Bates Australia
Caprilli AP 18" Saddle with Cair and Gullet system
All Purpose Saddles
Manufacturer: Bates Australia
Model: Caprilli AP 18" Saddle with Cair and Gullet system
Category: All Purpose Saddles
Purchase: I purchased this saddle at a local saddle shop that has a nice selection and very knowledgeable staff. I paid $1700 for a new saddle. I have been searching for a good fitting saddle for my hard to fit table backed extra wide QH. She tends to tense up and buck if the saddle isn't perfect and frankly cannot bend around turns even a little bit. I have tried three saddles before the Bates with no luck.
Likes: Everything. First of all, the fit is perfect with the extra wide gullet. Even after just one ride with this saddle my horse could bend easily around turns. She was relaxed and finally was able to have impulsion. Her stride extended with this saddle even on the lunge line! She was like a different horse. To my amazement this AP saddle feels like a close contact yet with a secure seat. I can actually feel her back muscles moving with each stride! The saddle is comfortable for me as well and keeps my legs in the right position.
Dislikes: The leather may be too supple. It seems prone to light scuffing. But this is just nitpicking.
Quality: The saddle itself is surprisingly lightweight. The leather is buttery soft. The billets are nice and long. The quality is top notch all around. At first I was worried about wear and tear on a saddle with a changeable gullet system. But the construction looks so good inside and out that I doubt there will be issues. The gullet system is very sturdy as well. They should last a lifetime. The Cair panels are smooth and have no pressure points.
Summary: This saddle is perfect in so many ways and my horse can finally relax. I highly recommend this saddle.
Rating: 5
Author: Chris
Date: 2007-03-14
Usefulness Rating: 3.43478 out of 5.
23 reader(s) voted.
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