrp.
The 500 has shorter flaps and a flatter/angled panel than the pro so I'm wondering if the tops of my boots will get stuck and if the panel may dig into my horses back slightly ( the pro has a rounder shape.) But the 500 May wear better as the pro is covered in suede type material. Does anyone know how well it would wear? I'll be selling the saddle on once I've finished using it so need it to still look good!

Anyone have any pros/cons over the 2 styles? Or have any experience with them?

 

[sbloom]

The first thing that matters is whether it fits, the rest comes after. If both fit the same as the Bates, exactly the same, which may not be the case (I have no idea, I don't fit them) then you can worry about the flap but you won't know for sure about the flap length unless you try it, and you won't know if the panel suits until you try it. I'd advise, as always, a good fitter, and don't rule out a used leather saddle, as it may be a much better fit.

 

[FDLady]

I use a Wintec 500 on my mare which she seems to get on alot better with than the leather alternatives. I was tossing up between it (having always had a wintec 500 GP for her as she constantly changes shape), the pro and the Wintec Isabel and while fit wise all seemed to work for her i found myself the 500 to be alot more comfortable for me as an individual. I use to school a friends friesian in the pro and while it helped my seat nicely i had more of a perched sensation as opposed to a deep seated ride - having said that though she swears by this saddle. The 500 is also a lot easier from a keeping clean perspective - once in a while i can just run a cloth over it as opposed to having to maintain the material. My friends (having had alot of use and abuse for years) was going shiny on the seat and while it didnt effect it in any way i found it as a negative in the long run.

I've never had any issues with my long boots and catching the saddle flap though as sbloom has said you wont know until you have tried it - it will depend on your own seat as much as the horse. I was lucky my local stockist was very understanding of my sensitive horse and brought all three for me to try out so thats always an option. Some horses thrive in a good synthetic while others it just wont work. Good Luck

 

[Leo Walker]

I've got a Wintec Pro dressage saddle for sale if you are looking for one. I much prefer it to the 500 which feels like a much more basic design.

 

[rosiesowner]

I use the 500. Obviously, fit was the most important thing. But after that, I just think it looks much smarter than the all suede synthetics. I got some bigger velcro knee blocks and put them in as I prefer a big block and the ones the saddle came with are a bit pathetic I really like the slightly deeper seat too.

I haven't found that my boots have become caught at all.

This is a horreennndddooousss photo of me from a few months ago, so please ignore! But it's the best photo I have to hand showing the saddle with me in it from the side. Mrs is about 15.3hh but has quite an *ahem* deep barrel these days.