Bates Australia - Bates Advocates

Bates Advocates

Ferdi Eilberg, Maria Eilberg, Michael Eilberg

Blair Richardson

Prue Barrett Australia

Prue is an elite Event rider and has competed for Australia.

“I find the Bates Saddles extremely comfortable to sit in, the CAIR Panel System gives me security and softness in the saddle even when I am struggling to find the medium trot button. I feel as though I stay with the movement better and not lose contact with the horses back. My horses are no doubt reaping the benefit also. Even after riding a horse for quite a long time, I have taken the saddle off and have found there are no dry patches where the saddle has been sitting. This indicates to me there are no pressure points at all."

Daisy Dick UK

Daisy Dick won a Team Bronze Medal in Eventing at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and a Silver Team Medal at the World Equestrian Games in Aachen 2006. She also won Blenheim International Horse Trials 2006.

“Bates saddles have been a breakthrough! I love the balance that they give me and the horses move and jump better then ever in them. I really believe that the CAIR panel System helps protect my horse's backs from wear and fatigue, as they are jumping as good at the end of the track as they are at the beginning!”

Ferdi Eilberg, Maria Eilberg, Michael Eilberg UK

World Renowned Dressage Rider and Trainer, Ferdi Eilberg, has had numerous riding and coaching achievements including training the British Eventing and Dressage Teams over many years. Ferdi has been awarded the gold Reiter Abzeichen medal for his competition success at advanced level in both dressage and show jumping.

“As a family we are proud advocates Bates Saddles with CAIR, which are an invaluable asset in our competition stable to help realise our goals”

Maria Eilberg was the reserve rider for the British Dressage Team at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

“I used to ride with my leg too far forward, so it's no wonder that my piaffe sometimes didn't happen. The Contourbloc of the Bates Innova reminds me to keep my leg back. The improvement in my position has influenced my/our performance and has helped me to achieve higher scores.”

Michael Eilberg is a successful British Showjumper who excels in his chosen discipline.

“Innova is a step forward in saddle design for horse and rider, in particular, Maria finds the Innova seat and contourblocs are very helpful in supporting her lower leg position and upper body balance.”

Will Faudree USA

Will Faudree is one of America's elite riders in Eventing and competes internationally.

“I am a huge advocate of both Bates Saddles and the CAIR Panel System. Both my veterinarian and I have noticed a marked improvement in my horse's backs, since using Bates Saddles with CAIR. Personally, I find the Bates Momentum offers tremendous support for any size jump, whilst allowing me not to feel trapped. When it comes to Dressage Saddles, I truly believe the Bates Innova is the best saddle out there. The technology in Bates Saddles has a measurable impact on both my and my horse's performance.”

Hilda Gurney USA

Hilda Gurney is an Olympic medalist, national champion, Pan Am Games medalist, trainer, breeder and judge.

"The Bates Innova is an extremely comfortable saddle and has the added benefit of the Contourblocs, which help to keep the rider's leg in the correct position.”

Louisa Hill NZ

Louisa Hill is a champion Dressage rider, having competed at the Athens Olympic Games in 2004 and having won major New Zealand dressage titles.

“After having had the opportunity to ride in various models of Bates Dressage Saddles with the CAIR Panel System I would never consider changing to a traditionally filled saddle panel again. My horses and I have been riding in Bates saddles with CAIR since it was first introduced and the difference it made to our comfort was immediately obvious.

I have also found that Saddles with the CAIR Panel System and EASY-CHANGE Gullet System are very flexible in achieving a good fit on a variety of different horses. I am definitely an advocate of Bates Saddles with the CAIR Panel System.”

Amanda Howell Australia

Eventing and Dressage specialist Amanda Howell competed at the Sydney 2000 Olympics in the Individual 3DE and is a NCAS Level 2 Coach.

"I only ride in Bates Saddles with CAIR. I was really amazed at how comfortable the Bates Momentum saddle was straight away. My seat and legs felt like they had something to sink into, and I felt like I had a better grip and more stability. I've show jumped up to about 1.25m in it, and the saddle gives a great feel no matter the height. Overall, I felt very balanced and secure, I didn't notice the saddle was there, which for me, means the saddle is doing its job. The Flexiblocs are a great idea, so the saddle can be personalised to each rider and whether they are show jumping, or jumping cross country."

