Wintec Stock Saddle

[Marilyn91]

Hi all,

I'm currently testing a Wintec stock saddle on my feisty Connemara who is being sent off to be rebacked soon.

Has anyone here tried the Wintec stock saddle? Would be interested to hear your experiences and if you could ride rising trot and canter in a hunting seat normally.

What kind of horse do you think it suits / what horse are you riding with it? My Connemara is flat-backed, short and wide. I have an Ideal on her at the moment which fits very well, but I'm considering getting something with more security for the rider (at least in the short-term).

 

[ycbm]

I don't have any experience with this saddle, but that one looks like it might not be a good fit? It may be the angle of the photos, or even that it's supposed to sit that way, but it looks high in front to me. Ignore me if that's not helpful.

That's an impressive looking facility you board at!
.

 

[Marilyn91]

I don't have any experience with thir sale, but that one looks like it might not be a good fit? It may be the angle of the photos, or even that it's supposed to sit that way, but it looks high in front to me. Ignore me if that's not helpful.

That's an impressive looking facility you board at!
.

Thanks for your comment! Yes the saddle is a bit high, even with the extra wide gullet! I am thinking/hoping she will lose weight once she's been rebacked and is being ridden regularly, and then the saddle will hopefully sit more evenly.

 

[TPO]

Stock saddles are designed in australia for australian stock horses.

They tend to be TB x, have withers, curved backs (as in not flat) and they arent the widest.

I dont know if the stock saddle has changeable headplates like other wintecs but that wont change the sizing, fit and shape of the gullet and panels. If too wide a headplate is put into a narrower model it can cause the tree to curve and lift.

I would ensure that a first saddle/backing saddle fits the horse well now. You dont want a horse having bad associations with the saddle/being ridden and discomfort/pain. Also a saddle that doesnt fit can cause physical issues and muscle atrophy.

I really wouldn't use a saddle for backing in the hope that the horse will slim into it. If anything, even if they do lose a bit of weight, they should be developing topline and muscles over their back. Its far more common to need a wider saddle as they progress than a narrower.

In your position I would seriously reconsider my saddle choice.

In regards to being about to ride "hunt seat" that isnt what stock saddles are designed for. When using a stock saddle stirrups are longer than english and the leg generally is a bit in front of the vertical so it's slightly more of a chair seat than hunt seat. Stock saddles are designed for doing long hours and security when doing so.

 

[Marilyn91]

Stock saddles are designed in australia for australian stock horses.

They tend to be TB x, have withers, curved backs (as in not flat) and they arent the widest.

I dont know if the stock saddle has changeable headplates like other wintecs but that wont change the sizing, fit and shape of the gullet and panels. If too wide a headplate is put into a narrower model it can cause the tree to curve and lift.

I would ensure that a first saddle/backing saddle fits the horse well now. You dont want a horse having bad associations with the saddle/being ridden and discomfort/pain. Also a saddle that doesnt fit can cause physical issues and muscle atrophy.

I really wouldn't use a saddle for backing in the hope that the horse will slim into it. If anything, even if they do lose a bit of weight, they should be developing topline and muscles over their back. Its far more common to need a wider saddle as they progress than a narrower.

In your position I would seriously reconsider my saddle choice.

In regards to being about to ride "hunt seat" that isnt what stock saddles are designed for. When using a stock saddle stirrups are longer than english and the leg generally is a bit in front of the vertical so it's slightly more of a chair seat than hunt seat. Stock saddles are designed for doing long hours and security when doing so.

Thanks for your advice - I think you're right. I'll stick with her Ideal for now, which is recommended for Connemaras and has been fitted by a master saddler. If/when I'm able to ride her I'll have another think about what kind of saddle fits her shape and is suited to my needs. It's a bit gutting because the saddle is absolutely gorgeous and looks like it would be extremely secure! But obviously fitting the horse is more important.

 

[sbloom]

The tree and panel have to be the right shape, this doesn't look to have either. I will argue that locking in with deep seat and big blocks isn't the best way to achieve security and is often counter-productive, instead putting you in the wrong place and introducing tension. A good, balanced, stable saddle is often a better option for the rider, even if it has smaller blocks and an more open seat (which most Connie suitable saddles would have). The ultimate is a brand that is focused on rider assessment and fitting from that as a baseline, as the right support for seatbones, pubic arch and the way your hips hang is the best way to give yourself security but there aren't many options out there that truly take this into account.