bates saddles ..

I bought one for my project horse last summer, as i thought with the adjustable gullet it would be easier to sell on and i find them really comfortable. (Turns out project horse is staying anyway!!) Hes a 15.3hh TB and it fits him really nicely. I find it very comfortable and secure, easy to do dressage and showjumping in and as he has muscled up i've been able to change the gullet, rather than having to change the saddle!
 
I have two, a Dressage and a GP. Love them and will probably stay with Bates :).

I did find that as the CAIR pannels stayed the same and the small amount of flocking in front compressed they ended up dropping in front after a while. Not the biggest CAIR fan so may have them flocked totally but at £45 each it will have to wait lol.
 
Yep, I have to agree. I have the Bates jumping and dressage saddle. They are fab as my horse tends to bloat in the summer and trim down through winter. The gullets are cheap and easy to change.
 
I have just got the close contact Bates and have to say it is unbelievably comfortable!! They hold their value as well due to being so changable. I had a Bates GP on my last horse but was advised that these saddles can tip you forward so not really recommended for jumping - although i SJ'd her quite sucessfully in it (quite due to rider not saddle errors LOL)
 
The GP I find useless for jumping as the cantle is too high, so if you intend to jump the close contact is a better choice IMO. I have had mine for 6 years, and it is still going strong. When my youngster decided to roll in it last year, Bates repaired it FOC within 2 days! I was so impressed I sent them an email saying how brilliant they were and offering to pay, as the damage wasn't due to any form of manufacturing fault on their part, but they refused any payment!!!!!!!! My close contact has taken me to 1* level eventing with no problems. IMO it is very good value for money, and well made saddle.
 
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