Bates
Event saddle
Jumping Saddles
Manufacturer: Bates
Model: Event saddle
Category: Jumping Saddles
Purchase: I bought this saddle on ebay for $1300, ridden in 10 times. I purchased it because I have LONG legs, and was told this was a good saddle for jumpers with long legs. It also had the movable blocks, and I can change the gullets as my mare fluctuates over the seasons.
Likes: I LOVE this saddle. It puts me in the perfect jumping position, and my mare seems to love it as well. She is very happy to round her back up into the cair panels, and I can get a very nice, engaged, uphill canter from her in it. Also, the panels are very easy to access for reflocking, which I have done a bit of myself (adding when it would bridge a tiny bit).
Dislikes: The leather is a bit stiff, and is difficult to break in. Also, it only comes in 17.5. I technically need an 18 for my leg, but I make do just fine.
Quality: The construction is very nice, but the quality of leather could be a bit nicer for a saddle that retails for $1795. I do however like the grain leather on the seat and knee pads. Now if only I could get it to break in enough... granted I have taken 8 months off in the year and a half I've had it, and only rode in it once a week before that.
Summary: I have considered selling this saddle as i would like to have the money and I don't jump often, especially following my horse-related head injury. I am still trying to get my mare back in shape, and shes not strong enough yet for me to feel comfortable schooling her over fences. Plus the ground here is frozen, and i am claustrophobic jumping in the indoor. However, I love it so much, and they are so hard to find used, that I cannot bring myself to sell it. I know I will use it again someday.
Rating: 4
Author: Emily
Date: 2007-02-16
Usefulness Rating: 5 out of 5.
2 reader(s) voted.
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