| Author |
 Topic  |
|
|
|
KittyB
Silver Member
United Kingdom
295 Posts |
 Posted - 10 May 2015 : 09:08:08 AM
|
|
Has anyone tried a Bates saddle? It's been recommended that I try the Wide option - apparently they're very adjustable. I've looked on their website though and the lifespan of the saddle is only 10 years. I'm really looking for something a bit more long-lived than that, given the price tag of over £1k! Struggling to find a saddle that's right for my boy - usual problem of short coupled, big shouldered, wide horse with an adult rider (although I'm only size 10/12).
|
     |
|
Report to moderator
|
|
|
sab2
Platinum Member
8467 Posts |
Posted - 10 May 2015 : 09:39:51 AM
|
I have used Bates saddles , make sure you get a saddler to fit as they are a more banana shaped tree so not always ideal for Arabs. My Arab was fine in hers and the Wintecs, but they would suit more TB type backs :) I am having the same issues if you read my post sound like they are a similar shape apart from mine is bum high which is causing the most probelms  Bates saddles can often by picked up new quite cheaply on ebay, i bought a brand new square cantle jumping saddle last year from a shop for £650 , sadly didn,t fit my Trakehner so i sent it back , good luck in your search .
|
Report to Moderator  |
|
|
littlearabians
Gold Member
1323 Posts |
Posted - 10 May 2015 : 2:19:26 PM
|
Bates and Wintec are the same, it is just the material that is different, the new styles are good for Arabs the old styles are pretty bad... I would strongly recommend you try the new Tekna too if you would consider synthetic, in 16,5" seat they are 1" shorter in the panels then the Wintec saddles in the same seat size....
I LOVE my Tekna, gets you in a super position and gives a lovely ride, better then many leather saddles I have ridden in in the past, and since I have no plans of becoming a dressage superstar I don't find it justifiable to spend £1000-2000 for a dressage saddle if I could get something at a better price tat fits the horse.... I have this one in 16.5" for Champs https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OTPaK4qJ-KA
not sure how they would go on something like Sab2s horse that is bum high though. |
www.littlearabians.com
Classic Polish Arabians
Worcester based
|
| Report to Moderator |
|
|
Ari
Platinum Member
1657 Posts |
Posted - 10 May 2015 : 3:42:27 PM
|
| My pal has a Bates wide for her Highland, I have never sat in it but can say it is lovely leather, very well made and has done a lot of miles with us and still looks good after 6 years. |
| Report to Moderator |
|
|
Tapir
New Member
23 Posts |
Posted - 11 May 2015 : 1:21:51 PM
|
Is it not that the tree is guaranteed for ten years, not that this is the lifespan of the saddle?
I used to work for Weatherbeeta/Wintec/Bates and don't ever remember hearing that the saddles had a certain lifespan. |
| Report to Moderator |
|
|
Callisto
Platinum Member
6905 Posts |
Posted - 11 May 2015 : 2:18:12 PM
|
| My yellow pony has had his Bates Saddle for 6 years, its had a lot of use and is still really comfy to sit in and he is happy in it too. |
  Zahkira (GR Amaretto x Taffetta)
Linda
East Sussex |
| Report to Moderator |
|
|
KittyB
Silver Member
United Kingdom
295 Posts |
Posted - 11 May 2015 : 7:45:27 PM
|
| Hi Tapir - yes, it's the tree that's guaranteed "for the lifespan of the saddle" which, when you read the small print is "deemed to be ten years". I don't know under what circumstances a saddle would only last ten years. I have saddles that are 30+ years old still going strong. |
|
| Report to Moderator |
|
| |
Topic |
|
Bates saddles
