Wintec Pro Dressage saddle?

Question

I was thinking of possibly buying a Wintec Pro Synthetic Dressage saddle, but we are unsure of what we should offer to pay for it. It's a used saddle, the saddle itself is in great condition, but the leather needs to be replaced, just cuase they look bad...they will last, just look in bad condition.

How much would a brand new one cost?
It looks kinda like this
http://www.uksaddlery.com/usrimage/0661355.jpg
But I haven't been riding at the barn for a while, so I can't tell if that's the exact one.
It's a swayed synthetic leather, with the padding where your knees are (sorry not too familiar with the real terms for saddle stuff).
She "claims" she paid about $800 for it, but she'd lied to us before about prices on how much she paid.
How much do you think it's worth? How much would you offer and accept?
Thanks!

Answer 1

I can't imagine she paid $800 for it.. but it depends on exactly what type of Wintec it is.. and even still, used saddles can easily depreciate in value if they're not well taken care of.



You can get a brand new Henri Di Rivel dressage for $895 - and it's NOT synthetic.

This one is made with Buffalo leather which is pretty much the nicest leather you can use outside of Calfskin:

http://www.statelinetack.com/itemdy00.asp?T1=SLT700920%2017R



This wintec is the "leather-like" material instead of the suede and it is $413 new:

http://www.statelinetack.com/itemdy00.asp?T1=SLT700922%201650



The only wintec I see that's even close to $800 is the one made under Isabell Werth's name($999):

http://www.doversaddlery.com/wintec-isabell-dressage-saddle/p/X1-15023/cn/94/



But, I mean, honestly.. I don't know why anyone in their right mind would spend close to $1000 for a suede/synthetic saddle.. they're so icky to me.

So hard to clean and they really do not wear well from what I see of the ones out at my barn :/



I would definitely not give her any more than $500 for it, since that's what they're going for new (and I even wouldn't offer that since it's NOT new).

Answer 2

The Pro and 2000 versions of the Wintec saddles and way more expensive and of a much higher quality then the 250, and 500 versions of the saddles. They are made of Equisuede and are quite possibly the most comfortable saddle I've ever rode in. I own a Wintec 2000 AP saddle w/CAIR and new it cost between 600-700 dollars, depending on whether or not you choose CAIR panels or traditional flocked ones. My 2000 has real leather billets and I use synthetic Stirrup leathers. Theses are awesome as they don't stretch and you don't have to worry about punching holes in the leather because you can no longer get your stirrups even.



Its true that they probably don't retain their value as well as traditional leather, but they don't rot or harbor bugs like them either. They are also completely water proof if you do any trail riding or you just plain like riding in the rain, when all my friends head back to the barn I'm still out prancing around.



$800 dollars is the actual price of the saddle because I have debated on whether or not to buy the 2000 AP or Pro Dressage saddle. If it is in superb condition I'd offer around 500 dollars depending on whether or not it comes with the fittings.



Also as an advocate to the CAIR panels my horse is an OTTB who has head about 7 months off an lost all muscle he has been back in heavy training for HJ and Dressage for the past 2 months and has not be back sore at all, and I started him back in my Wintec. Though you aren't supposed to use CAIR panels with multiple riders using the same saddle and on a lot of horses. If you switch the saddle to different shaped horses all the time and ride multiple horses in the same day it can cause back damage, because the air becomes compressed and becomes very hard. So if your riding the same horse and its just you riding in it it is fine. Also this isn't saying you can switch the horse its used on because it will reshape it self if you start using it constantly on a different horse.



If yo have any questions about Wintec just email me I did a lot of research on them before I bought mine.

Answer 3

I used leather saddle will last many years. One I sold looks like new and it was 16 years old. Synthetic saddles won't last so long and stay as nice for so many years. if you are buying a used saddle, you might as well get a well cared for leather one. If buying new, a wintec is a great choice for the money.



Overall, I wouldn't buy a saddle or anything from this person. $400 is a bit much. You can find so many used saddles in tack store, online, or on ebay. Also don't buy a leather saddle on ebay unless you've fitted the exact saddle and size to your horse. I wintec on ebay is a safe bet though. GL

Answer 4

I have the Isobel Werth dressage saddle and the Wintec Pro with Cair. They are excellent and much more comfortable than leather, you can also use on different horses due to the interchangeable gullet.



There shouldnt be any leather on the saddle although I use leather stirrup leathers and a leather girth.



I do advanced dressage in the Isobel Werth saddle and jump in the pro. They are great saddles for our British weather



Make sure your saddle is in perfect condition before you spend too much money.

Answer 5

Leather needs replacing? Isn't it synthetic like most (if not all) wintecs?

I've never seen a wintec dressage pro saddle for much more than £350 brand new, which is about $700. It's worth asking where she bought it, ringing up and asking them specifically. $800 does sound possible though.

Answer 6

You can get a really nice LEATHER dressage saddle for $800 so I hope you don't fall for that one. Check out Ebay they have some good saddles on there...the Crosby Collegiate saddles are very nice and inexpensive...I've had my close contact saddle for over 25 years and it is still in great shape. You may also want to check on TACKTRADER.COM. GOOD LUCK.

Answer 7

Wintec Pro dressage saddles are really good they are sooo comfortable, in australian dollars you pay for a new one about $1000 possibly a bit more depending on the store. $400-$600 australian dollars is probably a good price.

Answer 8

you are paying 5000 for the horse, that isn't exactly cheap why are you worried about a few dollars on a saddle?

Answer 9

the third strap is to stop the saddle flap from moving when you are riding the horse it connects underneath the belly of the horse. hope this helps

Answer 10

I don't like it, it's synthetic. If you are going to show get a real leather one.



I have this one, it's 839.00:

http://www.justforponies.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=1039