Bates Saddle and free jump reviews!

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Hello!
In the very near future, I am going to be getting the saddle fitter out for my mare so that we can buy a new saddle! I'm planning on getting a jumping saddle, and I was looking at the Bates Elevation+ Jumping saddle. I would most likely get the Bates stirrup leathers (as I believe it is recommended)

If you've had this saddle, what has your experience with it been like?

Secondly, I'm also looking at getting some nice freejumps to go with my new saddle. What are people's opinions on them?

Thanks:)
 
I have no experience with a Bates jumping saddle, but I have recently purchased a 2nd hand Bates GP (only because it's the only thing that seems to fit my nightmare-to-fit mare) but I have been really pleased with it so far.

Fits the mare like a dream, fully adjustable due to the gullet system (and easy to change as well) and it is very comfortable. It allows me to put my legs into the correct position which my previous saddle didn't (saddle company) and it comes up a treat once cleaned!

FYI I don't have bates stirrup leathers, just normal leathers, I can't imagine there would be much difference.
 
I don't have a Bates but can highly recommend the Freejumps. I love mine and do everything in them, so much so that I bought a black pair specifically for dressage and hunting. They've completely stopped my hip pain and greatly reduced my knee pain while riding. They've also (somehow) cured my habit of drawing up my inside leg in canter.
 
I have that bates saddle, bought this summer. It's a great saddle and very comfortable - I tried some cheaper adjustables, eg Kent and Masters and they just didn't compare.
If you buy the Havana you will probably find you have to buy the bates leathers as it's quite a red-brown, so most other branded leathers will look a bit odd
 
I have a bates ap saddle and my own recommendation would be to make sure you only used an approved fitter! I've been through 5 fitters before I found someone that could actually fit it with the risers! every other person has tried to put in a far too narrow gullet to lift it at the front, when all it needed was the risers changing!
 
I have a Bates saddle. I started out with ordinary stirrup leathers but eventually bought Bates stirrup leathers and pleased that I did as they don't stretch and they are much thinner so they sit better under the flap. Well worth the money.
 
Funnily enough i recently got a bates saddle (dressage though) bates webbers leathers & free jump irons!

Love the saddle & 'normal' "leathers now feel absolutely cumbersome. As my saddle is a dressage one I can't really comment on the bates jumping saddles but the free jumps (I have the soft pro-up ones) are pretty outstanding & really easy to switch between saddles as no need to remove leathers. I didn't notice the difference until I tried jumping in my old bent irons (which I promptly removed & threw in the cupboard!) I'm not sure if the leathers you are referring to are the webbers style. I rate them hugely but I wouldn't jump in them but each to their own.
 
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I absolutely loved this (Bates) saddle for my mare, I only sold it because I was backing my boy and even though it fitted I needed a more standard shape as opposed to a jump saddle... Super, easy to clean, lovely and light, lots of freedom at the shoulders, very secure to sit in... Of course it won't fit all shapes of horse but if it's a good fit to yours I would say go for it
 
i had a bates jumping saddle, the deep seated one, my horse hated it. I found it very comfy, hes now in a equipe synergy. He loves it, and I feel very secure it, more so than the bates.

I have free jump stirrups, and wouldn't be without them. Really good grip on them, an love the safety aspect, ive come off a few times and never been stuck. Worth every penny in my book.
 
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