Did You Know? – Key Features in a Bates Saddle 🐴✨

🎥 In this video, we’ll take a look at the different adjustment options available in Bates saddles, and how they can help you achieve the perfect fit for your horse.

Bates saddles are known for combining innovation, performance, and comfort, with advanced fitting features designed to support both horse and rider. 💙

When choosing or fitting a Bates saddle, there are several key adjustment systems that make them stand out.

Adjustable Gullet System 🔧

One of the most recognisable features in Bates saddles is the Easy-Change Gullet System.

This allows the width of the saddle to be adjusted, helping to achieve a more tailored fit for your horse.

This is especially useful for:

🐴 Horses developing muscle and topline
⚖️ Horses gaining or losing condition
🔄 Horses that change shape seasonally
📈 Riders wanting long-term flexibility

The adjustable gullet system makes it easier to adapt the saddle as your horse changes over time.

CAIR Cushion Panels – Part of the HART System ☁️

Unlike many other saddles, Bates saddles do not use traditional wool flocking.

Instead, they feature CAIR Cushion Panels, which are part of the HART (Horse And Rider Technology) system.

✨ CAIR panels use an air cushion system designed to distribute pressure evenly and enhance comfort.

Benefits include:

☁️ Soft, supportive cushioning
🧩 Even weight distribution
💙 Reduced pressure points along the back
🏇 Increased freedom of movement

Easy-Change Riser System for Panel Customisation 📏

Did you know that Bates saddles can be further customised using the Easy-Change Riser System?

This works alongside the CAIR panels to fine-tune the balance and fit of the saddle.

Risers allow adjustments to the panel contact, helping to accommodate:

⬆️ Horses with higher withers
🔽 Horses needing more support behind the shoulder
⚖️ Changes in shape and muscle development over time

This added adjustment option makes Bates saddles even more adaptable for achieving the best possible fit.

Knee Blocks and Rider Support 🦵

Bates saddles are also designed with rider position and security in mind, offering supportive block options.

Depending on the model, Bates saddles may include:

🔒 Secure, shaped knee blocks for stability
✨ Ergonomic support to encourage correct alignment
🏇 Options suited for dressage, jumping, and general purpose riding

These features help riders feel balanced and supported, whether training or competing.

Girthing Options and Stability 🎯

Girthing plays an important role in keeping the saddle stable and correctly positioned.

Many Bates saddles offer thoughtful girthing arrangements to suit different horse shapes, helping to improve balance and security during movement.

This can be especially beneficial for horses who may be:

🔄 Rounder in shape
⬆️ Narrow through the shoulder
🏇 More active in their movement

Why These Features Matter 💡

Every horse and rider combination is unique, and achieving the right saddle fit is essential for comfort and performance.

Bates saddles offer:

✅ Adjustable gullets
✅ CAIR Cushion Panels ☁️ (part of the HART system)
✅ Easy-Change Risers for customised panel balance 📏
✅ Supportive rider block design
✅ Performance-focused stability

All working together to help deliver a secure, comfortable fit for both horse and rider. 🐎✨

🎥 Watch the video now to find out more about the fitting and adjustment options available throughout the Bates range, and how they can help you achieve the perfect fit for your horse. 🐴💙