Horse Care For Beginners

My introduction to Wintec saddles.

As I said in one of my earlier Posts, when I started horse riding (when in my 50’s), and acquired my first horse, I was a complete amateur. This didn’t just mean my riding ability, but carried right through my knowledge of everything to do with riding and horse ownership. So it applied to my knowledge of saddles!

It was at this time that I was introduced to Wintec saddles.  My very first saddle was a Wintec All Purpose saddle and it came about due to the fact that in my enthusiasm to get started, I did little research and was favourably influenced by the price of this Australian made  synthetic saddle. Although I got around to buying a rather expensive leather saddle at a later stage – mainly for use at my Saddle Club where at the that time I felt it important to make a good impression! – I used my comfortable, easy-to-look-after Wintec saddle for many, many years for day-to-day riding.

Some thoughts on Wintec  saddles.

 Not everybody is eager to adopt a synthetic saddle.  Early adopters, though often happy with their choice, did have a number of issues to cope with, but Wintec  are continuing to enhance their synthetic saddle range,  for example with the popular Wintec 2000

Let’s look at some of the benefits of synthetic saddles.

Ease of care – A light care routine is a great advantage of synthetic saddles. With the elimination of such maintenance factors as  oiling and careful storage routines, synthetic saddles can be hosed off and only need the occasion wash with manufacturer’s recommended detergent. Very quick to dry, the saddle is good to go again.

Weight – You no longer have to be the strongest in the yard as synthetic saddles weigh around half the weight of a leather saddle. This not only makes handling the saddle (tacking up or storing) lots easier, but also has a substantial benefit for your horse in reducing the weight he carries.

Comfort - Breaking in a synthetic saddle is often more comfortable thanks to the superior, softer fabric.

Reduced friction – The lighter construction and sophisticated technology (Wintec 2000 CAIR system for example) works to better distribute your weight on your horse’s back, minimising the risk of rubbing.

Grip – Improvements in saddle material results in creating products that not only look good and last a long time, but also give improved riding experience thanks to material that provides exceptional grip even in wet conditions.

Adaptability - Giving you more choice than leather, synthetics are often more flexible. Allowing you to adapt the saddle (for example by having adjustable trees) ensures the best match for your horse.

Safety  – is an interest for every rider at all levels. The Equileather or Equisuade material of the Wintec range gives enhanced grip in damp conditions where a leather saddle becomes ’slippy’.  This allows you to hold a more assured seat. This is both reassuring  and fundamental in building your self-confidence.

      Easy Change Gullet system – It is imperative your saddle is a absolute fit for your horse. The gullet system used in Wintec’s All Purpose range allows you fine tune the match of your saddle. This system allows you to adjust the match of your saddle as your horse matures, without having to change your saddle. Further, for most Wintec saddles if you exchange your horse, or ride more than one, you’ll no longer need to alter your saddle. Easily substitute the gullet and your saddle will fit the new horse.

CAIR system – Simply put, the Cair panel system replaces traditional flocking with air. As the air moves and shifts with the movement of your horse, this provides him with greater comfort.  And as most saddles load the padding with course, hard wearing fibre that can lead to pressure points the Wintec system uses pockets of air that relieve this pressure.  This minimises the stress as your horse moves helping to preserve a comfortable, flexible movement in your horse.

Price - The greatest news is the price. A synthetic saddle gives you access to top of the collection features for frequently 1/2 the price of some of the leather brands..

 A model such as the Wintec 2000  or Thorowgood should ensure you see all of the benefits described above.  And all at the cheaper end of the market.

Related posts:

1. Wintec 2000 – Just One Of An Extensive Range of Saddles For All Riders!
2. A Modern Jumping saddle – the Pessoa AO.

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