Beneath the traditional lines and elegant appearance, the Bates Dressage saddle offers high performance as innovative features work to ensure optimal horse comfort and a balanced rider position. Crafted in fine, hand-selected European leather, it boasts a seat with a narrow twist and a greater width behind for increased support of your optimal dressage position. Molded knee inserts gently support your leg.

This dressage saddle is built on an Elastiflex tree and with quilted panel points. It lets you customize your comfort with the Adjustable Ergonomic Stirrup Bar and the Adjustable Flexibloc system. The EASY-CHANGE Fit Solution allows for a customized fit on your horse, while weight distribution is achieved through the CAIR® Cushion system in generous performance panels. The Y-Girthing system provides saddle stability.  Use a Phillips screwdriver #3 to adjust the tree of the saddle. 

Description of features:

Elastiflex tree has a rigid head to maintain clearance over your horse’s withers. Lateral flexion works with your horse’s muscular movements in every stride. Precision engineered to be lightweight, symmetrical and ultra-durable, this tree is guaranteed against breakage for the lifetime of the saddle (deemed to be 10 years under normal riding conditions).

Adjustable Ergonomic Stirrup Bar for effortless horse and rider alignment allows you to alter the positioning of the stirrup bar, resulting in complete control over your preferred riding position.

Adjustable Flexibloc system enables you to customize the support offered for an individualized riding position.

EASY-CHANGE Fit Solution is comprised of the EASY-CHANGE Gullet system and the EASY-CHANGE Riser system. It offers a total saddle fitting solution for absolute horse comfort and your peace of mind.

Select the optimal gullet width in the EASY-CHANGE Gullet system for your horse’s current shape and muscling. Make adjustments within the saddle panels for optimal balance and clearance with the EASY-CHANGE Riser system. All adjustments are measurable, symmetrical and completely reversible, ensuring total confidence in the saddle’s ability to be custom fitted to your horse’s changing shape for optimal comfort and performance.

CAIR cushions within generously sized panels offers performance advantages over traditional panel fillings in the way they distribute your weight and cushion your horse’s back. In distributing weight, air cushions continually mold to mirror your horse’s individual conformation and working muscles. They ensure a close, even contact over a much larger weight-bearing area and help eliminate instances of pressure points.

In cushioning your horse’s back, the dynamic nature of the air ensures it works in synergy with your  horse’s muscles, rather than your horse’s muscles working against a static medium. Additionally, air provides the ultimate shock absorption, reducing instances of trauma to your horse’s muscles in work.

The large saddle panels maximize the weight-bearing surface on your horse’s back. The optimized area results in a reduction in pressure per square inch. Coupled with a wide and even channel, the  panel design supports your horse’s working muscles and allows optimal movement in his shoulders.

Y-Girthing system enables customized adjustments for your horse’s individual conformation. It maximizes saddle stability as it secures the saddle from both front and rear.

QUICK-CHANGE Girth Points offer peace of mind that the girth points can be fitted to factory standard throughout the life of the saddle. This girth system also allows customization by a saddler or saddle fitter. The unique design ensures the girth points are highly durable and ultra slim-profile, which supports a close contact feel and increased comfort for horse and rider.