How to fit the Easy Change Riser System

What is the Easy Change Riser System?

The Easy Change Riser system is a vital piece of equipment needed for anyone owning a Wintec, Arena or Bates saddle. This adjustment that the risers enable you to make to the panels of the saddle is incredible.  Adjustments are made by fitting shims within the saddle panels for optimal fit and balance. This means the fit is measurable (in precise millimetre adjustments) and reversible in that you can easily remove the shims as the horse develops more muscle. 

How can The Saddle Bank help you?

Here at The Saddle Bank, the worlds most trusted online saddle retailer, we love the adjustability offered by Wintec, Arena and Bates saddles. As do many of our customers who take them on 5 day trial, never to return them. However, getting a good fit with a Wintec, Arena or Bates saddle is all about understanding the tools available to you.

Must have tools and equipment include;

• Gullet gauge to measure the width of your horse
• Spare Easy Change gullet bars to swap into the saddle as your horse changes shape
• Easy Change Riser System - ensuring you get the right set for the saddle you have

In this article we will look at how to fit shims in to your Wintec, Bates or Arena saddle. If you are considering purchasing a Wintec, Arena or Bates saddle why not trial one from The Saddle Bank. The Saddle Bank offer 5 day UK mainland trials on all new and used saddles with fast next working day delivery. If you are overseas don't worry - we ship worldwide!  

Our lovely team are always happy to help as much as they can and provide you with the information you need to make the best decision for you and your horse. Why not get in touch with our friendly customer support team via phone 01733 301488 or email info@thesaddlebank.com who can help you decide which saddle is right for you.

Does my saddle feature the Easy Change Fit Solution?

You can check if your saddle features the Easy Change Fit Solution by turning the saddle upside down and looking under the pommel. This should show the Easy Change Fit Solution logo. On the latest models it will feature the HART badge at the rear of the saddle.

The Easy Change saddle shims can be used in older models of Bates/Wintec. However, they must have CAIR panels and be manufactured after 2005.

Easy Change Riser System

There are several different Easy Change Riser System packs available. You should choose one depending on what you are looking to achieve and most importantly which model of saddle you have.

Easy Change Riser System Pony Jump Pack

The Easy Change Riser System Pony Jump pack is for use with all Wintec, Arena or Bates jump saddles. The shims in this pack are slightly smaller than the other packs. This enables them to fit in the smaller panels of the jump/pony saddles. This pack includes both 4mm and 8mm shims.

Get your Easy Change Riser System Pony Jump Pack here.

Easy Change Riser System Standard Starter Pack

The Easy Change Riser System standard starter pack is for use with all Wintec, Arena or Bates GP/Dressage saddles. The shims in this pack are slightly longer than the pony jump pack to enable them to fit well into the GP and Dressage models. This pack includes both 4mm and 8mm shims.

Get your Easy Change Riser System Standard Starter Pack here.

Easy Change Riser System Standard Pack

The Easy Change Riser System standard pack is for use with all Wintec, Arena or Bates GP/Dressage saddles. This pack is larger than the Standard Starter pack as it also includes deeper shims of 12mm and 16mm. This is great for horses with muscle atrophy(wastage) or horses with high withers, dipped backs or slightly more odd conformation profiles. This is the complete pack for GP/Dressage saddles. Although a little more expensive, it does allow you the option of more adjustments if required.

Get your Easy Change Riser System Standard Pack here.

What does it do?

The Easy Change Fit Solution system helps to make adjustments to the fit of your saddle. This includes altering the fit and balance of the saddle. Having this system does not eliminate the need to have the saddle correctly fitted and regularly checked by a saddle fitter. However, your fitter will be able to make fit adjustments very easily using the saddle shims. As standard the Wintec and Bates saddles are very flat through the panels. However, if you have a horse with a slightly curved back, you can use a shim in the centre to create a more curved panel. Likewise if the horse has a slightly higher wither, requiring a deeper depth in the gusset, you can insert the shims to create this fit. Utilising this system can mean you can get a very accurate fit even on the trickiest of conformations. 

Your fitter is not able to make flocking adjustments to a Bates, Wintec or Arena saddle unless it has flocked panels. Therefore, your fitter will use the Easy Change Riser system to get the optimal fit. When buying a Wintec, Arena or Bates saddle The Saddle Bank always recommend you take the correct Riser set. This is to ensure you have the option to get the perfect fit during your 5 day trial with The Saddle Bank.

How to fit the Easy Change Riser System - saddle shims

Once you have decided which shim you need to fit depending on what you are looking to achieve for example 4mm or 8mm, follow these simple steps to fit the shim(s):

• First, you will need to undo the screws located under the saddle skirt or at the D ring.
• Undo the velcro holding the flap under the head of the saddle, and fold this back out of the way.
• Gently pull the panels away from the tree points – you may need to remove your knee blocks and release the point strap to do this.
• Undo the velcro along the length of the panel.
• Insert the needed shims into the panel, ensuring that the logo faces towards the tree of the saddle.
• Make sure that the shims are aligned with the straight edge along the edge of the chamber.
• Fasten the velcro, making sure it is smooth all the way along the panel.
• You can then put the saddle back together – replace the flap to cover the gullet bar and velcro it back into place.
• Slide the panels back on to the points (ensuring the points go in to the point pockets).
• Hold the panel, tree and flap in place whilst you replace the screws under the skirt – ensuring they are done up tightly.

Now that you have finished and put your saddle back together, you will need to check the fit. Find out more on how to recognised saddle fit issues in The Saddle Bank Academy's 'Recognising Saddle Fit Issues' course.

Ready to buy Easy Change shims?

If you would like to purchase the Easy Change Riser System you can do so by clicking here.