FAQs

Fitting your saddle

How do I know what seat size I am?

Honestly? Sit in as many as you can. We cannot responsibly call the fit of a saddle without seeing horse, rider and saddle together, and fit is about comfort, balance and performance rather than any single number.

Your nearest stockist or saddle fitter can assess what you actually need and put you in the right one. In the meantime we have a handy guide to measuring your seat size to get you close.

How do I check whether my saddle fits my horse?

Stand your horse square on level ground and position the saddle properly first, with the nail of the saddle about three fingers back from the edge of the shoulder. Then check three things.

Clearance. The channel should stay clear of the wither and spine along the whole length of the saddle.

Bearing. Run your hand between your horse and the panel. It should bear evenly and sit close. If your saddle has the CAIR Cushion System, get someone to sit in it while you check, because the air panels only come alive under a rider.

Balance. The deepest part of the seat should be central and level.

If any of the three is out, a combination of EASY-CHANGE risers will usually sort it. There is a fuller guide to checking your saddle fit, and for anything beyond that we would always send you to a saddle fitter you trust who is trained in the use of HART.

Will a Wintec saddle fit any horse?

No saddle fits every horse and we are not going to pretend otherwise. What the EASY-CHANGE Fit Solution gives you is a real adjustment system you can use yourself, with a scope that very little else offers.

Which model suits which horse and rider is a conversation worth having with a professional. That is what your stockist is there for.

Do you custom make Wintec saddles?

Not at the point of manufacture, no. But if you think the range is missing something, tell us. We keep track of what riders ask for and it genuinely feeds into what we build next. Drop us a line.

Where can I find measurements for the products?

Scroll through to the last image in the gallery on any product page and you will find a measurement chart. We are adding more across the site all the time.

The measurements provided are intended as a guide only. Due to the organic shape of equestrian products and the inherent subjectivity of the measuring process, slight variations may occur. We have made every effort to ensure accuracy, rounding measurements to the nearest 0.5 cm and then converted to inches. Please consider these figures as close approximations rather than exact values.

Which measurements do you publish, and why those?

Three, because they are the three that actually tell you something useful.

Panel length, which tells you how the saddle sits against your horse's saddle platform.
Flap length, measured from the stirrup bar to the base of the flap, which relates to your leg length.
Width of the knee insert, which relates to your leg position.

We used to publish panel width, twist width and chamber width, and we stopped. The twist sits well in front of where you actually sit, so it says nothing about your seat or your sit bones, and every Wintec saddle has a generous bearing surface and a chamber clear of the spine. Those numbers caused more confusion than they ever solved.

Girths

Do I need a long or a short girth?

It comes down to the girth points on your saddle, not your horse. Short girth points take a long girth. Long girth points take a short girth. It sounds back to front and it catches everyone out once.

Our All Purpose and Jump saddles have short girth points, so they take a long girth. Our Dressage, Stock and Endurance, WintecLite, WIDE and Kids saddles have long girth points, so they take a short girth.

Length still depends on your horse, so have a chat to your saddle fitter or stockist before you order. Browse the full range of weatherproof Wintec girths.

Will the Wintec Stock Girth or Western Girth fit my Wintec saddle?

No, and this one trips people up. Neither is designed for use with any saddle in the Wintec range. For a Wintec saddle, pick from our English girths and check whether you need a long or a short one for your model.

What girth should I use with a Wintec saddle?

Always one with roller buckles. And we will always recommend Wintec stirrup leathers with a Wintec saddle, because they are made to work together.

EASY-CHANGE gullets

What is the difference between the Gullet System, the Fit Solution and HART?

They stack, one inside the other. Knowing which yours has tells you exactly what you can adjust at home.

The EASY-CHANGE Gullet System changes the width of the tree. Swap the gullet plate, change the width. Most Wintec saddles have it, including the Wintec 250 All Purpose.

The EASY-CHANGE Fit Solution is the Gullet System plus the EASY-CHANGE Riser System, which adjusts inside the panel. Risers need a CAIR panel with an insert pocket, so a saddle with a traditional flock panel has the Gullet System but not the full Fit Solution.

HART is all five of our technologies together, the Fit Solution among them. Read more about HART.

Is HART the same as CAIR and EASY-CHANGE?

Not quite. HART is all five together, and a saddle only earns the badge if it has the lot.

