Bates
Caprilli Eventer
Close Contact Saddles
Manufacturer: Bates
Model: Caprilli Eventer
Category: Close Contact Saddles
Purchase: I bought a brand new Eventer in 2004 17 1/2 inch. It was a CAIR panel model. I paid 1345 dollars which included the gullet set and fittings. I used it lightly on exta wide, wide high withered and a medium horse. In 2008 I lent it to a friend, a professional rider to use on my horse.
Likes: My horses all seemed to like it and were especially happy in the back. Some saddles give in the seat or the tree just when the rider is fighting to stay on board, but not the Eventer. Bates advertises the Eventer as having a narrow waist. Indeed it does have a truly narrow center which is great for my narrow build.
Dislikes: Now for the bad news. I am only 5' 2" and never could arrange the knee and thigh blocks to comfortably support my legs. For me the saddle was very tiring to ride in because of that. At the same time it was a very secure saddle because the seat and the stirrup attachments and the tree all worked together very tightly and smoothly. Unfortunately, it is just too big for me.
Quality: After five years it looks almost new. We only oiled it twice. The tree on the Eventer appears stronger and slightly heavier than the tree in my Wintec Isabell and all purpose. Bates describes this saddle as having a narrow waist and it is truly a narrow waist saddle and the seat is not overly wide either. The very firm seat and the knee rolls are covered with a textured leather that doesn't break down and has excellent grip.
Summary: If I was of average height or taller this would my favorite and I would expect it to last for decades. Horses like it and it doesn't go soft on you when your fighting to stay on board.
Rating: 5
Author: Linda S.
Date: 0000-00-00
Usefulness Rating: 3.08108 out of 5.
37 reader(s) voted.
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