Bates Innova

[josie_s]

Has any one got one or ridden in one. Would you reccomend?

When I first saw it I thought it was a bit odd and to be honest a bit ugly. Then on Sunday I sat in one (not on a horse though

) and thought WOW. Felt so secure and like you wouldn't possibly want to do rising trot. It felt like it made you sit up so straight.

Now I am tempted to part ex my normal dressage saddle for one of these but would love your views first please, thank you

 

[sillygillyhorse]

Sorry cannot help as not sat on one but I am not a huge fan of saddles that completely place you in the optimum position and do not allow you to move! What happened to riders being able to find their own balance?

 

[Equibeau]

I have just bought one! I really like it, and can still move about fine, just gives a bit of support. I thought it was ugly to look at, but when placed on the horse with a rider on, just looks similar to other dressage saddles, imo. Probably you would be best to "try before you buy", its very much a personal thing!

 

[mat]

I have ordered one with the smaller knee blocks, as I also thought that its not such a good thing to be wedged in like that!

The only thing I dont like is they dont give you much feel for whats going on underneath you.

We have ordered it for mfss raubritter as he is still growing so we need one we can alter

 

[josie_s]

so have you ridden in one then. Did you think it was restrictive? or supportive? I too have a young horse that will change shape so like the idea but I have to say the one I am currently using on her does currently fit. I have another who I find so bouncy in trot that I really do struggle to sit to so wondered if it might help me on him too.

Oh I dont know, I would like one but such a lot of money if I cant get away with it

 

[Equibeau]

Just wanted to add that I have ridden in saddles with a lot deeper seats than this Bates one. Hence I dont feel it is restrictive. Got a few "9"'s last week with it, so horse must like it too!