Bates Caprilli Jumping Saddle

[Christmas Crumpet]

Had the saddler out yesterday and he fitted a brown Bates Caprilli jumping saddle to my 4 year old for us to hunt in this season. Its got CAIR in the panels.

What are the chances of it being a close contact saddle? Forgot to ask him. I had a cc saddle first fitted to my TB last year and it was a disaster but he changed shape so dramatically from being a bag of skin and bones to a very big healthy looking horse.

Are Bates good saddles for youngster esp. those that are going to fill out - his framework is basically there but will get bigger.

 

[Toby_Zaphod]

Bates saddles can be good for youngsters because you know you can change the gullet width to accomodate them as they grow & muscle up. The width of the saddle is not the only consideration though. Although they are supposed to fit most horses with some they just don't. Unless you have deep pockets & are prepared to have a saddle repeatedly adjusted & probably have to buy several different saddles whilst the horse grows to maturity & settles for one size then Bates are possibly one of the best options.

 

[KatB]

Not a fan personally as I don't like Cair panels

They are effectively close contact saddles, but I believe the foam in "true" close contact saddles is actually more forgiving than Cair panels

If there is an alternative, I would go for it

Flocked saddles are more adjustable than Bates anyway IMHO as the flocking can be adjusted down the whole saddle, not just the front.

 

[1036Jones]

I have 3 Bates close contact jumping saddles and find they work well for our constantly changing yard of youngsters. I also use them for hunting, but use an extra sheep skin numnah becuse of the ' many hours in the saddle' on a normal hunting day. I think these saddles are wonderful and would highly recomend