Wintec Isabell dressage saddle

I always wanted one but when I got it I ws disappointed. I had the old version though. The things I noted were:

You need a size bigger than usual. I am usually fine in a 17 1/2 inch so got that size. But it was too small and really restricted my movement and gave me a very bad back.

I am five foot 10 and a size ten, so not a huge bottom or anything, but I think the saddle is suited to shorter people more than tall people as the knee rolls never seemed right for me.

There is an over strap that is a pain in the backside to deal with. Its only function is to keep the saddle flaps down, otherwise they would stick out to the side when you were not riding on it.

The cair flocking was hard as concrete. I had it removed and replaced with wool flocking. I also removed the over strap.

After riding in it twice, I sold it as I hated it.
 
I have the Bates and love it. The cair pannels were not hard at all, I really like how it supports you, I am 5'10" and it is 17.5 " with room to spare, the moveable knee blocks are a godsend as my legs swam in my Albion SLK. I also compete my friends horse in the wintec isabell and it is only 17" and I don't find it too small at all.

Well worth then money! I hope mine fits my new one when she is backed, I would be heart broken to let it go.
 
I recently bought a new one, love it! 1st saddle that I have used that keeps my legs in the right position , constantly battling charlie chaplin feet until my isabell. Def worth every penny for me :)
 
I have two of the old version and I love it!
Great saddle for amateur dressage people. One of my mares hacks out in hers, too, and it's lovely and secure. I tried the new model but am not going to upgrade - it didn't add anything for me!
 
I have one, which I am very sadly going to have to sell. There is a bit of a difference I think though between the old style and the new recent style where they've made a few changes.

I just love mine - it is the older style Werth one, I'm not as keen at all on the newer ones. But sadly mine is a 17", and my new boy has such a short back that I'm having to buy him a 16.5" saddle.

The great thing about it was that it really helped me keep a good riding position - I wasn't constantly fighting the saddle, like you so often are in other dressage saddles - including some of the leather & supposedly better ones!
 
Thanks all. I notice the new Isabell has recessed stirrup leather wotsits, what are the other differences please?
 
They do tend to be "marmite" saddles, loved or hated in equal measure, I have no idea about the new saddle but as a fitter I am always wary of saddles described as having a recessed stirrup bar - it has to be recessed somwhere which means it is closer to the horse, and can cause pressure issues.

And some thoughts, with which I agree, on the Wintec shape tree:

http://saddlefitter.blogspot.com/2011/09/changeable-gullets-details.html
 
sbloom said:
They do tend to be "marmite" saddles, loved or hated in equal measure, I have no idea about the new saddle but as a fitter I am always wary of saddles described as having a recessed stirrup bar - it has to be recessed somwhere which means it is closer to the horse, and can cause pressure issues.

And some thoughts, with which I agree, on the Wintec shape tree:

http://saddlefitter.blogspot.com/2011/09/changeable-gullets-details.html
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Very interesting article and have had exactly this problem with the Wintec GP which I hate incidentally .I guess this will apply to my dressage saddle as well, I haven't tried or used it on new horse yet, will the different panels make a difference ?
 
Nope, sadly the tree is the tree and a different panel can't really shift pressure created by it. I find that no matter which model there is always slightly more pressure at the top of the panel than I would like.
 
I love wintec saddles generally but only on thoroughbreds. I have yet to have a thoroughbred that doesn't go well in one. However, I HATE wintecs on anything else. Even the wintec wide saddles are not a good fit for the wider horse.
 
They are a love or hate thing. Loved and hated with a passion. Also, count on needing a saddle that's an inch bigger than you normally need. That could cause problems with fitting the horse. Ideally ride in someone else's before committing to buy one. I wouldn't want you to buy a saddle and then hate it.
 
kippen64 said:
They are a love or hate thing. Loved and hated with a passion. Also, count on needing a saddle that's an inch bigger than you normally need. That could cause problems with fitting the horse. Ideally ride in someone else's before committing to buy one. I wouldn't want you to buy a saddle and then hate it.
Click to expand...

This is what I found. I would have needed an 18 inch rather than my usual 17 1/2 inch. I ride in a 17 1/2 inch Albion Platinum Royale, Pessoa, and Ideal Jessica. All fit me perfectly, but I was too much on the cantle of the Isabell. Also I found the positioning of the stirrup bars, far from encouraging an easy good position, to make my hip joints ache terribly. I have no problem with correct position in other dressage saddles.
 
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I have been using one on my youngster for last 6 months or do and it's been a great stop gap. He's now had a bit of a present of a very smart Ideal Suzannah. I'm hoping it will be ok on my little Arab now as I rather like it, and he is quite little, it's a 16.5 I'm about 5'5 or so and a size 12. I haven't found it particularly small? Anyway, Varkie, if I can't get it to fit, will be for sale ;)
 
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