Bestsellers
Bates Saddles & Saddle Accessories | Emmers Equestrian
Bates is an Australian saddle brand, family-run since 1934, best known for its CAIR cushioning system, air-filled panels that sit between the tree and the horse's back and flex with the horse's muscles instead of staying rigid against them. That's paired with the EASY-CHANGE gullet system, which lets a saddle fitter swap the gullet plate to adjust tree width as your horse's shape changes, rather than needing a new saddle entirely.
Bates saddles are leather, built on this adjustable platform across dressage and all-purpose models. What makes this worth understanding before you buy is that fit here isn't fixed the way it is with a traditional flocked saddle; it's designed to be adjusted over time. That's genuinely useful for a horse in work who's still changing shape, but it still needs a proper saddle fitter involved, not just a width guess at checkout.
The right saddle is essential for your horse’s comfort, freedom of movement and performance, and its fit can change as your horse’s shape and fitness develop. Whether you’re choosing a new saddle or checking your current one, discover the Emmers Equestrian Saddle Fitting Service for expert advice tailored to both horse and rider.
Tips for Choosing
- Pick dressage or all-purpose based on your actual discipline; the panel and tree shaping differ, so match the saddle to how you ride rather than to price or availability alone.
- Have the gullet width and CAIR panel setup checked by a qualified saddle fitter at purchase, and again if your horse's condition or workload changes noticeably.
- Don't assume the adjustable gullet makes professional fitting optional, it changes how fit is maintained over time, not whether it needs checking in the first place.
- If you're buying stirrup leathers or other Bates accessories alongside the saddle, check they're sized to your own leg length and riding position, not just matched to the saddle.
- Ask about size availability before you commit, since specific saddle sizes and models can sell out and take time to restock.
Frequently asked questions
What does the CAIR system actually do?
It replaces traditional wool or foam flocking with air-filled panels that flex with the horse's back muscles, spreading pressure more evenly than a rigid panel.
Can I adjust the fit myself, or do I need a professional?
The gullet plate can be swapped to change tree width, but this should be done by a qualified saddle fitter to make sure the resulting fit is actually correct for your horse.
Is a Bates saddle the same as a Wintec?
No, Wintec is a sister brand under the same Australian company and uses synthetic construction, while Bates saddles are leather, so the two aren't interchangeable despite sharing some fit technology.
Will the saddle still fit if my horse changes shape over time?
It's more adaptable than a fixed-tree saddle thanks to the interchangeable gullet, but it still needs a fitter to confirm the new setting is right, not just a different plate clicked in.
Are Bates saddles suitable for competition?
Yes, they're built as competition-level dressage and all-purpose saddles, so they're designed with that use in mind.
How do I care for the leather and panels?
Clean and condition the leather as you would any quality leather saddle, and avoid puncturing or overloading the air panels, since they're a functional part of the fit system rather than just padding.
You'll find Bates saddles and accessories at Emmers Equestrian.