Collegiate Convertible vs Bates?

[MM&PP]

Does anyone have any exereince of above saddles?

I am toying between the above and a bates (changable gullet). The difference between them is that the Bates is in 'ok' condition (and more expensive), the Collegiate is in V good condition.

Thoughts?

 

[galaxy]

I have the Collgiate changeable gullet Dressage and am really pleased with it.

I haven't seen the normal Bates one, it looks the same as the collegiate in the catalogue, I have only seen/ridden in a Bates Isabel Werth version which has a lot more rider support etc.... and you can see that in photos...

 

[MM&PP]

Thanks for the reply. I am confused as to what to do... Collegiate looks really lovely, but not sure on the quality etc vs. Bates... AHHH.

 

[Baileysno1]

The Collegiate is a less superior quality to Bates but is still a nice saddle.

 

[galaxy]

Had my Collogiate 3 yrs and when cleaned ( ) comes up as new. I don't have any worries with it's quality.

 

[hattie2525]

I ride horses where I work in both. I prefer sitting on the bates as it puts me in a really nice upright postion whilst making me secure without me feeling 'trapped', BUT im not a fan of the leather, im not sure how much treatment its had over its life (I have only been working there a month) but its quite dry and not 'sealed' very well. The collegiate isnt as comfy but is still very nice and the leather is better I feel. It looks more traditional aswell as the bates are more of a newmarket tan colour.