Bates
Caprilli
Dressage Saddles
Manufacturer: Bates
Model: Caprilli
Category: Dressage Saddles
Purchase: I needed a relatively inexpensive saddle for a very wide, very green horse. The Caprilli was attractive to me because of the CAIR system. I purchased a 17" seat with an extra-wide gullet brand new in 2004 from a distributor in London, England, via Ebay. I paid $999.00 for saddle + shipping, and another $35.00 for customs.
Likes: I rode very comfortably and straight in this saddle. It also felt secure. It fit my mare very nicely.
Dislikes: My only complaint was the leather: I am used to Passier leather, and the quality of the Bates leather was very inferior. At first glance, it does not even appear to BE leather; it looks like a synthetic. Its durability was questionable, also. I only rode in the saddle one time for about 30 minutes, mostly at a walk. I was very careful with the leather, yet when I finished riding, there were scuffs on the leather that did not condition out.
Quality: I was pleased with the construction and fit of the saddle, although I did not own it long enough to really 'put it to the test'.
Summary: Nice price for a well-made saddle, although recent price increases make it less of a 'bargain'. I think this saddle is well worth $1000.00 but I would not pay the $1800.00 price it has on it now. I decided to sell this saddle rather than continue riding in it. I decided if I saw wear after one light ride, then I probably would be very unhappy with the leather in the long run.
Rating: 3
Author: C Strickland
Date: 2006-01-10
Usefulness Rating: 4.7 out of 5.
20 reader(s) voted.
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