Wintec 500 Close Contact Saddle with CAIR
The Wintec 500 Close Contact with CAIR is best-in-class for synthetic close-contact eventing training because its close-cut jumping flap and CAIR air panels deliver consistent pressure distribution and a secure forward seat ideal for stadium and schooling grids. Compared with the other saddles listed, its air-panel technology reduces routine reflocking and ongoing fitting costs, giving a technical and long-term financial advantage over traditional wool-flocked Thorowgood models and the broader all-purpose Wintec 2000.
Featherlight ride
CAIR cloud-hug
Featherlight ride
CAIR cloud-hug
Review Summary
"Most users praise its lightweight close-contact feel and CAIR panel comfort for jumping and schooling. Some riders find the seat a bit narrow but overall it's considered excellent value and easy to fit/clean."
True close-contact
CAIR air-filled panels for even weight distribution and improved horse comfort.
True close-contact
CAIR air-filled panels for even weight distribution and improved horse comfort.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Skill Development & Mastery
Recreational Enjoyment
The Wintec 500 Close Contact with CAIR is best-in-class for synthetic close-contact eventing training because its close-cut jumping flap and CAIR air panels deliver consistent pressure distribution and a secure forward seat ideal for stadium and schooling grids. Compared with the other saddles listed, its air-panel technology reduces routine reflocking and ongoing fitting costs, giving a technical and long-term financial advantage over traditional wool-flocked Thorowgood models and the broader all-purpose Wintec 2000.
Featherlight ride
CAIR cloud-hug
True close-contact
CAIR air-filled panels for even weight distribution and improved horse comfort.
Close-contact cut that enhances rider-leg feel for jumping and flatwork.
Featherlight ride
CAIR cloud-hug
True close-contact
CAIR air-filled panels for even weight distribution and improved horse comfort.
Close-contact cut that enhances rider-leg feel for jumping and flatwork.
$900-1400 CAD
Thorowgood T8 Compact Jump Saddle
The Thorowgood T8 Compact Jump saddle is a market-leading, workmanlike choice for riders who want a lightweight, compact synthetic jump saddle for eventing practice, offering a punchy forward flap and close-contact feel geared to gymnastics and schooling. It forgoes CAIR-style air panels in favor of a simpler, value-oriented construction that typically comes at a lower price point than the Wintec 500 while providing a more jump-specialized profile than the Wintec 2000 or Arena all-purpose options.
Compact fit
Monoflap security
Compact fit
Monoflap security
Review Summary
"Riders like the compact jumping balance, solid synthetic build and interchangeable gullet system that fits a range of horses. A few report the seat feels firmer than leather saddles, but overall it is seen as a durable, well-priced jump saddle."
Jump-ready ninja
Forward-cut flap and compact seat tailored for secure short-stirrup jumping.
Jump-ready ninja
Forward-cut flap and compact seat tailored for secure short-stirrup jumping.
Skill Development & Mastery
Recreational Enjoyment
The Thorowgood T8 Compact Jump saddle is a market-leading, workmanlike choice for riders who want a lightweight, compact synthetic jump saddle for eventing practice, offering a punchy forward flap and close-contact feel geared to gymnastics and schooling. It forgoes CAIR-style air panels in favor of a simpler, value-oriented construction that typically comes at a lower price point than the Wintec 500 while providing a more jump-specialized profile than the Wintec 2000 or Arena all-purpose options.
Compact fit
Monoflap security
Jump-ready ninja
Forward-cut flap and compact seat tailored for secure short-stirrup jumping.
Molded synthetic panels that simplify fitting and routine care.
Compact fit
Monoflap security
Jump-ready ninja
Forward-cut flap and compact seat tailored for secure short-stirrup jumping.
Molded synthetic panels that simplify fitting and routine care.
$700-1000 CAD
Wintec 2000 All Purpose Saddle
The Wintec 2000 All Purpose is the most versatile synthetic training saddle in this lineup, balancing close-contact feel with a broader panel suitable for flatwork, XC schooling and mixed-discipline lessons. It represents a cost-effective compromise for riders who need one dependable training saddle rather than a specialized jumping model like the Wintec 500 or the Thorowgood T8, and its straightforward synthetic care profile keeps ownership costs predictable.
Versatile all-rounder
Adjustable gullet
Versatile all-rounder
Adjustable gullet
Review Summary
"Viewed as a reliable, affordable all-purpose saddle that performs well for schooling and general use. Some buyers note firmer seating and more basic fittings compared with higher-end models, but most are happy with the utility and low maintenance."
Trail-to-arena champ
Classic all-purpose shape suitable for hacking, lessons, and lower-level jumping.