Frank Madden USA

Renowned U.S. Equestrian Federation coach Frank Madden is one of the most successful and dedicated trainers of young and developing show jumping talent in the United States.

"We've seen again and again that the comfort of the horse makes the difference in being competitive. The CAIR® Panel System, with its lightweight and cushioning air panels, frees our horses’ backs and shoulders -allowing them to perform happily at their best in the show ring and the training arena.

We also love how we can tailor each Bates saddle to fit any horse with the EASY-CHANGE Gullet System, and to fit any rider using adjustable Flexibloc knee rolls-without compromising its good looks and classic styling.

Without question, since switching to Bates the positive results we've seen in the performance of our horses have been measurable.”

Bryce Newman NZ

Bryce Newman is an elite Event rider for New Zealand, competing internationally.

"Too often the development of young horses is inhibited by their saddle performing poorly. With Bates Saddles and the CAIR Panel System I can now have complete peace of mind that my saddle is offering my horse the ultimate in comfort. The increased freedom of movement in Our Questionnaire is proof to me that my horse is comfortable, which is something I consider paramount to the success of a relatively young horse under the pressure of elite competition.

Our Questionnaire has performed consistently throughout the season and his results with CAIR speak for themselves. I believe this horse has a promising career ahead of him and therefore I demand a saddle that will ensure he has every chance of reaching his maximum potential, in short, a Bates saddle with CAIR.”

Bill Noble NZ

Leading rider, trainer and Coach Bill Noble, has won many New Zealand Dressage titles.

"I switched to the Bates Innova saddle with CAIR in 2006 and have never looked back. Vinnie (Vincent St James) is very sensitive, and he immediately felt more comfortable when I put it on him.

We want the horse to feel very comfortable and confident in its body - this is an essential part of developing an athlete - and the saddle plays a huge part in this. I believe that the CAIR Panel System gives the horse more comfort than any other system I've come across; I've used it on many horses now, and am delighted with the results.

We had always automatically used gel pads, and it was quite a shock to my preconceived ideas not to need them when using the Bates Innova with CAIR, and to find the horses more comfortable without them.

I am very impressed and I personally find the seat very comfortable. I prefer the standard contourbloc model, but I think that’s an individual preference; many riders prefer the extended contourbloc.”

Jackie Paxton USA

Dressage rider Jackie Paxton of Batavia, Ohio, has won both individual and team gold medals in the North American Young Riders' Championships in 2002.

"I have always been demanding of myself when it comes to my training. Attention to detail and step by step improvement of each gait is key.

When I ride in my Bates Innova I have the assurance of a secure, sensitive seat and my horses immediately become soft and supple because of the fit of the CAIR Panel System. I can really feel them open up and happily move forward.

So whether I am schooling at home in Ohio or riding a Freestyle in Germany, I know that my Bates Innova saddle with CAIR will help me get the fluid, athletic movement that my horses and I have worked so hard to achieve.”

Blair Richardson NZ

Blair Richardson has had many successes including New Zealand Young Rider championship and a win as a member of the 2007 New Zealand team at Taupo. He was also selected for the 2008 Olympic Games Development Squad.

"Bates Saddles are always working with top riders and incorporating new ideas into their saddles. I am a huge advocate of the systems in Bates Saddles – for people changing horses, the EASY-CHANGE Gullet System is such a great feature, so that you can alter the width of the saddle, which is a huge bonus. I think the fluid cushioning of the CAIR Panel System is so important, particularly when jumping, as it distributes the weight evenly, unlike in traditional saddles, where you feel the weight of the rider on the stirrup bar, which goes straight through to the horse’s wither. I choose to ride in the Bates Momentum, which was just so comfortable from the very first ride. I find it easy to ride in the correct position and believe it keeps me in good balance with my horse. For Dressage, I choose to ride in the Bates Innova Saddle.”

Shane Rose Australia

Shane Rose won a Team Silver Medal in Eventing at the 2008 Bejing Olympics. Shane has also competed for Australia at the World Equestrian Games in 2006 and won the Adelaide CCI**** in 2004.

"In elite competition, we push the envelope in all we do, so when it comes to my saddles I demand only the best. When you’re travelling between 600 and 700 metres a minute, it comes down to a question of balance, timing and judgement – there’s no time for the faint hearted. Bates saddles sit me in a great position, keeping me well balanced, so I’m prepared for whatever happens next.”

