Bates Saddles

Bates Saddles combines leather craftsmanship with fitting features that allow many of its saddles to be adjusted as a horse changes shape. The wider Bates range includes dressage, jumping, all-purpose, pony and stock saddles. At Saddleworld Devonport, our listed Bates saddles include the Kimberley Halfbreed and Kimberley Heritage with Swinging Fender for riders seeking the support of a stock style saddle.

Can a Bates saddle be adjusted as my horse changes shape?
Many Bates saddles use the EASY-CHANGE Gullet System to adjust the width at the front of the saddle. Models with the EASY-CHANGE Riser System also allow a fitter to fine-tune the panels for balance and clearance. The fitting features vary by model and age, so check the particular saddle before choosing parts or making an adjustment.

Will changing the gullet make the saddle fit any horse?
No. The gullet is one part of the fit. The saddle also needs to suit the shape and length of the horse’s back, sit in balance, clear the withers and spine, and make appropriate contact through its panels. A saddle fitter can assess these points with the rider aboard.

Are there Bates saddles for wide or high-withered horses?
Bates makes models designed specifically for wider horses and for high-withered horses. These designs address more than the width of the gullet, so the model itself matters. If your horse is particularly round or has prominent withers, start by discussing its overall shape rather than selecting a gullet size alone.

What is the CAIR Cushion System?
CAIR is Bates’ air cushion panel system. It forms part of the fitting design on saddles equipped with it, including the Kimberley Heritage model listed at Saddleworld Devonport. A fitter still needs to check how the complete saddle sits on your individual horse.

What is the difference between the Kimberley Halfbreed and the Kimberley Heritage?
The Kimberley Halfbreed combines a close-contact feel with a supportive seat, poley pads and swinging fenders. Its broad panel footprint and wide channel are designed to distribute the rider’s weight while leaving room for the horse’s spine. The Kimberley Heritage with Swinging Fender offers a more traditional stock saddle feel, with poley knee pads and fenders that move with the rider. The best choice depends on how each saddle fits your horse and how secure and balanced you feel in the seat.

Does “short” mean the Kimberley Halfbreed fits a short-backed horse?
On the Kimberley Halfbreed listed at Saddleworld Devonport, “Short” refers to the swinging fender length, not a promise that the saddle’s panels will fit a short back. The horse’s available saddle area must be assessed separately from the rider’s leg length and seat size.

At Saddleworld Devonport, we can help you compare Bates models and identify the fitting options for a particular saddle. We recommend a professional fit check to confirm comfort and balance for both horse and rider.