Bates saddles

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taraj

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Have been recommended to try one for my 4yr old due to them being very adjustable but there seems to be mixed reviews, especially with regards to the cair system.
I've always had cobs so could recommend a saddle to fit a cob by looking at it but ISH Withers and high/big shoulders are all new to me! Sadly my normal saddle fitter has a 2 month back log.
 
I had a wintec with CAIR. I really didn’t like it. The panels seemed very hard and unforgiving. I sold it pretty quick.
 
I’ve got a Bates jump saddle with cair.
It’s pretty useful, much much nicer than the wintecs - the balance is in a different league. I would say though that it goes on sporthorse profiles so I don’t know how it would suit a cob
 
ihatework said:
I’ve got a Bates jump saddle with cair.
It’s pretty useful, much much nicer than the wintecs - the balance is in a different league. I would say though that it goes on sporthorse profiles so I don’t know how it would suit a cob
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This lad is an Irish sports horse, ive only ridden once in a wintec and hated it so that's good to hear!
 
I have a Bates wide saddle for my Connemara x. I’ve had it for 5 years, bought new. It has been great, fits really well and comfortable for both me and the horse. No problems at all x
 
Bates saddles like the wintec use the same gullets that are interchangeable. Using the various sizes of gullets you can take the saddle from Narrow right up to extra wide & you can pick up these gullets cheaply on ebay. The only thing is that the gullets just change one part of the fit but there are other measurements to take into account as well. I would recommend that when you decide to change the gullet get a fitter or someone who is knows saddles to take a look because you will probably need something else adjusting as well.
 
Bates are a mass produced product. So you are in that middle of the road average bracket where the product is designed for the mass market.

Their version of innovation is cute, with lots of little ideas and changes to keep their products range fresh. They do a good job of this and their marketing programme is great.

However - there are a lot on the market. Is that because there are a high volume sold and then turned over quickly? Or just because their marketing programme is so good.

I love the look of them but despite trying have never had one that will fit my horses.
 
I have a Bates VSD. It's a nice saddle to ride in but I had the cair taken out and reflocked with wool. One thing to bear in mind with the older models is that the cair panel is actually two pieces that are taped together thus creating a pressure point right where the riders weight goes. Have a Google and you will see what I mean.
 
Look into the tree design. I was advised to steer clear of them as they have long points are are totally unsuitable for a cob (I have a cob). I went with Ideal and its perfect.
 
I have an older style bates caprilli vsd with cair on my ID who has a huge shoulder but also muscle wastage around the wither . I have it set to wide and always ride with a prolite underneath. This combo has been working for all disciplines.
 
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