Wintec Isabel--Final Answer?

[Trixxter]

Yes I did a search, but I want a "final answer" from experienced saddle fitters.

Is the Isabel a good investment or not?

Pros and cons please.

Thanks

[saddlefitter]

The Isabell, like any of the Bates/Wintec models, offers good value for the money. The tree is pretty flat, and the front panels aren't really deep, which means it's a good choice for a moderate wither, but not so good for a mutton wither or a steeple wither. The changeable gullet can be helpful as long as width is the only issue that needs addressing, since it does nothing to correct problems with panel configuration or tree shape. The CAIR panels can work well - but they don't breathe (problematic in hotter climates) and will expand and become rock hard in high altitudes (think Denver). The fitting system consists of shims, so you need to find a fitter who has the shims and other tools needed to drop the panels and adjust the fit.

In short (which I haven't been ), the Isabell is a good investment if it fits your horse.

[Trixxter]

I don't have to worry about hotter climates or higher altitudes so that can be marked off my list.

My gelding doesn't have mutton withers, but not quite sure what "steeple" withers look like.

Here he is in a side view:

I don't have too many pics of him nekked so could you say the Isabell might or might not work for him? He normally takes a wide tree in most quality leather saddles.

Thanks for the input.

[saddlefitter]

It can't hurt to try an Isabell. From the photo, I'd say the main thing you might have to worry about would be bridging, or perhaps the saddle slipping forward, but the real test will be how it works when you're up and your horse is moving. What looks so-so (or fantastic) in the crossties can be a whole different story when you add a rider and a moving horse.

[saddlefitter]

Forgot to mention - here's a photo of a rather extreme case of "steeple" withers:

[neVar]

I love wintecs (and no i neve rthought i'd say that)


The isabell is good for horses as SF described. And yes i'd try it on a horse of your shape and perhaps need to shim the middle portion for a slight bridge- if it still bridged a bit while moving...

but you get good value and bang for your buck with it.

[lily.99]

I am not so sure it would work for your horse. I don't think having to shim a saddle for bridging is something you really want to do...that just means it plain doesn't fit. Thats not a little matter.
Also, I tried the Isabell on my paint horse who was fairly short backed...the saddle kept whacking me in the butt behind every stride. I don't think the air panels helped the situation at all. It was really annoying. From the shape of your horse's back...the same thing might happen.
I didn't care for the saddle at all. Just my opinion though. Alot of people are happy with them. I am a treeless rider exclusively now. If you could afford that, I would go with the Carlton or the new Excel.
Good luck.

[Trixxter]

I ordered one. Since my horse is a WB (NOT a Paint) I am going with the advice of saddlefitter and nevar --thanks.
If it doesn't work, which I don't foresee that happening (ie shims), then that is my problem to deal with and I will just continue to saddle shop until the end of time.

[ellienme]

Someone mentioned that the cair panels can get hard in higher altitudes,
How high would make a difference?

Does cold affect them?

[saddlefitter]

Cold makes them stiff, and they need to "warm up" to ride normally, IME. And by "high altitude", I'm talking close to a mile high and up.

[neVar]

i haven't seen altitude make a difference. I find it's not the CAIR that gets stiff in the cold but the synthetic leather. But once it's on the horse it warms up right away.. horses's back temperatures never fluctuating more then 1degree C. . . (This is the theory behind FLAIR btw)

Cair remember is like 99% foam We use ours at -40C here

[saddlefitter]

i haven't seen altitude make a difference.

I only have the once, from a customer out in the Rockies - altitudes we here in VT only see if we're airborne! Apparently the mile plus height made what air there is in the panels expand quite dramatically, and the panels were quite hard.

[GoldenKiwi]

I cant stand the Isabel's but they are a love them or hate them saddle. I do have an 09 Wintec 500 for my horse. The saddle is incredibly versatile and it took us ages of tweaking to get the fit right. But now it is brilliant on my extremely difficult to fit horse. For me, it is a bit hard in the seat like most wintec's (for long rides) but position wise a comfy ride, I can be effective in it.

I agree, that if they fit your horse they are good value for money and hold their value really well.

[Birdie11]

I bought a used Isabelle from someone on the UDBB and I have been very pleased I have tried several (very expensive) leather dressage saddles and I haven't found anything I like as well as my Isabelle. It fits all of the horses I ride I plan on buying another one. Good investment.