Protective cushioning: the CAIR Cushion System
Precision custom fit: the EASY-CHANGE Fit Solution
Ergonomic flex: the Elastiflex Tree
Free movement: performance panel technology
Superior rider performance: comfort seat technology

We took the best of the best and made it simple. That is HART.

How do I know if my saddle has HART?

Flip it over and look under the cantle. Saddles with Horse and Rider Technology carry a HART badge there, and it is the only marking on the saddle. If the badge is there, you have all five, the EASY-CHANGE Fit Solution included.

How do I tell whether my saddle has a changeable gullet?

Look for two large black screws in the top of the chamber at the head of the saddle. On some models they sit under the skirt, and some have a concealed system where the D-rings either side of the pommel simply unscrew.

Which saddles have a changeable gullet?

Most of the range. The exceptions are our Exercise and Western saddles and the Wintec Kids, which have a fixed gullet and no EASY-CHANGE systems at all.

The Wintec 250 All Purpose sits in the middle. It has the EASY-CHANGE Gullet System, so you can change the tree width yourself, but its traditional flock panel means no Riser System and no full Fit Solution. Panel adjustments on that one are a job for your saddler.

What size gullets are available?

Standard saddles take six interchangeable gullet plates, colour coded so you can tell them apart at a glance.

Yellow, narrow, 210 mm
Green, medium narrow, 220 mm
Black, medium, 230 mm
Blue, medium wide, 240 mm
Red, wide, 245 mm
White, extra wide, 255 mm

WIDE saddles take four.

Light lilac, 1XW, 255 mm
Lilac, 2XW, 270 mm
Light purple, 3XW, 280 mm
Purple, 4XW, 295 mm

There is a 3 mm tolerance either side of the standard measurement because of the way the steel is tempered. Measurements are taken from the inside of the plate at its widest point, out of the saddle, which is how they are sold.

These figures are for reference only and are not intended to be used for fitting. To find the right gullet for your horse, use the EASY-CHANGE Gullet Gauge and the advice of a professional saddle fitter. Shop EASY-CHANGE gullets.

Which gullet comes fitted in my saddle?

Most Wintec saddles arrive with a medium (black) gullet. High Wither models come with a medium narrow (green), and WIDE models come with a 2XW.

Need a different one? They are easy to buy separately and easy to fit, though we always recommend the advice of a saddle fitter trained in the systems in your saddle.

Can I use a WIDE gullet in a standard saddle, or the other way round?

No, and this one really matters. Standard saddles are built around the six-plate standard range. WIDE saddles have a broader chamber and a uniquely wide Elastiflex tree built around the four-plate WIDE range.

Fitting the wrong range can distort and weaken the Elastiflex tree, and damage caused this way is not covered by our warranty. Have a look at our warranty page for the full terms.

Why do I have to use genuine EASY-CHANGE gullet plates?

Because genuine plates are engineered to be completely rigid. They cannot spread or change shape under normal use, and they stay true to their size for their whole life. A plate that quietly widens over time is worse than no plate at all.

Non-genuine parts are not accredited for use in these saddles, and damage caused by them is not covered by our warranty.

How do I change a gullet, and what do I need?

A long-handled Phillips head number 3 screwdriver, and that is it. Most people find the first change takes a bit longer than the ones after it. If you are unsure at any point, your saddle fitter or stockist will happily do it for you.

How should I hold the saddle while I work on it?

Get the weight fully supported so you have both hands free and a clear view. It makes the whole job easier.

Standing, secure the cantle end between your knees and a covered table, with the panel facing away from you against the table. Sitting, grip the back of the saddle with your knees with the panels facing towards you.

EASY-CHANGE risers

What do the risers actually do?

Gullets change the width of the tree. Risers change what is happening inside the panel, which is how you fix clearance, bearing and balance once the width is right. Between the two you can chase a horse's shape through a whole season without buying another saddle.

Shop EASY-CHANGE risers.

Which riser pack do I need?

The standard pack has front risers in 4, 8, 12 and 16 mm, centre risers in 4 and 8 mm, and rear risers in 4, 8, 12 and 16 mm. The starter pack is the same three positions in 4 and 8 mm only, which covers most horses.

Neither suits Pony or Jump saddles. Those take the Pony/Jump pack.

How do the risers go in?

They sit in the insert pocket in the panel. Always fit them with the EASY-CHANGE Riser System logo facing towards the tree.

Can I use risers in an older saddle?

