Bates
Prix St Georges
Dressage Saddles
Manufacturer: Bates
Model: Prix St Georges
Category: Dressage Saddles
Purchase: Bought in 2007 secondhand from internet auction website, on condition that I could try it out before payment. Paid $1000. Tried many saddles before finally settling on this one(other Bates, Eurohunter, Stubbens, Horobins, Kieffers).
Likes: *Saddle was made in 1991 (now 2007) & is still in very good to excellent condition.
*Very comfortable seat which is fairly deep & gives excellent feel of security (no problem riding a youngster).
*Gives rider a naturally very balanced position.
*Has padded inserts under the riders legs which are 'kid-glove soft' & allow excellent communication & 'feel' to the horse. Far better than solid leather.
*No 'Y' girth system (which can pull into the withers & cause discomfort to horse & possible bucking).
Dislikes: Hard to fault this saddle as it suits me so well.
-Maybe between the rear of the panels (padding) could be wider (only 2.5 fingers) compared to the current trend of having at least 3 fingers width.
-The panels could be a bit broader - in keeping with the current trend, & which I think can only benefit the horse as it spreads the rider's weight over more surface area. (But I'm light weight - so my horses don't need this as much as perhaps a heavier rider)
-One of the 'Prix St Georges' badges on the outer saddle flap has the resin coating partially cracked off.
Quality: Leather, nice quality. Medium gullet. Flocked panels. Super-soft padded inserts under rider's legs. Unusual girth system: The 2 straps(points) are within the outer flap, instead of between the outer and under flaps.
Summary: Saddle gives superb position and natural balance to the dressage rider. The Bates company stated that this was their most common feedback.
Rating: 5
Author: Neat
Date: 2007-02-22
Usefulness Rating: 5 out of 5.
5 reader(s) voted.
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