Wintec Close Contact Saddles....any good?

Kenzo

Kenzo

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Just a quickie,

Now I know you get what you pay for, but I'm thinking of buying one of these for jumping in, but its not actually for my horse hence why I'm not prepared to spend and invest in a nice quality leather jumping saddle, so thought about something cheap and cheerful but better jump in than the owners current saddle that the horse has, because one of these days I'm going to break my neck!.

So I was just wondering, for the price be it new or a barely used second hand one (so where talking anything from £180 - £380), obviously making sure it fits correctly (because the current saddle doesn't fit perfectly anyway, so he does need something else) plus I have the option to change the gullet (which I know is not the be all and end all of saddle fitting trust me) but I'm sure my local saddler will allow me to fit it with a few gullet options to take with me (if I buy those) if it doesn't fit everywhere else of course it will be returned etc

But my question is, has anybody used one, are they ok for jumping in?, or even at that price are they a complete waste of money? do they offer the support you need for jumping in? and are they easy to sell on again because I may only be using for short term use. Normal panels or Cair?

Just basically your views would be much appreciated.
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Thank you
 
I had one , didn't do much jumping in it though .. it was alright but put me in a hideous position when no riding jumping length so aslong as its not your one and only saddle they would be useful.

I know someone that jumped 1.30's in one so they must do the job
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I adore my Wintec CC sadle and would choose it over any of the fancy more money than there worth laether saddles around, after having it for 4 years its moulded to my leg shape, although that didnt take 4 years to happen
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nd it fits Buzz perfedtly. only down side is the girth straps splitting but they can easily bee replaced.
 
Ive had two.. a GP n a dressage. and I have never ever ever been able to gel with them. Much prefer the thorowgood saddles. But thats jsut me lol

Lo ux
 
Can you easily have them re-flocked? don't think I'd have to worry about that mind you but just intested to know as I obviously they will take some time to pan in?
 
I hunted a horse in one a few times when the weather was too beyond filthy for its nice leather one - it was fine! It was a Cair one.

I found it very short in the hip thigh measurements but then I have crazy long legs. horse was fine in it - I say give it ago - I went onto sell it 2nd hand quite well too.
 
Arr right that is interesting you should say that because although I'm not tall 5'6 I have long legs (well thigh bone) but shorter from knee to foot...if you get me so I'm wondering if I'd I'd be better with a 17'' or a 17.5'' (horse can take up to 18'') I'm a bum size 10, hmmm
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I'm 5ft 1in so sliighlty different from u
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buzz is only 14.3hh so i've got a 16.5in on him, mine also has the Cair panels so they get refilled when necesary but yes they can be reflocked, my friends got an older one without the Cair and i know she's had it done.
 
I had a Wintec CC Cair for years, I wish I'd kept it. I loved it, it fitted my horses and never caused any back problems. I found it comfortable, nice and light (and weight is important to me) and easy to maintain.

If I ever have the urge to sit on an English saddle again I will certainly get another one, fortunately they are now available over here too.
 
I have a Wintec GP, not sure what the difference is with the CC, but it doesn't suit me at all. Admittedly I am 5'9" and have long legs, the saddle is a 17". It just doesn't allow me to 'use' my legs and makes me tip forwards.

I think Wintecs can and do suit some people and their horses, but they don't suit me and they don't suit my horse (originally bought it for my old horse and got it adjusted to fit).

I wouldn't recommend them to other tall riders with ID X TB type horses.

I'm getting a new saddle hopefully soon, and cannot wait!
 
I have one. I am 6ft and my inside leg is 36inches and my horse is a big chap, saddle is 17.5inch. I have no problems with it, the knee blocks allow me to put them where I like, so gives my knee some extra room.
I don't like the Wintec GPs and the cheap Dressage ones aren't great, but the CC is fine for me, I hack, hunt, jump and school in mine.
 
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