The Horsepower Homestead

I had my Colliegate saddle repaired at Texas Boot and Saddlery in Fort Worth. They re-did my knee pads and conditioned all the leather. It looks fantastic and it's even more comfortable to ride in.

I, at one point, owned 2 Wintec 2000 AP saddles with the Easy change system. I now, I just have one, but I still find myself using this gullet system. The description as given by Wintec: Easy-Change™ Gullet System Easy-to-use set contains all you need to change gullets, including 5 spring steel gullets, screws and gullet gauge. Note: Medium plate not included in set, due to it being included with the purchase of saddle equipped with the replacement gullet technology. I paid: $105 for the complete set. I purchased mine on Amazon.com. The price ranges from $99 to $110 depending on where you shop. This item can be used in any saddle with the Easy change system which can include: Collegiate, Bates, and Wintec. The measuring tool and instructions are included, which makes selection of the appropriate plate quite easy.   At present, the blue gullet, which is one step up (i.e. wider) than the standard medium (black) plate, is in my saddle. I'm primarily riding a large sho...

I purchased my Collegiate Hunt Seat saddle through a Craigslist ad. I paid $120 dollars for it. I then paid $70 to have the Billet straps replaced, as they were very well worn. I had an extra set of stirrups and leathers on hand. The knee rolls are a little worn, but I will likely replace those down the road as well. Collegiate saddles, in my opinion, are a step up from the synthetic and other "cheaper" saddles. But they are not quite as popular as the higher end brands like Stubben and Pessoa. Overall, I quite like this saddle. It is comfortable, and the leather is already supple. It had been stored inside for most of it's life and was in great condition. It's a large seat size, 19 inches. I prefer a larger seat size than most. It has foam panels which still have a good amount of give to them despite their age. The new Collegiate Hunt Seat saddles range from $1000 to $1400. A quick online search shows used Collegiate saddles available ranging from $200 to...