Trail-to-arena champ
Classic all-purpose shape suitable for hacking, lessons, and lower-level jumping.
Time-Saving Convenience
Skill Development & Mastery
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
The Wintec 2000 All Purpose is the most versatile synthetic training saddle in this lineup, balancing close-contact feel with a broader panel suitable for flatwork, XC schooling and mixed-discipline lessons. It represents a cost-effective compromise for riders who need one dependable training saddle rather than a specialized jumping model like the Wintec 500 or the Thorowgood T8, and its straightforward synthetic care profile keeps ownership costs predictable.
Versatile all-rounder
Adjustable gullet
Trail-to-arena champ
Classic all-purpose shape suitable for hacking, lessons, and lower-level jumping.
Durable synthetic leather that cleans easily and stands up to frequent use.
Versatile all-rounder
Adjustable gullet
Trail-to-arena champ
Classic all-purpose shape suitable for hacking, lessons, and lower-level jumping.
Durable synthetic leather that cleans easily and stands up to frequent use.
$600-900 CAD
Arena High Wither All Purpose Saddle
The Arena High Wither All Purpose saddle is selected for riders handling high-wither or narrow-chested eventing horses, offering panel shaping and clearance that reduce bridging and pressure hotspots common in standard all-purpose designs. Technically it fills a fit niche the other models do not—potentially saving money on corrective padding or custom work—though it is less tailored to pure jumping than the close-contact Wintec 500 or Thorowgood T8.
High-wither clearance
Wide comfort channel
High-wither clearance
Wide comfort channel
Review Summary
"Designed for high-wither horses and generally praised for its fit and secure feel for everyday riding. Reviews on materials and finish are mixed, with some users wishing for softer panels or more premium trim."
Perfect neck-room
Shallow, flexible tree designed to accommodate high withers and narrow shoulders.
Perfect neck-room
Shallow, flexible tree designed to accommodate high withers and narrow shoulders.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Skill Development & Mastery
The Arena High Wither All Purpose saddle is selected for riders handling high-wither or narrow-chested eventing horses, offering panel shaping and clearance that reduce bridging and pressure hotspots common in standard all-purpose designs. Technically it fills a fit niche the other models do not—potentially saving money on corrective padding or custom work—though it is less tailored to pure jumping than the close-contact Wintec 500 or Thorowgood T8.
High-wither clearance
Wide comfort channel
Perfect neck-room
Shallow, flexible tree designed to accommodate high withers and narrow shoulders.
Very affordable synthetic construction ideal for lesson programs and frequent use.
High-wither clearance
Wide comfort channel
Perfect neck-room
Shallow, flexible tree designed to accommodate high withers and narrow shoulders.
Very affordable synthetic construction ideal for lesson programs and frequent use.
$300-500 CAD
Thorowgood T4 Cob All Purpose Saddle
The Thorowgood T4 Cob All Purpose is the best fit-oriented, cost-conscious option for cob- and pony-sized eventing trainees, delivering proportionally shortened panels and a tree built for shorter-backed mounts. While it lacks the CAIR system of the Wintec 500, its cob-specific tree and compact seat give it a clear technical advantage over generic all-purpose models on smaller horses and make it a financially sensible choice for youth and pony programs.
Cob-specific fit
Easy-care synthetic
Cob-specific fit
Easy-care synthetic
Review Summary
"Cob and smaller horse owners commonly praise the T4 for excellent fit, durability and value, with the gullet system making refitting straightforward. Most users find it comfortable and secure for regular training and schooling."
Pony-perfect hug
Cob-specific tree shaping for ponies and short-backed horses to improve fit.
Pony-perfect hug
Cob-specific tree shaping for ponies and short-backed horses to improve fit.
Skill Development & Mastery
Time-Saving Convenience
The Thorowgood T4 Cob All Purpose is the best fit-oriented, cost-conscious option for cob- and pony-sized eventing trainees, delivering proportionally shortened panels and a tree built for shorter-backed mounts. While it lacks the CAIR system of the Wintec 500, its cob-specific tree and compact seat give it a clear technical advantage over generic all-purpose models on smaller horses and make it a financially sensible choice for youth and pony programs.
Cob-specific fit
Easy-care synthetic
Pony-perfect hug
Cob-specific tree shaping for ponies and short-backed horses to improve fit.
Adjustable flocking and synthetic panels that simplify achieving a good fit.
Cob-specific fit
Easy-care synthetic
Pony-perfect hug
Cob-specific tree shaping for ponies and short-backed horses to improve fit.
Adjustable flocking and synthetic panels that simplify achieving a good fit.
$600-850 CAD