Wintec Wide vs Wintec Standard models – know the differences!

Wintec are the Worlds most popular brand of synthetic saddle. They offer some fantastic features and have been radically upgraded in the past few years. Wintec saddles are a great choice for those on a budget or those looking for a lightweight saddle. 

Wintec offer two main ranges, the Wintec 500 and the Wintec 2000 (sometimes also called the Pro). Within these ranges they also have a standard width range and a 'Wide' range suited to broader, cobbier types. They also offer a Wintec Lite and a Wintec D'Lux range. However, we will focus on the 500 and 2000 models. 

In this article we will discuss everything you need to know about the standard Wintec vs the Wintec Wide to enable you to make the best decision for you and your horse.

If you are still a bit confused about which saddle or any saddle related product is best for you why not get in touch with our friendly customer support team. Via phone on 01733 301488 or email info@thesaddlebank.com. 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.

Who are Wintec?

Whether you are the ultimate full time professional or a committed hobby rider, you are bound to have heard of Wintec saddles. Wintec are the leading worlds number 1 in Synthetic saddles. Made in Australia, they have worked rigorously into developing saddles on a lower budget, but with high standards.

Wintec have an exceptional quality control team and we find them to be consistent and fault free. Their saddles are made from a durable synthetic material which is easy to maintain and enables them to offer quality built saddles at competitive prices. 

They have created saddles for every discipline, from the all-purpose, dressage, jumping, kids and pony and even stock and endurance! Wintec saddles have the added advantage of being adjustable. Therefore the width of the saddle can be easily altered using the Easy Change Gullets. You can also customise the fit of the panel using the Easy Change Risers. These are yellow foam shims which are inserted into the panels of the saddle to change the shape of the panel. These work really well on horses that have a slight curve to their back, or need a lift over the withers for example. 

For more information on the easy change riser system and the adjustable gullet system, watch the video below!

Wintec WIDE 

What is a Wintec Wide saddle?

The Wintec WIDE range is designed for cobs, or particularly wide horses. Wintec offer a WIDE All Purpose and WIDE Dressage saddle. Within the WIDE range the saddles are adjustable from 1XW-4XW. Therefore they work really well on super wide horses.

Who are the Wintec Wide saddles for?

The WIDE model is designed for a more low profile, low withered horse. The panels are typically quite flat as standard. However, this can be altered using the Easy Change Risers. However, if your horse is wide yet has a slight curve in their back, you may want to consider upgrading to the Arena Cob GP or Arena Cob dressage. As this model naturally suits a horse with a slight curve in the back. However, if your budget is limited, you can still achieve the desired fit in the Wintec Wide model by using the Easy Change Risers. 

Gullet bars for a Wintec WIDE saddle 

• 1XW - Pale Lilac
• 2XW - Lilac
• 3XW - Purple
• 4XW - Dark Purple

Shop Gullet Bars Here

Standard Wintec

What is a standard Wintec saddle?

Wintec offer a range of saddles adjustable from Narrow to XW. This is what we are referring to as a 'standard' wintec, in the sense that it is not a WIDE model. 

Who are the Standard Wintec saddles for?

The standard range of Wintec saddles work well on standard withered horses. Wintec do also offer a high wither range which features a deeper rear gusset to help balance the saddle on horses with higher withers. However, you can achieve a good fit on a horse with higher withers, or a tricky conformation using the Easy Change Risers. 

Gullet bars for a standard Wintec saddle 

• Narrow - Yellow
• Narrow Medium - Green
• Medium - Black 
• Medium Wide - Blue
• Wide - Red
• Extra Wide - White

Shop Gullet Bars Here

Which Wintec is right for you?

How wide is your horse?

To decide which Wintec is right for your horse, you first need to establish how wide your horse is. If your horse is a super wide (1XW-4XW) you will need the Wintec Wide saddle. If your horse is not quite so wide, you can look to the standard Wintec saddles. 

If you are unsure how wide your horse is, it is worth checking with your saddle fitter or using the Wintec gullet gauge to identify the width of your horse. 

What type of saddle do you want?

When you have established your horses width, you can then look to the type of saddle you want. Are you looking for a GP, Dressage or Jump saddle? If you have a Cob horse on the 1XW-4XW scale and are looking for a jump saddle, sadly a Wintec won't work for you. But some other brands cater to cobs who jump such as Monarch with the Monarch Cob Jump saddle. 

• Standard width Wintec GP saddles
• Standard width Wintec Dressage saddles
• Standard width Wintec Jump saddles
• WIDE Wintec GP saddles
• WIDE Wintec Dressage saddles

What type of conformation does your horse have?

Does your horse have a flat back? Does your horse have a curved back? Does your horse have much of a wither? Is your horse croup high? All of these factors are things to look at. If your horse does have shape in its back, or has a more prominent wither, we would recommend taking the relevant Easy Change Riser Pack.

If you are unsure, feel free to get in touch with our team who will be glad to assist you. 

Matching Accessories?

If you like to have matching accessories for your saddle, you can get matching Wintec stirrup leathers and Wintec Girth. 

Shop Wintec Girths for GP saddles

Shop Wintec Girths for Dressage saddles

Want to try one?

Are you looking for your next Wintec saddle? Why not trial one via The Saddle Bank

The Saddle Bank offer 5 Day Trials on all Quality Used saddles to UK Mainland customers. Therefore, you can try the saddle before committing to keeping it. Full details on our trial policy can be found here.

Are you from outside of the UK? No problem. The Saddle Bank offers international shipping. The Saddle Bank can deliver your new saddles direct to your door.