Wintec 500 All Purpose Saddle with CAIR
The Wintec 500 All Purpose with CAIR earns best-in-class recognition for training because its CAIR air-cell panels deliver exceptionally even pressure distribution and low-maintenance consistency that keeps fit predictable during frequent schooling. It combines an easy-change gullet system and a forgiving all-purpose seat that offers more advanced pressure-management technology than the budget Arena and Thorowgood options, yet is more affordable than the premium Bates Caprilli for teams needing repeatable, low-upkeep performance.
Air-cell comfort - bouncy
Adjustable gullet fit
Air-cell comfort - bouncy
Adjustable gullet fit
Review Summary
"Users praise the Wintec 500 CAIR for its consistent comfort, lightweight synthetic build and easy adjustable gullet, noting it retains shape well for schooling and everyday use; a few report minor wear on the seat after heavy use. Overall riders find it a reliable, low-maintenance training saddle at a good value."
Featherweight ride
CAIR comfort panels reduce pressure and improve shock absorption during schooling
Featherweight ride
CAIR comfort panels reduce pressure and improve shock absorption during schooling
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Skill Development & Mastery
Time-Saving Convenience
The Wintec 500 All Purpose with CAIR earns best-in-class recognition for training because its CAIR air-cell panels deliver exceptionally even pressure distribution and low-maintenance consistency that keeps fit predictable during frequent schooling. It combines an easy-change gullet system and a forgiving all-purpose seat that offers more advanced pressure-management technology than the budget Arena and Thorowgood options, yet is more affordable than the premium Bates Caprilli for teams needing repeatable, low-upkeep performance.
Air-cell comfort - bouncy
Adjustable gullet fit
Featherweight ride
CAIR comfort panels reduce pressure and improve shock absorption during schooling
Synthetic, water‑resistant construction for low maintenance and easy cleaning
Air-cell comfort - bouncy
Adjustable gullet fit
Featherweight ride
CAIR comfort panels reduce pressure and improve shock absorption during schooling
Synthetic, water‑resistant construction for low maintenance and easy cleaning
Wintec 2000 High Wither All Purpose
The Wintec 2000 High Wither All Purpose is positioned for horses with prominent withers, offering a higher-cut tree profile and adjustable fit elements that preserve clearance without sacrificing rider balance during training. It’s technically tailored compared with the Wintec 500’s universal fit, delivering a niche anatomical solution at a moderate price point—more specialized than Thorowgood and Arena but generally less costly than the top-tier Bates Caprilli.
High-wither relief - tall-friendly
Secure deep seat
High-wither relief - tall-friendly
Secure deep seat
Review Summary
"Buyers appreciate the Wintec 2000 High Wither for fitting horses with higher withers and for its secure, comfortable seat, though some note the design feels dated compared with newer models and report occasional fit tweaks over time. Generally seen as a solid, affordable option for regular schooling."
Rapid-fit system
Lightweight synthetic build with an easy‑care finish for frequent training use
Rapid-fit system
Lightweight synthetic build with an easy‑care finish for frequent training use
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Skill Development & Mastery
Time-Saving Convenience
The Wintec 2000 High Wither All Purpose is positioned for horses with prominent withers, offering a higher-cut tree profile and adjustable fit elements that preserve clearance without sacrificing rider balance during training. It’s technically tailored compared with the Wintec 500’s universal fit, delivering a niche anatomical solution at a moderate price point—more specialized than Thorowgood and Arena but generally less costly than the top-tier Bates Caprilli.
High-wither relief - tall-friendly
Secure deep seat
Rapid-fit system
Lightweight synthetic build with an easy‑care finish for frequent training use
Adjustable gullet system allows fast width changes to match the horse
High-wither relief - tall-friendly
Secure deep seat
Rapid-fit system
Lightweight synthetic build with an easy‑care finish for frequent training use
Adjustable gullet system allows fast width changes to match the horse
$700-1,100 CAD
Thorowgood T8 Compact GP Saddle
The Thorowgood T8 Compact GP Saddle is a market-leader for value-oriented training thanks to a lightweight synthetic construction and a user-friendly adjustable-gullet system that produces close contact for flatwork and jumping practice. Financially it undercuts many competitors while still offering robust durability and straightforward fit adjustments, making it an attractive choice for riding schools and riders who want near-professional fit features without the premium price of Bates or some Wintec models.
Close-contact feel - sneaky
Easy gullet change
Close-contact feel - sneaky
Easy gullet change
Review Summary
"Riders consistently highlight the Thorowgood T8 Compact GP for excellent build quality, durable synthetic leather and a true-to-size fit that works well across a range of horses; reviewers often call it best-in-class for value and longevity. Few complaints are raised beyond minor break-in stiffness for some users."
