Bates saddles tree shapes

[Charlie31]

Does anybody know if the trees in Bates saddles are the same shape across the whole range? I've currently got my horse in one of the all purpose models, which seems to suit him quite well, and was interested in trying one of the jump ones on him. I was wondering if the trees in the jump saddles are the same shape or if they use different trees for different models?

Also is there any difference in the panel thickness across the different models? The all purpose is fine for general bobbing about but I might like something a bit closer contact for jumping.

Obviously I plan to discuss all of this with the saddler but I just fancied doing a bit of background research first.

Thanks.

 

[debbielinder]

No i dont think they are, i had a Bates Caprilli GP on my horse when i backed him possible 7/8 years ago i had the saddler out to check it and he said it was an ok fit but due to being mass produced they tend not to be exactly the same and after trying a bates caprilli dressage saddle on the horse actually went much better and the saddler agreed it was a much better fit. Ive since had to replace this saddle dut to a broken tree when i approached the saddler they told me the new bates saddles are built around a completley different shaped tree than the older caprilli version, and if my old saddle fitted well then these new ones would basically be a no go. I found exactly the same saddle second hand and bought it online then had it checked by a saddle fitter.