Considering purchasing a new or used saddle. Have tried an original Pessoa and Toulouse as well as a new Circuit. The Toulouse fits like a glove on the horse but is a bit too big for me. It is a model they don’t make anymore. My vet suggested looking at a Bates because of the way my horse is built. Opinions about Bates saddles for the hunter/jumper world appreciated.
I’m an eventer but I LOVE my bates.(caprilli ap) So comfy and after 2 years of abuse it’s still in amazing condition. My only complaint is the seat and panels don’t really break in or take much oil. Doesn’t bother me too much though.
I had a bates caprilli close contact saddle for about a year, I really liked it and found it very comfortable but it didn’t fit my horse unfortunately. If you can try one it might be worth your time.
I have a Bates Caprilli Close contact and I adore it. It fits one of my guys great and is super comfortable without putting me in a chair seat.
I loved mine, but found a county for a steal and had to upgrade. It was super comfortable. I personally find that the seats run big. My 16.5" fit some riders who ride in 18" relatively comfortable. I felt like I was swimming in my 16.5" whereas my 16.5" county fits me like a glove. I think they are great saddles for those on a budget. I still have mine for sale and usually the resell value is great and they don’t take too long to sell.
I’ve had mine for years - no idea how long. It is the Bates Caprilli long flap because I’m tall. I ordered 17-1/2 because that is what I was riding in, but did not allow for the longer flap, so I do rather swim in it and could have gone smaller.
The leather is good quality and it was comfy from the get-go. I’ve been glad to be able to change the gullet to fit my current horse.
When I first got it I went on a ranch holiday with friends - five days, five hours a day and she was completely comfortable and so was I. Some of the other horses were a little back sore after all those hills.
It has held up very well with minimal care, with it’s Gary Mundy leathers!
I purchased one of the new H/J models 2 years ago. I love it. I have ridden in many other saddles, and some very high end saddles but nothing really compares to how it fits me. It really compliments my position and I don’t have to fight the position it puts me in.
Many friends who have tried it find it a very flat, forward seat but I enjoy that with my horse. She is a flatter, less animated mover and slightly flatter jump without a lot of thrust off the ground at lower heights (3’), which is what I stick around. So I find it helps keep me off her back and with the motion but I can still sit deep without problems.
The saddle has the CAIR panels and the adjustable gullet. Both are great. I know many ppl prefer to flock the panels but once the panels warm up with the horses body heat, they have a very soft, supple feel but with lots of shock absorbtion.
But preference for flocking or CAIR is just like picking a mattress for yourself. It is all in what you prefer.
Overall, I highly recommend this saddle. It still looks brand new and I am riding pretty well every day right now. It doesn’t darken with oil very much like another said but mine is very soft and nice comfortable seat.
