Synthetic saddles ok?

[Kim]

I need to buy Foxy a new saddle, i was going to look at a synthetic one, as i have heard they arnt so precious as leather ones. Anyone know which make i should be looking at? ive heard Wintec are pretty good.

[bimba]

I'm not a big fan of synthetics but Wintecs are usually okay as are Thorowgoods, I find that the cheaper ones are pretty uncomfortable and wear very easily.

[Poppy and Harmony]

I would really recommend Wintec, I had a 500 before which lasted very well even. I now have a Wintec Wide which is SO nice, it is one of the comfiest saddles I have ridden in and is a really nice quality, doesn't look cheap either.

Have heard good things about Thorowgood's aswell, although the T4 range can look quite cheap. The T6 range is more expensive but does look alot nicer

[My Crazy Clan]

Love synthetics saddles, there is nothing wrong with them, if you get a decent made one and it fits your mare well, I would stay away from Rhinegold though.

[Spockky boy]

Poppy Which model of Wintec do you have now?]

I would go with a wintec. I love my leather saddles, but I can't afford now atm.

[Poppy and Harmony]

I have a Wintec Wide now. Got it brand new from Ebay for £200 :cool:

[CityLights]

Im not mad keen on the old wintecs but the new ones look a much better design but it does depend on your horse to which is better, i like the thoroughgood and also the Maxam which i think they make, they are very cheap but are what i had on my ponies for years

[fougere]

I've had 3 Thorowgood saddles and I'm happy with all 3, light and comfy. I had 3 due to Bracken changing shape once backed.
His first was a 2nd hand Maxam XW, which we used for a year.
His next was one with fish, which we used for 5 years and is in my tack room still looking like new.
Now I use a medium width one, and have done for the past 3 years.
I ride 5 times a week for at least 2 hours at a time and they have survived this level of use very well.

[Twizzel]

Thorowgood over Wintec any day... Wintecs are so uncomfortable and rarely fit well.

[dun blonde]

Thorowgood over Wintec any day... Wintecs are so uncomfortable and rarely fit well.

That is totally not true!! Wintec 500's tend to only fit certain types such as TB's or similar,as that's what they are designed for,but there are other ranges for other types of horse/pony that fit extremely well.I suspect you are basing that opinion on the whole 'banana shaped tree only fit TB's' stories,which I appreciate is a common thing said about wintecs,but not necessarily true;)

To OP,I have a wintec wide on my fell pony,and it fits him a treat,and I find it the most comfortable saddle I have ever ridden in,and so easy to maintain,no cleaning involved:D

I have had thorowgood before and also found that a nice saddle,but have to say prefer my wintec,pony and I both love it:)

I wouldn't touch any of the cheaper synthetics around TBH,might be fine but I would rather stick to what I know and have heard of.

[Squid]

I would only choose between Wintec and Thorowgood. Personally I'd go for the Wintecs after having them for years. Only advise the Thorowgood if you get the T6 range. I can't stand the suede on the T4's and they are also pretty bulky.

[rowy]

I think they are both pretty good.
the new T6 is really smart and pretty comfortable and its cool that they now can change the gullet.
Have had wintecs as well and they were pretty comfortable. I have one on the youngster im backing atm who is extra wide lol and fits him fine as well as being very light!

[Kim]

Well, im going for a Wintec wide saddle synthetic. A lot of the girls at our yard have them, and said they are excellent. I looked at one today and for the price they seem good value.

I was also told that leather saddles can be very slippery, and as my Daughter is still learning, id prefer she didnt skate off the saddle for a while yet !!

The saddler is coming at the weekend to fit, so hopefully its all gonna be ok :)