Saddle sizes?

Question

What size wintec 500 saddle would suit a 12 year old?sizes range from 15-18 inch

5'2" and thin

Answer 1

Here is the link to the wintec website:
http://www.wintec.net.au/products/index.html

You can also read reviews of saddles (including wintec) on this site:
http://www.horsetackreview.com/results-reader-reviews/All%20Purpose%20Saddles

I would encourage you to buy from an agent who specialises in fitting saddles. If you buy a saddle that doesn't fit the horse well, you'll cause the rider no end of troubles. Saddle fitting is a specialist subject. With so many budget saddles on the market these days, I see so many problems with horse and rider combinations. The size of the saddle seat will also depend on it's intended purpose, as well as the body size of the rider. (For example, my jumping saddles have longer, flatter, seats to accommodate the sliding of my seat backwards over a fence).
The wintec is a good saddle, with an excellent range of fittings and sizing's, but it still won't accommodate every type of horse, or rider. The site will provide you with a local retailer, who will be able to fit it for you. At least you can then rest assured that if something does go wrong, the retailer will be duty bound to solve the problem for you...

Answer 2

A good way to go about this, is bringing the saddle home for a trial. Most tack shops will let you do this. You will need to find the right tree size for the horse, or go with one with an interchangeable gullet system. You will also need to fit the saddle to you! The inch size will determine how long the seat is front to back to fit your seat. Some tack shops will come out to your horse and bring with them several types and sizes for you to try then and there. This will help you both find the appropriate sizes, and see which one your horse moves best in, is less constricted in. If the horse is overweight, you might have to replace, but in a lot of cases you can simply re flock the saddle ( assuming it is a leather saddle with flocking and not a Wintec type with foam or similar stuffing ) or change what pads you use. The most important thing is to find one that your horse works well in. Be sure to ride in it before you buy it. Second, it has to fit you, and your purpose with it. Enjoy your new horse!!

Answer 3

It really depends how large the 12 year old is, I would probably go with a 15. However, your best bet is to have the rider sit in a couple different sized-saddles and choose the one that feels the most comfortable and supportive. Although wintecs are very cost-efficient, you might still keep in mind that your 12 year old will probably be going through a growth spurt in the next couple years. If you were buying a really expensive leather saddle I would say go bigger and allow them to grow into it. But you might still want to keep that in mind. Good luck! Wintecs are fantastic, I love just being able to hose down all the synthetic material when they get dirty! So easy and quick!

Answer 4

The 15 should be plenty big enough for an average size 12 yr old. I'm 17 and use a 14 - 14 1/2".

Answer 5

I'm 13 and use a 14", and the max size I have used is a 15", also it depends if it is western or english saddle, if it is english I ride 16" (which is the same size as a 14" western saddle)

Answer 6

For her size, I would say a 15 or 16 inch. Also, you may want to think about getting a nylon saddle. They are much lighter than the leather ones and work just as well. Also cheaper.

Answer 7

If you are purchasing a saddle, make sure it fits the horse too!!

you should also consider the fact that the 12 year old will be growing, & would probably out grow a 15" saddle quickly. a 16" might be better.

Answer 8

depends how big the child is most tack store will have a saddle horse where u can sit in the saddle to test it for comfort and size

i am a very skinny 18 yr old and both my saddles - isabell dressage and 500 all perpose and 17 inch

Answer 9

Well, I'm 5'6 and thin and I ride in a 16.5

Try the 16. When sitting in the saddle she should be able to lay her hand flat behind her seat will all four fingers fitting behind her without hanging off the end of the saddle (the cantel).

Good luck with your saddle search.

Answer 10

Depends on how big the 12-year-old is. I'd go for a 15 inch if the kid is not a big one - but if he is hefty, try a 16 inch. I'm a big woman and ride a 17 inch, and it's plenty big. An 18 inch would likely swallow a kid!