Wintec Isabell Werth Dressage Saddle?

[Nels]

I have been bringing my horse back into work slowly after an injury and was looking to get a leather GP saddle fitted to him in the next few weeks...but after getting his back checked and being advised that he is going to change shape a lot over the next year I have decided to hold off on spending £1000+ until he is a bit more muscley.

So now I need something to tide me over in the mean time that won't cost me too much money, but obviously still be suitable for a growing youngster (5 year old warmblood). I am looking to compete unaffiliated dressage and so would really like a dressage saddle. After doing my research the Isabell Werth saddle from Wintec seems to be a good design - what are people's experiences of this saddle? Is it comfy to ride in and for the horse? Would it be better to go for the Cair option? And do you think around £500 new is a fair price? Does the saddle last well?

Any opinions gratefully received, many thanks! x

 

[the watcher]

£500 new is a fair price, retail is £599.

I have one, it was my dream saddle and I have wanted one for years and the saddle is lovely - but because my hips are very stiff and my core strength is shot to bits I am struggling to find a comfortable position in it. In theory it should be fine but is just a bit too extreme - I am gutted

However if you would like to pm and chat about mine that is 18" with Cair and in very good condition....

 

[sillygillyhorse]

I had the leather one at one stage, it was fab on the horse I had it for and I felt very secure especially as said horse was rather unpredicatable at times!

It has a very deep seat which I would now find very restricting. It does put you in a very elegent dressage position and hold you there. To begin with you will possibly find it very odd and ache like mad as the stirrup bar being set back really encourages/makes you to get your thigh under your hip.

They are not for everyone and your best bet would be to try before you buy.

 

[seche]

I have one - (which I got off ebay 3 yrs ago) for £450 worn once! BARGAIN - I ride a 16.1hh TB who is now 7 - it has grown with him due to changeable gullets, I am 5'9 of nearly all leg which is very annoying! - I have the flocked one - 17in - it still looks good as new - i have looked after it - it gets "brushed" to keep it looking suedy, and it has its turquiose cover on it when it is resting to stop it getting dusty. - it is very deep seated which suits for this horse as he has an enormous movement. Its very comfortable and does give you the "Werth" lower leg. I tried him in a Jag, an Exselle, and an Albion (I have an albion XC Saddle!) and I didnt like any of them more than what I already had!! It is good and "grippy" too - you stay stuck so to speak!!
Try it - Saddles are abit like buying shoes - people like diff things!

 

[carthorse]

Just sold ours on ebay, didn't really like it as it held me in position too much.You can pick up new and used ones on there . I got £345 for mine which had only been used for a few shows.

 

[burtie]

I love it on young and unbalanced horsea as it really helps hold you in the correct position and of course the gullet changs which is a must on a young or developing horse!

However once a horse becomes really established and balanced I find it is too restricting.