Bates saddles, please let me know how you've found them.

Holly Hocks

Holly Hocks

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So I had a saddler out to my horse tonight who confirmed that her current saddle isn't a good fit. She has incredibly high withers and is quite broad over her back and he told me that it would be awkward to find anything that would actually fit perfectly, but did say that the Bates were good as the parts in them can be altered at the front, middle and back, separately. I've always stayed away from air filled saddles so can you let me know how you find them, those of you who use them. It is the Bates Innova dressage that I would be looking at. Thanks,
 
Not ridden in the Innova, but I have used Bates saddles for over 20 years and find they are very good for young horses or those that tend to change shape a lot. I know some people don't like the Cair air flocking - I've never had an issue - but you can also get them with traditional flocking.
 
That's the saddle I ride in, I don't like Cair so had it reflocked. Have a look at BD classifieds, there's quite a number of them for sale.
 
I can't speak for the most up to date Bates as you request but I have a Bates Caprilli on my high withered, croup high generally difficult to fit tb. I have been told by 2 saddlers and two other back people that checked his saddle fit when treating him that I would struggle to find another saddle to fit him so well.
It is a little big for me so it's not 100% perfect but it is one of the comfiest saddles i have ridden in.
Hope that helps a little :D
 
Nickles1973 said:
I can't speak for the most up to date Bates as you request but I have a Bates Caprilli on my high withered, croup high generally difficult to fit tb. I have been told by 2 saddlers and two other back people that checked his saddle fit when treating him that I would struggle to find another saddle to fit him so well.
It is a little big for me so it's not 100% perfect but it is one of the comfiest saddles i have ridden in.
Hope that helps a little :D
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Yep - that's what it's for - a TB which sounds just like yours! I don't think I'll have a problem with it being too big for me - my ass is my widest asset LOL!! :)
 
I have a Bates Wide. This is my third saddle in five year on a big, very wide, big shouldered Welsh Section D.

I love it. It doesn't slip to the side at all. He is forward and obviously comfortable. He has full shoulder movement and it doesn't move at the back when trotting.

It is very adjustable - different gullets and little pads that can be put in (we have the widest gullet and pads at the front.

It fits perfectly. I have had no problems with Cair system - in fact, I really like it. It certainly doesn't get lumpy (for obvious reasons! :))

Wonderful.
 
I really like my bates caprilli close contact saddle. Had it about 8 years (and it was second hand when I got it) and still in very good condition, despite me not looking after it that well (ie rarely cleaning or conditioning!). I have competed in it up to 1* level eventing and found it comfortable and secure. I have used it on several different horses, but mainly TB's and none of them have ever objected to the cair, including 1 who couldn't deal with flair (he would flip himself over in his made to measure flair saddle). You can have them flocked if you want. I also have a 9yo Bates caprilli GP, again it is still in good nick, but I do not find it the best fit for my very short legs.
 
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