Stubby forward flap
Compact GP tree designed for shorter backs and closer rider-horse contact
Stubby forward flap
Compact GP tree designed for shorter backs and closer rider-horse contact
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Skill Development & Mastery
Recreational Enjoyment
The Thorowgood T8 Compact GP Saddle is a market-leader for value-oriented training thanks to a lightweight synthetic construction and a user-friendly adjustable-gullet system that produces close contact for flatwork and jumping practice. Financially it undercuts many competitors while still offering robust durability and straightforward fit adjustments, making it an attractive choice for riding schools and riders who want near-professional fit features without the premium price of Bates or some Wintec models.
Close-contact feel - sneaky
Easy gullet change
Stubby forward flap
Compact GP tree designed for shorter backs and closer rider-horse contact
Interchangeable gullet for customizable fit across horses
Close-contact feel - sneaky
Easy gullet change
Stubby forward flap
Compact GP tree designed for shorter backs and closer rider-horse contact
Interchangeable gullet for customizable fit across horses
$700-950 CAD
Bates Caprilli Close Contact Saddle
The Bates Caprilli Close Contact Saddle stands as the market leader for professional training applications, combining precision tree engineering and highly refined fit options to deliver superior rider feel and dynamic stability during intensive schoolings. Although it carries a higher purchase price, its advanced materials, refined adjustability and longer-term fit performance justify the investment for competitive riders and programs that need the finest technical fit and balance compared with Wintec and Thorowgood alternatives.
Ultra close-contact - catlike
Shock-absorbing panels
Ultra close-contact - catlike
Shock-absorbing panels
Review Summary
"The Bates Caprilli Close Contact is favored for its balance, close-contact feel and modern ergonomic features, with many users reporting excellent performance in jumping and training; however some owners report price-related expectations and occasional flocking/compression issues long-term. Overall it’s viewed as a premium synthetic option with strong performance but mixed long-term maintenance notes."
Snug knee support
Bates adjustable-fit system with Quick-Change gullets for precise width tuning
Snug knee support
Bates adjustable-fit system with Quick-Change gullets for precise width tuning
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Skill Development & Mastery
Time-Saving Convenience
The Bates Caprilli Close Contact Saddle stands as the market leader for professional training applications, combining precision tree engineering and highly refined fit options to deliver superior rider feel and dynamic stability during intensive schoolings. Although it carries a higher purchase price, its advanced materials, refined adjustability and longer-term fit performance justify the investment for competitive riders and programs that need the finest technical fit and balance compared with Wintec and Thorowgood alternatives.
Ultra close-contact - catlike
Shock-absorbing panels
Snug knee support
Bates adjustable-fit system with Quick-Change gullets for precise width tuning
Close-contact seat and supportive panel system designed for jumping and two-point work
Ultra close-contact - catlike
Shock-absorbing panels
Snug knee support
Bates adjustable-fit system with Quick-Change gullets for precise width tuning
Close-contact seat and supportive panel system designed for jumping and two-point work
$2,200-3,200 CAD
Arena High Wither All Purpose Saddle
The Arena High Wither All Purpose Saddle is an entry-focused synthetic solution built for high-wither horses and training programs that prioritize affordability and straightforward fit changes. It provides basic adjustable-gullet capability and durable low-maintenance construction, making it the most cost-effective option for schools and beginners even though it lacks some of the pressure-management sophistication and premium materials found on the Wintec 500 or Bates Caprilli.
High-wither comfort - mudproof
All-purpose balance
High-wither comfort - mudproof
All-purpose balance
Review Summary
"Shoppers find the Arena High Wither All Purpose saddle to be a budget-friendly, lightweight synthetic saddle that fits many horses reasonably well for schooling, though reviewers commonly mention a firmer seat and less refined finish than higher-end models. It’s generally recommended for occasional use or as an affordable training saddle rather than a long-term high-performance choice."
Low-maintenance synthetic
High-wither cut and panel shaping to reduce pressure on pronounced withers
Low-maintenance synthetic
High-wither cut and panel shaping to reduce pressure on pronounced withers
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Recreational Enjoyment
Time-Saving Convenience
The Arena High Wither All Purpose Saddle is an entry-focused synthetic solution built for high-wither horses and training programs that prioritize affordability and straightforward fit changes. It provides basic adjustable-gullet capability and durable low-maintenance construction, making it the most cost-effective option for schools and beginners even though it lacks some of the pressure-management sophistication and premium materials found on the Wintec 500 or Bates Caprilli.
High-wither comfort - mudproof
All-purpose balance
Low-maintenance synthetic
High-wither cut and panel shaping to reduce pressure on pronounced withers
Lightweight synthetic construction for easy handling and cleaning between rides
High-wither comfort - mudproof
All-purpose balance
Low-maintenance synthetic
High-wither cut and panel shaping to reduce pressure on pronounced withers
Lightweight synthetic construction for easy handling and cleaning between rides
$500-800 CAD