A lot of my friends have used Bates saddles over the years and they have always seemed to be well designed, robust and reasonably priced.
The Isabell was designed with (I understand) a lot of input from world dressage champion Isabell Werth and trainer Dr Baurner (how is it that all German dressage people seem to have six degrees each AND be able to ride like that?!).
It is designed to enhance partnership between horse and rider and this can only improve your performace whether you are a pro or a happy hacker.
The design of the saddle helps the rider to sit correctly and I have seen so much improvement in riders when they crack how to sit properly. It is so hard to use each part of your body properly when the overall balance is out. It is really comfortable and it does make you feel like you are sitting deeper. The horse seemed comfortable and went nicely in it.
The saddle uses the Cair panel system which distributes the weight of the saddle better on the horse's back and is supposed to eliminate pressure points and discomfort.
It is difficult to recommend saddles because every horse or pony is unique and you need to find a make and model that suits it, but this one does seem to be worth a try. It is designed by a top class athlete and a good manufacturer, both of whom understand equine physiology. If you and your horse suit this design, you have every chance of getting a really nice saddle!
The saddle looks good and seems robust and hard wearing Features: Extra deep seat and a low thin waist Stirrup bars 2 inches further back than ystandard Soft knee inserts Easy change gullet system Long even panel with quilted points Resilient fibre filled panels Adjustable flexibloc system
Def. worth a try if you need or want a new saddle!
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