Hi! I am currently in the search of a saddle long enough for my femur and have one on trial that I think works for me. It is the Bates Caprilli Close Contact+ Saddle with Luxe Leather (about $2300) with the forward flap. I really liked it, but was curious if the Luxe leather makes it that much better than the regular model to justify spending $500 more (the regular one is $1800), Additionally, is there much difference between the Bates Caprilli Close Contact+ and the regular Bates Caprilli Close Ckbtact ($1500). Just trying to see if the more expensive models are worth the money. Would love your opinions!
Having seen/felt all versions of the new Bates leathers, yes - spending the extra money is worth it. The less expensive leathers definitely feel less expensive.
As for the Bates vs Bates question… close contact saddles have a difference balance (for the rider) than all purpose. If you’re jumping, I’d suggest the CC.
Okay! Thank you! And I mistyped. Both saddles I’m considering are close contact saddles. The $1800 one is the Close Contact + while the $1500 one is just the Close Contact.
Just make sure the Bates fits your horse and balances you properly. Way back when, I convinced myself a Bates was the saddle for me due to that nice leather. I spent the money only to find it pitched me forward when jumping and it was too curvy for my horse’s back. Nice leather is great, but only if it’s practical too.
I did the same thing when I got mine. It was comfy, and the fit wasn’t terrible, but ultimately it just didn’t fit my legs.
Make sure you do at least a week test ride as well (if you can) especially if it has the CAIR panels. In my experience many horses tend to not like them over time rather than balk during the first ride.
I have a Bates Caprilli dressage saddle that I bought used but barely ridden in, and really the only thing I don’t like is the leather. With a ton of conditioning it’s suitable, but it doesn’t feel like it will ever be soft and sticky like my Collegiate jump saddle, much less a higher end saddle. So I’d say a leather upgrade is absolutely worth it.
No clue if the + for double-lined leather is worth it or not.
IME, I’ve never seen a horse have problems with the CAIR panels. I have several friends with CAIR panel saddles for several years and I’ve had my Bates dressage saddle for about six months I think. Though I would definitely prefer wool myself, I would assume issues would be related to fit, not the CAIR panels themselves.
With the Cair I’d just be careful that the air pockets can burst. One had burst in my saddle and I couldn’t really tell even after the saddler showed me - so I got it flocked after that and won’t use Cair again.
I use a Bates elevation saddle and it fits my horse and I well.
