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We have
nothing but good things to say about Wintec saddles. Ron
Bates, the managing director of Bates, Australia, (the parent
company of Wintec) is a rider and horseman. He has worked to
design an incredibly user friendly saddle for both horses and
riders that offer a changeable gullet system that really
works, as well as the “Cair” air panel. Our experience has
been that it takes about 10 minutes and a little effort to
change the tree plate in these saddles. The plates range from
‘narrow’ to ‘extra wide’. A gullet gauge is available to
measure your horse if you are not sure, or it is very easy for
us to determine the tree width from a wither tracing. The “Cair” panels offer good weight distribution and a nice wide
gullet. The saddles come with a medium tree plate, and extra
plates are available for $19.95.
The ‘Cair’ panels consist of a very strong, thin sealed airbag.
The saddles have four bags, two front and two rear, that
softly mold to the horse’s back. The beauty of the air system
is that it virtually eliminates pressure points and dry spots.
We have had horses that had been very back sore respond
amazingly well to this panel. One fitting note is that these
saddles can tend to look a little perched up on the horses
back until the riders weight settles it down, so be sure to
make some of your fitting judgments while you are on board! It
is possible to add flocking to these panels, in the event that
more adjustment is needed, but we have found that the air
system can correct many of the fitting problems that
previously required re-stuffing.
The saddles have a ‘flexibloc’ system which allows the thigh
block to be moved on a Velcro panel under the flap. It allows
a very customized fit, and is particularly helpful for
allowing a bit of growing room, or if the saddle needs to be
shared by several riders.
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BATES INNOVA
Another amazing
innovation from Ron Bates! With a deep but unrestrictive seat and the
revolutionary Contourbloc thigh block, the Innova offers awhole new
meaning to the words “balanced and secure”. The stirrup bars are set for
optimal leg position and a modest twist offers a close feel – you just
can’t sit wrong in this saddle. As with other Bates saddles, the Innova
offers the changeable gullet system, CAIR panels and adjustable “Y”
girthing system … and has a spiffy new stirrup leather keeper, to boot.
Available in size 0, 1 and 2- These saddles measure differently than
traditional dressage saddles, but we have found that the “1” fits most of
our average size (5’6”- 5’8” – 130-145 pound lady riders correctly) with
regular or ‘extended’ Contourblocs.
#BA-IE (extended
kneeblock)
$2695.50
#BA-IS (standard
kneeblock) $2695.50
Rider Comments: (We have had really
positive reviews on this saddle, and we’ ve been putting EVERYONE in it
for their opinion) I have ridden in both the standard model (with the
smaller knee blocks) and also the extended model with the large blocks. I
was immediately taken by the comfort and balance of the seat in both of
the models- these saddles really are different than ANYTHING that I have
ridden in. The seat allowed me to have tremendous flexibility and
open-ness in my hip. The large block definitely put my leg in the ‘correct
spot’ and was extremely comfortable. Before I rode in it, I expected to
feel very constrained, but was amazed that it just offered great security
without restricting my leg. The smaller block worked wonderfully for a
rider with a slightly heavier leg, and also for a rider who needed to let
their leg come forward a bit more.
Trumbull Mt Tack Shop Offers its
clients a 10% discount on the fittings of their choice when they purchase
any new or used saddle from us.
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Our saddle trial policy is
both simple and risk free. We invite you to try any of our saddles, new
or used for one week before you make your decision to buy. At Trumbull
Mt Tack our sole mission is to help you find the perfect saddle for both
you and your horse. Simply call us at 800-442-9672 and tell us which of
our saddles you would like to try. We will ask you for your credit card
and shipping information. We will bill your card for the cost of the
saddle and $25.00 shipping and handling. When you receive your saddle
feel free to put your fittings on it and ride in it for one week. If you
decide a saddle isn't quite right for you for any reason, just ship it
back to us and when we receive it we will credit your card for all but
the $25.00 shipping fee. |
