Bates Caprilli Saddle Review
Retail Price: $1799.95
Quality- 4
Comfort- 5
Price- 3
Overall Value- 4
Saddles are a very traditional piece of equipment that have not changed significantly in 100 years. That’s why I love the Bates Caprilli Close Contact so much! There a several major technological advances incorporated into the design of this saddle to improve horse and rider performance.
Bates states that the saddle “is ideal for showjumping, eventing and hunters”. It is “designed for serious and professional riders who recognize the impact of saddle design on their performance.”
I am inclined to agree with Bates. Some of the features below explain why. The Caprilli features the CAIR® Panel System. These panels are integrated into the saddle flaps and are designed for better performance and freer movement of horse. The panels are filled with air to eliminate pressure points on the horse and do not require re-stuffing like most wool flocked panels. The Easy-Change Gullet System can be purchased separately and allow the width of the gullet to be changed ensuring the best possible fit for your horse or horses.
The Caprilli has a deeper seat than most other jumping saddles for extra rider stability. Additionally, Bates incorporated its decent quality leather in two wonderful color choices and traditional styling for a pleasing, show ring-ready look. As if that weren’t enough, the adjustable Flexibloc system allows the rider to place the knee blocks anywhere they like under the saddle flap for a custom fit and a more secure position. But there’s more! The Caprilli comes in regular, long and forward flap styles to help riders achieve a custom fit (the forward flap fits me and my long femurs best).
The saddle currently retails for about $1799.95 and the gullet system costs about $100.This saddle is not inexpensive but you get so many features that you will really get the bang for your buck in terms of fit, performance and quality. I highly recommend this saddle. Back to saddle reviews.
Quality- 4
Comfort- 5
Price- 3
Overall Value- 4
Saddles are a very traditional piece of equipment that have not changed significantly in 100 years. That’s why I love the Bates Caprilli Close Contact so much! There a several major technological advances incorporated into the design of this saddle to improve horse and rider performance.
Bates states that the saddle “is ideal for showjumping, eventing and hunters”. It is “designed for serious and professional riders who recognize the impact of saddle design on their performance.”
I am inclined to agree with Bates. Some of the features below explain why. The Caprilli features the CAIR® Panel System. These panels are integrated into the saddle flaps and are designed for better performance and freer movement of horse. The panels are filled with air to eliminate pressure points on the horse and do not require re-stuffing like most wool flocked panels. The Easy-Change Gullet System can be purchased separately and allow the width of the gullet to be changed ensuring the best possible fit for your horse or horses.
The Caprilli has a deeper seat than most other jumping saddles for extra rider stability. Additionally, Bates incorporated its decent quality leather in two wonderful color choices and traditional styling for a pleasing, show ring-ready look. As if that weren’t enough, the adjustable Flexibloc system allows the rider to place the knee blocks anywhere they like under the saddle flap for a custom fit and a more secure position. But there’s more! The Caprilli comes in regular, long and forward flap styles to help riders achieve a custom fit (the forward flap fits me and my long femurs best).
The saddle currently retails for about $1799.95 and the gullet system costs about $100.This saddle is not inexpensive but you get so many features that you will really get the bang for your buck in terms of fit, performance and quality. I highly recommend this saddle. Back to saddle reviews.
