Bates
Caprilli VSD
All Purpose Saddles
Manufacturer: Bates
Model: Caprilli VSD
Category: All Purpose Saddles
Purchase: I wanted a saddle that I could use to do low level dressage and jumping. I'd previously owned a Kieffer and decided to try the new model Bates VSD after I'd purchased a great older model Bates All Purpose and found the Bates to suit my new horse very well. I was able to find a new one on Ebay and made an offer for $1400. These saddles retail for around $2300
Likes: I really like the seat and the flexi block as I'm able to move this around for dressage or jumping. I like the leather on the seat and at the knee pads. I really like how comfy it is for dressage and when I shorten for jumping its still a great fit and super comfy. I also like that the saddle fits my body shape, being short in the thigh bone I find some saddles made for long legs disappointing and uncomfortable.
Dislikes: I didn't like the colour brown when new, I've oiled it heaps to darken to a much nicer colour. I also found it a bit uncomfortable at first before it really started breaking in. it did take a while. Also the billets were very short and rather than purchase new girths, I was able to punch a few more holes to accommodate.
Quality: Nothing bad in construction or quality.
Summary: A great saddle for the person who likes to have just the one saddle for various types of low level riding. Personally i would have preferred to buy one already broken in.
Rating: 4
Author: Chris S
Date: 0000-00-00
Usefulness Rating: 3.5 out of 5.
2 reader(s) voted.
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