FAQs

  • The Wintec range of saddles is easy-care and hassle free. Wet the surface of your saddle; apply Wintec cleaner, or a mild detergent diluted in water before wiping over with a damp cloth. For stubborn stains, or on Equi-Suede you can use a small stiff bristled brush, such as a fingernail brush, to lift the dirt. Rinse the saddle with water and allow to dry out of direct sunlight. Select models in the Wintec range feature leather girth points and, or a leather wear patch on the bottom of the saddle flap. Leather should be cleaned with saddle soap before being dressed with a good quality wax based leather cream, or balsam. Care should be taken to avoid exposing leather to excess water or detergents. We always recommend using Wintec Stirrup leathers with Wintec Saddles and a Wintec girth with roller buckles

  • Want to find out more about your Wintec Saddle?

    Since Wintec brightly burst onto the riding scene in 1986, our serial number process has changed many times and unfortunately there is no one way to accurately read your own serial number.

    Here is a very rough guide to help you to work out the age and size of some of our newer models.

  • Some gel pads may react with synthetic saddles. It is not recommended to use gel pads in direct contact with your saddle.

  • Yes, your Wintec Saddle will not be harmed by water; however it is important to rinse it with fresh water following any swimming in salt water.

  • As a manufacturer, we cannot responsibly comment on the fit of our saddles without opportunity to first assess horse, rider and saddle. 

    We have a handy guide to help you!

    It is important that you continue to seek ongoing professional advice on the right model for each horse/rider combination that the saddle is intended for. We therefore recommend that you approach your nearest stockist, so that they may assess your specific needs from a saddle and make an informed recommendation to you.

  • Here's a guide on how to check if your saddle may need a fitting adjustment. 

    It is important that you continue to seek ongoing professional advice on the right model for each horse/rider combination that the saddle is intended for and on the fit of the saddle.

    When it comes to selecting a saddle to suit the rider, we always recommend that you visit your local store and sit in as many saddles as possible to determine the one which is most comfortable and suitable for your needs.

    With regard to ensuring that your saddle is correctly fitted to your horse, we recommend the advice of a retailer or saddle fitter that you trust, and who is trained in the use of HART.

  • As an international manufacturer of saddles, unfortunately we are not able to make custom saddles or unique modifications at the point of manufacture. If you feel our range would benefit from any additions, we would greatly appreciate your feedback, as we continue to monitor demand for individual requests in relation to future development.

  • Wintec saddles are sold worldwide by a network of distribution and retail partners.

    • If you are interested in purchasing a Wintec saddle for yourself, please contact your nearest stockist.
    • If you are interested in retailing Wintec saddles, please contact your local distributor, found at the base of your country's stockist list.

  • Find out how to assess your saddle to see if your saddle fits with these handy tips: http://easychangefitsolution.com/assess_saddle_fit/assess-your-saddle-fit.html

    For information on how to make adjustments to your saddle, including how to change a gullet, please visit http://easychangefitsolution.com/adjusting_your_saddle/making-adjustments-to-your-saddle.html

  • Here's a guide on how to check if your saddle may need a fitting adjustment. 

    It's really hard for us to comment on any saddle fit without an opportunity to first assess horse, rider and saddle in person, so we recommend the advice of a local saddle fitter that you trust. 

    With regard to ensuring that your saddle is suitable for and correctly fitted to your horse, we recommend the advice of a saddle fitter that you trust, and who is trained in the use of the fitting systems within your saddle. 

  • The technology that makes up HART has been proven to be transformative for both horse and rider and includes:
    • Protective cushioning: CAIR Cushion System
    • Precision custom fit: EASY-CHANGE Fit Solution
    • Ergonomic flex: Elastiflex Tree
    • Free movement: Performance panel technology
    • Superior rider performance: Comfort seat technology

    Only if a saddle has all of these features, is it worthy of the HART badge.

  • To ensure the extent of the damage can be accurately assessed, please take your saddle to your nearest stockist as they will be able to discuss the most appropriate course of action with you (i.e. replacement parts, repair, warranty work).

  • Standard saddles have been specifically designed to accommodate the EASY-CHANGE Gullet Range in the six interchangeable gullet plates as follows: Narrow – Yellow, Medium Narrow – Green, Medium – Black, Medium Wide – Blue, Wide – Red and Extra Wide – White.

    Using the EASY-CHANGE WIDE Gullet Range in these standard saddles will distort and weaken the Elastiflex tree, which may lead to a breakage that would not be covered under the manufacturers' warranty.

    Wide Saddles

    Wide saddles have been specifically designed to suit horses with particularly wide conformations and include a broad chamber and a uniquely wide Elastiflex tree. The EASY-CHANGE WIDE Gullet System consists of four interchangeable gullet plates as follows: 1 Extra Wide – in light purple to 4 Extra Wide in dark purple.

    Using the standard EASY-CHANGE Gullet Range in these WIDE saddles will distort and weaken the Elastiflex tree, which may lead to a breakage that would not be covered under the manufacturers' warranty.

  • Most of our saddles will come fitted with a Medium/Black gullet, however High Wither models will come fitted with a Medium Narrow/Green Gullet and Wide saddles will come fitted with a 2XW gullet. 

    Should you need a different gullet, these can be purchased separately and installed easily. However we always recommend the advice of a saddle fitter who is trained in the use of the systems in your saddle to offer you the best advice. 

  • The approximate gullet sizes are outlined below. All are measured from the inside of the gullet. Please note these measurements are approximate as there is always slight variation due to the tempering process of the steel.

    Those measurements are for the gullet plates out of the saddle which is how they are sold. To measure any other way is extremely difficult as you can already understand, as it is very hard to communicate where you are measuring from.

    To determine the best fitting gullet for your horse we recommend using the EASY-CHANGE Gullet Gauge

    Standard:

    • Yellow - Narrow (210 mm)
    • Green - Medium Narrow (218 mm)
    • Black - Medium (228 mm)
    • Blue - Medium Wide (238 mm)
    • Red - Wide (245 mm)
    • White - Extra Wide (253 mm)

    Wide:

    • Light Lilac - 1XW (253 mm)
    • Lilac - 2XW (270 mm)
    • Light Purple - 3XW (280 mm)
    • Purple - 4XW (290 mm) 

  • Your Wintec stockist will be able to special order any service lines such as replacement screws or girth points for your saddle. Please take your saddle to your nearest retailer, or contact them with photos and your saddle's serial number to enable them to assist you further. 

  • We are constantly adding more product measurements throughout the website. On the page for the product you are interested in, please scroll through the images to find a measurement chart. 

    Please note, 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.