Any Wintec saddle with CAIR made from 2005 onwards, with the hook and loop closure along the chamber, will take EASY-CHANGE risers. Not sure how old yours is? Try the serial number search.

Can I replace the air cushions or reflock the inner panel myself?

No. Everything inside the panel is adjusted with the EASY-CHANGE Riser System.

CAIR cushions are sealed behind security tape, and opening that tape voids the warranty. If a saddle genuinely needs new air cushions or a new inner flock panel, it goes to an authorised service partner and your stockist can arrange it.

Panels

What is the difference between the HART and flock versions?

The HART version is the full package. Horse and Rider Technology means all five of our technologies together, the CAIR Cushion System among them. An air-filled panel that spreads your weight evenly and works with your horse rather than against them.

The flock version uses traditional wool flocking, which a saddler can reflock, and the depth can also be adjusted with the EASY-CHANGE Riser System.

CAIR cushions are never adjusted themselves. Panel depth is changed with the EASY-CHANGE Riser System, which sits in its own separate pocket.

Where both are offered you choose at the point of purchase, and your saddle fitter can tell you which suits your horse.

Care and maintenance

How do I clean my Wintec saddle?

Wet the surface, apply Wintec Saddle Cleaner or a mild detergent diluted in water, then wipe over with a damp cloth. For stubborn marks, or on Equi-Suede, a small stiff bristled brush such as a fingernail brush will lift the dirt and bring the nap back up. Rinse with water and let it dry out of direct sunlight.

No oiling. No waxing. No Sunday evening lost to tack care. That is rather the point of the whole thing.

More detail on our caring for your Wintec saddle page.

What about the leather parts?

Some models have leather girth points or a leather wear patch on the bottom of the flap. Clean those with saddle soap and dress them with a good quality wax-based leather cream or balsam, and keep them away from excess water and detergents.

Can I take my horse swimming in my Wintec saddle?

Go for it. Water will not damage the synthetic sections of your saddle. Rinse with fresh water afterwards if you have been in salt water, and keep any leather girth points or wear patches away from a proper soaking.

Can I use a gel pad?

We would rather you did not. Some gel pads react with synthetic saddles, so avoid putting one in direct contact with your saddle. Our comfort and riser pads are made to sit under a Wintec.

Your saddle

Can you tell me more about my saddle?

Wintec brightly burst onto the riding scene in 1986, and our serial number process has changed more than a few times since. There is no single way to read every serial number, unfortunately.

We do have a rough guide that will help you work out the age and size of some of our newer models.

What do I do if I think my saddle needs a repair?

Take it to your nearest stockist so the damage can be properly assessed. They will talk you through whether it is a replacement part, a repair or warranty work.

Can I buy spare parts for my Wintec saddle?

Yes. Your stockist can special order service lines such as replacement screws or girth points. Take the saddle in, or send them photos and your serial number and they will sort it out.

Can the EASY-CHANGE Fit Solution be retro-fitted to my saddle?

No. It is exclusive to Arena Saddles, Bates Saddles and Wintec Saddles, and it cannot be retro-fitted to older models or to another brand's saddle.

How long is my saddle covered for?

Everything is on our warranty page, and you can extend your warranty if you would like longer.

Buying

Where can I buy Wintec saddles?

Right here, and through a network of retail partners across Australia and worldwide.

Buying for yourself? Find your nearest stockist or saddle fitter.
Want to retail Wintec saddles? Contact your local distributor, listed at the base of your country's stockist list.

Or start browsing: All Purpose, Dressage, Jump, Stock and Endurance, WintecLite, Kids and Pony, Wide and High Wither, or Western and Exercise.

What does clearance mean?

With so many high-performance events on the calendar each year, our gently used event stock is occasionally made available at a price you will not see again. Most of these have never left our event booth or showroom, and every one is sold in as-new condition.

All clearance products are sold as final sale. They cannot be returned or exchanged, so please check the size and model carefully before ordering, and have a chat to a saddle fitter or your stockist if you are unsure. See what is on clearance now.

What are my shipping and returns options?

Free shipping and fast dispatch on all orders, no minimum spend. The details are on our shipping page.

Changed your mind? See easy returns and refunds. Clearance products are the exception and are sold as final sale.

Can I pay it off?

Yes. We accept Afterpay, Zip, Klarna and humm, so you can shop now and pay later.

How long have you been making saddles?

Wintec synthetic saddles burst onto the riding scene in 1986, and we have been the world's number one synthetic saddle brand for a long time since. More about us.