Bates Saddles?

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gerbilgirl

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I know I've been posting a lot but we're literally buying everything from scratch for about 10 horses and pones (very long story). I have no problems with care, etc, its the product range available - so much to choose from
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that's scaring me
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.

But I'm looking at Saddles for all these ponies and horses. The smaller ponies need GP saddles/possibly a Jump type for 1 of the 13.2hs. We also need a GP saddle for a 17.2h horse. For a 16h and a 16.2h horse we need Jump saddles.

I have been looking at the Bates range as they seem popular and I like the idea of the adjustable gullet system. But does this gullet really make the saddle comfortable or would it be much better fitted by a saddle fitter? If we choose the second option what happens when the horse changes shape (when it is fit or unfit)?

I like the fact that the Bates' range covers such a wide area, from pony GPs to Horse Jump saddles.

If anyone has any remarks, good or bad, please share!
 
I have never liked riding in bates saddles, they just don’t suit me but they are popular so I guess that for most people they are great.

even a saddle with changeable gullets should be fitted by a saddler - that way you know that it fits and if the horse gains or loses condition you can adjust accordingly.
 
It's a personal choice - I can't get on with any design of Albion but I love my Bates caprilli jump saddle ! I think it depends on the size and shape of the rider
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With my saddle, with a medium gullet it has fitted everything I've put it on - obviously I tend to ride similar types of horses!

The gullet works by changing the width of the head - ie the area under the pommel - so that it sits well over the horse's wither. Because the rest of the underneath of the saddle is air-filled, it will mould (to some degree) to the shape of the horse so will not need adjustment if the horse gets fatter or thinner. (within reason)

A saddle fitter will be able to tell you which would be the most appropriate gullet and will check the general fit of the saddle. Not all horses suit the shape of the Bates - same with all saddles
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I have a wintec isabelle dressage saddle and a bates jumping one. Love them both they are fab-so comfy and fit my old horse fantastically.
 
Contrary to popular belief they wont fit everything! They are nicely made saddles, but most of them are banana shaped so dont fit flat backed horses well. Also my horse disliked the Cair alot! Shame cos I really liked my saddle, I had the bates momentum. There are better saddles out there for the money I believe. Remember, compressed air will always be alot harder and can create pressure points in comparison to a well flocked wool saddle
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KatB is absolutely right.
OP, in your position, i would get a GOOD local saddle fitter (sorry for the stress on that, but some are excellent, and some are less so, so it is best to go on reliable recommendation) to fit to the horses individually. i'm sure if you post where you are (maybe in a new post) you will get suggestions. if you are buying a few saddles at once you might well get a really really good deal... best of luck!
 
My OH loves his bates saddle, we have had it about 5 years.

Recently the front air pads on both sides have started to loose air/deflate so it is at the moment back with Bates for have new air pads fitted.

Apart from that is has always been fine.

Fiona
 
Thanks everyone so far. For the saddles at the top of the range, such as this: http://www.frogpool.com/product-8856.htm are they worth the high price, or could I get a better saddle of a different make for around the same price?

And do those who use Bates saddles get much use out of the changeable tree or is it not really worth it?
 
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