I just took a lesson in the older model Isabell, and I absolutely loved it. My leg (which has a tendency to come forward) stayed in perfect alignment, and it was so grippy and comfortable. I need a new dressage saddle, but I'm not willing to shell out the $1299 for a brand new model (well, my husband isn't willing to let me shell that much out, anyway). I can't seem to find any reviews that compare the previous Isabell model to the new model--does anyone know the major difference? Will I be just as happy in the older model, or should I wait and look for used versions of the newer model? Btw, I'm 5'2" with a 30" inseam, petite build, and I ride a high-withered, narrow-sided OTTB. 

 I will tell you my experience with the Wintecs and changeable gullet saddles (I had two, still have one) -- the major design flaw is the short tree points on the gullet plate.  It just doesn't distribute weight properly on the horse so you ned up with soreness and pressure behind the withers.  Despite the efforts of multiple fitters and the comfiness of the saddle, it's got to go if it hurts the horse!  So I would recommend something else -- both Thoroughgood and Tekna make good synthetics with longer tree points.

Thanks--no one has ever mentioned that flaw before. Is that something they've looked at with the newer models? I haven't looked into the Thoroughgood dressage models, and I've never heard of Tekna--I'll check them out.

Thanks!

 Yes, and actually the newer models fit many horses worse than the old ones.  But the gullet plates are the same and I have the same problem with my Collegiate (which uses the same plates).

Like every other brand of saddle, some horses it fits, some horses it doesn't. I have a TB mare, and the wintecs fit her quite nicely. The gullet sets make them more versatile, but still not guaranteed to fit every horse. I have used my 500 AP with the EW gullet in it on several several-hour long trail rides on a tubby little App as well. It just so happens that my TB and my friend's App are comfortable in the wintec tree (and both, though the App especially, are very loud about their opinions on comfort).

Thanks for the input. If there was a tack shop within 100 miles, I'd trailer Johnny there, but here in lovely north Central Arkansas, the closest tack shop with saddles is in Memphis, and it's a 2 hour drive without pulling a trailer. I thought about doing the demo rides--it may be what I have to do. My big issue is my short legs--I really need a custom saddle, but we'll look into that when I hit Grand Prix (not in this lifetime, lol).

Any particular reason why you lean more towards the Pro versus the Isabell?

I think I liked the pro better because my position did not feel as locked in as it did in the Isabel. Which I think is what you liked? Very much a personal preference! I can't speak on the short leg issue, I am 5'9", but wintecs are very versatile!!