Wintec Saddles Serial Number FAQ's

Since Wintec saddles brightly burst onto the riding scene in 1986, they've accompanied riders on countless adventures, from first riding lessons and weekend trail rides through to endurance events and competition arenas around the world.

Whether you've owned your saddle for years, discovered an old favourite tucked away in the tack room or you're researching a pre-owned saddle before purchasing, there are several ways to learn more about its story. Your serial number can provide useful clues about your saddle's age and size, while badges, visible technologies and design features can help you identify the systems and innovations it may include.

How can I identify my Wintec saddle?

Before contacting our team, we encourage you to take a closer look at your saddle using the guide below. Depending on the age and model of your saddle, you may be able to discover:

  • Your saddle's seat size
  • Approximate year of manufacture
  • The discipline your saddle was designed for
  • Whether your saddle has a changeable gullet
  • Whether it features the EASY-CHANGE Gullet System
  • Whether it features the EASY-CHANGE Fit Solution
  • Whether it includes CAIR or HART technology

So grab your saddle, turn back the flap and let's see what stories it has to tell.

Where is my saddle’s serial number?

Depending on the age of your saddle, the serial number may be:

  • Stamped beneath the saddle flap
  • Printed on a sewn-in tag (this is most common in older models)

If you can't find it straight away, check both sides beneath the flap. Some older saddles can be a little more difficult to locate than newer models.

Can't find your saddle's serial number?

Don't worry. While a serial number can provide useful clues about your saddle's age and size, it's only one part of the story. Features such as badges, gullet access and visible technologies can also help you learn more about your saddle. Simply follow the guide below and see what clues your saddle has to offer.

What else can my saddle tell me?

Your serial number is only one clue. Many Wintec saddles include visible markings and features that can help you identify your saddle and its original specifications.

Before contacting our team, take a look around your saddle and see what clues you can find.

How do I read my saddle’s serial number?

Our serial number process has changed many times and there is no one way to accurately read your own serial number. However, our newer serial numbers can be deciphered to tell you your saddle’s age, seat size and which systems your saddle features.

What do the stamps on my saddle mean?

Some Wintec saddles feature stamps that provide information about the saddle's design and intended use.

You may find markings such as:

Stamp
 Meaning
AP All Purpose / General Purpose
DR Dressage
J Jump saddle
P Pony saddle (on some models)
WIDE Wide model

Not every saddle will feature these stamps, but if yours does, they can provide valuable information without needing to decode the serial number.

What discipline or model is my saddle?

Even without a serial number, the overall shape of your saddle can provide clues about its intended purpose.

Dressage saddles

Typically feature a straighter flap designed to support a longer leg position.

Jump saddles

Usually feature a more forward-cut flap designed for shorter stirrup lengths.

All purpose saddles

Designed to sit between dressage and jump saddles, with a moderately forward flap suited to a variety of disciplines.

Pony saddles

Often feature shorter flaps and shorter panels designed for pony proportions.

Wide saddles

Typically have a broader appearance and are designed specifically for wider horses.

How can I find the seat size of my saddle?

In most cases, the last two numbers or letter will represent your saddle seat size in centimeters, this will usually be preceded by a dash.

For example:

  • -36 = 36 cm/14"
  • -38= 38 cm/15"
  • -40= 40 cm/16"
  • -42= 42 cm/16.5"
  • -43= 43 cm/17"
  • -44= 44 cm/17.5"
  • -46= 46 cm/18" 

Stock or HB saddles:

  • S = Small
  • M = Medium
  • L = Large
  • XL = Extra Large

As serial number formats have changed over time, this method may not apply to every saddle. If you need to find out the serial number of your saddle you can also measure it yourself! Simply get a measuring tape and measure from the middle of the saddle nail to the middle of the cantle, this will give you the seat size of your saddle.

Not sure what seat size means? Visit our guide on measuring your saddle seat size.

How old is my Wintec saddle?

If the first two numbers in your serial number are a 10 or higher, then the first two characters represent the year of manufacture. 

For example:

  • W10 =  2010
  • W11 = 2011
  • W12 = 2012
  • W13 = 2013
  • W14 =2014

This method may also apply to some serial numbers from around 2000 onwards. However, because our serial number formats have changed over the years, it may not be accurate for every saddle manufactured before 2010.

Most Wintec saddles feature a changeable gullet. However, depending on the age of your saddle, changing the gullet may require the assistance of a qualified saddler.

You may be able to identify a changeable gullet by looking beneath the pommel area of your saddle.

If your saddle features visible screws or a hook-and-loop fastening beneath the pommel that can be opened to access the gullet plate, it is fitted with the EASY-CHANGE Gullet System.

Saddles with serial number starting with 10 or higher will feature the EASY-CHANGE Gullet System. Excluding kids and western saddles.

If the underside of the pommel is completely enclosed with no method of accessing the gullet plate, the saddle may feature an older changeable gullet design that requires a saddler to access and change the gullet. 

Still not sure? Contact your local Wintec Saddles fitter or stockist and they will be happy to check the saddle over for you.

Does my saddle feature the EASY-CHANGE Fit Solution?

The EASY-CHANGE Fit Solution combines the EASY-CHANGE Gullet System and EASY-CHANGE Risers to assist with saddle balance, bearing and clearance.

Your saddle may feature the EASY-CHANGE Fit Solution if:

  • The serial number begins with "WIP"
  • The saddle displays an EASY-CHANGE Fit Solution badge
  • The saddle displays a HART badge beneath the rear of the seat

Does my saddle have CAIR or HART?

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.

Earlier Wintec Saddles may instead display:

  • CAIR badges
  • EASY-CHANGE Gullet System badges
  • EASY-CHANGE Fit Solution badges

These badges indicate that your saddle features one or more of the technologies that are now included within HART.

If your saddle features both a CAIR and an EASY-CHANGE Fit Solution badge, then it will feature all of the benefits of Horse and Rider Technology.  

Purchasing a pre-owned Wintec saddle?

There's something special about giving a well-loved saddle a second chapter, and many older Wintec saddles continue to provide years of reliable service. However, while a serial number can offer useful insight into a saddle's original age and features, it only tells part of the story. 

While the information in this guide can help you learn more about a saddle's original features, there is no substitute for seeing the saddle in person or having a qualified saddle fitter assess its condition and ensure it is suitable for both horse and rider.

What is my Wintec saddle's resale value?

The resale value of a Wintec saddle can vary depending on factors such as its model, age, condition and any modifications made during its lifetime.

As we do not operate within the second-hand saddle market, we are unable to provide advice on pricing or current market value. We recommend researching recent sales of similar models and consulting your local stockist, saddler or saddle fitter for guidance.

Need More Information?

If you've worked through the information above and still can't identify your saddle, please contact our team with:

  • Your serial number
  • Photos of your saddle
  • Any visible badges or markings

We'll do our best to assist. However, due to changes in serial number formats over the years and limited records for some older models, it may not always be possible to identify every saddle from the serial number alone.

For older saddles, we also recommend regular inspection by a qualified saddle fitter or saddler to help ensure the saddle remains in good condition and ready for many adventures to come.