Information about Wintec Saddles
Modern synthetic saddles are truly a viable (and often
more suitable) alternative to leather saddles in this day and age, and have come
a long way from the original material saddles that were first seen a number of years
ago. Wintec are one of the leading brands of synthetic saddles in the UK and worldwide.
Wintec saddles are crafted to the same high standards
as a traditional English leather saddle, but with several advantages.
Wintec synthetic saddles are considerably lighter than leather saddles making them
easier to carry and more comfortable for your horse.
Wintec saddles are ideal for use in all weather conditions as synthetic materials
are quick drying and easy to clean. Wintec saddles give you greater riding freedom,
and offer an ideal alternative for use in inclement conditions, which would otherwise
damage a leather saddle.
Wintec saddles are very hardwearing and are covered by a full one year warranty
against faulty materials, or workmanship. Furthermore the Elastiflex Saddle Tree
used in Wintec saddles is warranted against breakage for the lifetime of the saddle.
(please note warranties on Wintec Saddles are subject to use under normal conditions
and provided care instructions are correctly followed).
All of the materials used in Wintec saddles are subject to a series of laboratory
tests and are evaluated against a stringent set of specifications during their manufacture
and supply. The tests conducted include testing for abrasion resistance using proven
"Taber Testing" equipment, UV resistance and dye ratings. Laminated materials are
also tested for peel strengths, tensile and tear strengths. The test results are
written into material specifications, which are provided to all material suppliers
for Wintec products. They also conduct random audits on materials to check their
consistency and quality against specifications and ensure quality standards for
Wintec saddles are met at all times
The saddles Elastiflex tree achieves optimal levels of strength and flexibility
throughout. Thie Wintec tree whilst being incredibly strong and durable for horse
and rider the tree is also super-thin and flexible to allow full spring tree performance
which facilitates excellent communication between horse and rider.
The Wintec saddles elastiflex tree has been designed to be rigid in the head and
strong along the line following the horse's spine whilst having lateral flex across
the horse's back for stability with freedom of movement. The stiffness afforded
in the tree along the horse's spine is important as it distributes the rider’s weight
evenly. If a saddle tree is too flexible along the horse's spine the weight will
bear down on the horse's back causing injury.
A Spring Steel Gullet in the Wintec tree ensures the head of the saddle stays completely
rigid whilst allowing the seat flexibility. The Wintec Gullet has been heat tempered
in order to set the shape of the head of the saddle and guarantee the tree will
never spread throughout the saddle's lifetime. Wintec saddles are available to use
with a choice of six different gullet sizes from narrow to extra wide and are easily
changed to alter the fit of the saddle over the horse's wither in minutes with just
the use of a screwdriver (this is true of all models except the Wintec 250 which
requires the stitching to be removed and replaced).
The elastiflex trees flexible tree points combine with a wide chamber at the head
of the saddle and allow your horse's shoulders to move freely without pressure or
pinching. In addition the wide chamber throughout the length of the saddle distributes
your weight across the broad area of your horse's back muscles helping to prevent
any pressure to either side of the backbone.
Stainless Steel Stirrup Bars are used in all Wintec saddles, and are fully moulded
and hand polished. The stirrup bars incorporate all the qualities inherent in stainless
steel, superior strength, durability and will not rust. The stirrup bars are designed
with a hook end for rider safety as opposed to a clip end which has been known to
break or lock up. Safety is one of Wintec’s priorities. The saddles stirrup bars
are recessed under the elastiflex tree to help remove the lump of the stirrup leather
from under the rider's leg and are also angled to make it easier to slide leathers
on and off. Wintec dressage saddles also feature in addition to this extended stirrup
bars in order to position the stirrup leather further back to achieve better rider
balance.
The seat is made from a super enduro seat foam, and has been specially moulded to
shape as opposed to being cut from thin sheet foam. This far superior alternative
method of manufacture enables the seat foam to be up to 1 and 1/2 inches thick and
ensures a high resilience. The enduro seat and will not ride down throughout the
lifetime of the saddle, ensuring permanent comfort and shock-absorption. Enduro
is a specially manufactured foam that is open celled, allowing for better heat dissipation
and breatheability.
Wintec saddles feature a moveable bloc under the flap which allows the rider to
individually tailor their thigh and knee support increasing comfort and enhancing
the rider's performance.
These blocs are known as Flexiblocs, and at least one pair are normally supplied
with all Wintec saddlesGeneral Purpose and Dressage saddles. In addition to this
dressage blocs come in regular or large (both supplied with the Isabel).
The Wintec 2000 and Pro skirts slightly differ from other Wintec saddles, featuring
very fine edges to make the transition from the skirt to the flap as smooth as possible
under the rider's leg.
Real Male and Female Velcro® is used in Wintec saddles as opposed to brush nylon
in order to achieve much stronger grip, durability and permeability. Velcro® is
also used in the head of the saddle to support the Easy Change Gullet System and
under the flap of the saddle to make the flexiblocs secure and adjustable.
For additional security, all Wintec saddles are numbered
which ensures traceability and security in the case of theft. The unique registration
number can be found on a care label that is attached to the panel of the Wintec
saddle near the girth points.
