Bates Australia
Caprilli All Purpose Saddle
All Purpose Saddles
Manufacturer: Bates Australia
Model: Caprilli All Purpose Saddle
Category: All Purpose Saddles
Purchase: I went looking for a saddle for my inexperienced mare. I went thru lots of saddles trying to find something that was a good fit. I liked the idea of the changeable gullet as my mare is pregnant and not fully developed so I wanted something that would adjust with her. I had a hard time getting the saddle thru ebay (but that has nothing to do with the saddle), but it was definently worth the wait. ****DEFINENTLY NEEDS TO BE CLEANED AND OILED AT LEAST ONCE BEFORE YOU RIDE IN IT***********
Likes: Soft, supple leather which is just beautiful. Very comfortable can ride for a long time and not feel sore. I think the leather helps you stick pretty well (my horse can throw hissy fits sometimes and I've always been secure in this saddle). I love the cair panels that applies more even pressure with closer contact and I don't have to use a gel pad. I love that I can change the gullet if I have to and once you try it a few times it's not to hard. The deep seat is secure. The saddle is just beautiful. The matching stirrup leathers are very nicely constructed and are the same supple leather.
Dislikes: The leather scuffs easily because it is so soft (at least most of the marks come out pretty easily). It definently needs to be oiled before the first use to try and build up a protection area. The gullet system should come with instructions for the saddles that have the screws on the top side and on the bottom side. Like all no strectch stirrup leathers they do stretch some. The stirrup bars dont have a safety catch which I like that I dont have to put it down, but I did have my stirrups come off the bars when my horse had a bucking fit.
Quality: The construction and quality are excellent, it is a beautiful saddle to look at. Even the older versions are still in great shape, its thick quality leather.
Summary: This is a great saddle that can fit just about any horse, like a great quality saddles it is pricey, but should last a long time and is definently worth it.
Rating: 5
Author: Megan
Date: 2004-12-03
Usefulness Rating: 4.8125 out of 5.
16 reader(s) voted.
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