Heath Ryan Australia

Elite Event and Dressage rider, Heath Ryan has represented Australia in both disciplines a number of times and competed in the Australian Dressage Team for the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

"Bates is an exciting company to work alongside, as they have the nerve to go where no one else dares venture with truly innovative features that impact on performance. To be competitive at the elite level you need a partnership between horse and rider brave enough to push boundaries.”

Rozzie Ryan Australia

Rozzie Ryan is a leading Grand Prix dressage rider for Australia and was reserve rider for the Australian Dressage Team at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

"No one can judge the Bates Innova Saddle, until they have experienced it. To feel how it enhances your position without interference, offering security when needed, so you can ride relaxed and confidently in synergy with your horse. I have never really been comfortable riding in saddles with large knee rolls, I was therefore very sceptical at first seeing the Innova. Yet the Contourbloc® isn't a knee roll at all! It doesn't interfere, yet offers greater security and stability, so you are free to focus on the task at hand. Now I don't want to ride in anything else, I am a complete convert!”

Rachel Sanna Australia

Top dressage rider Rachel Sanna competed at the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games and represented Australia at the World Equestrian Games.

"The Bates Innova saddle has made riding dressage with the correct position an everyday pleasure accomplished with ease. The "feel" and energy that is created in the horse from the use of this saddle is amazing. The Contourblocs® are revolutionary in that the rider does not have to think about staying on the horse, only applying correct aids. The Innova suits a huge range of horse conformations. The Bates Innova with CAIR is the best saddle I have ever ridden in.”

Elly Schobel USA

Elly Schobel is an elite Dressage rider .

"The Bates Innova, together with the CAIR Panel System and the EASY-CHANGE Gullet System is such a dynamic saddle. My horses’ movements have vastly improved since using these saddles. I love the light weight, logical and clean design of the Innova and that my horses and I are comfortable from the moment they are saddled. It is completely different to any other saddle that I have used.

The notable change in my horses since using the CAIR Panel System is unbelievable, my horses’ backs are protected and to me, that’s all that matters.”

Greg Smith Australia

Greg Smith is a fantastic Show Jumper having competed in over 100 World Cup Qualifier competitions.

"The improvement of quality in my horse's paces was obvious from the very first rides in Bates jump saddles with the CAIR® Panel System.

When I took the saddle to Europe as a member of the Australian WEG Team, I was able to compare it with a lot of well known European brands and in style, workmanship and leather quality it rated with the very best.

I was pleasantly surprised at the number of people that commented on the saddle. I believe Bates are leading the world in technology, fit and comfort for horse and rider. Bates Jump Saddles with CAIR® are absolutely world class.”

Amy Stovold UK

Amy Stovold is a highly successful dressage competitor.

"Where perfection is everything, I don't accept anything less, especially when it comes to my choice of saddle. The Bates Innova saddle with CAIR gives me the perfect ride each and every time allowing my horses to move without restriction and in total harmony.”

Stuart Tinney Australia

Stuart Tinney is an elite Event Rider for Australia, having competed at the World Equestrian Games and is also a Gold medalist from the 2000 Olympic Games. He was also awarded an OAM in 2000 and was inducted in the “Sport Hall of Fame” in 2003.

"The issue of the comfort for the horse is dealt with very well in all Bates Saddles with the CAIR® Panel System and the EASY-CHANGE Gullet System. I ride in the Bates Innova Saddle for Dressage and the Bates Elevation Saddle for jumping. The Bates Elevation Saddle seats me closer to the horse than ever before, you really feel how narrow it is in the seat, but also under your leg with your knee being ‘on’ the horse’s shoulder I love the position this saddle puts you in, as it is easy to get up and out of the saddle, feeling very balanced and central over the movement.”

Isabell Werth Germany

Isabell Werth is perhaps the most successful Dressage Rider in history and is the current world champion. She can lay claim to Individual Olympic gold (1996) and silver medals (1992, 2000 and 2008), team Olympic gold medals (1992, 1996, 2000 and 2008), Team and Individual Gold at the World Equestrian Games (1994, 1998 and 2006) and three World Team gold medals (1994, 1998 and 2006).

"I believe we developed an exceptional saddle. Our foremost thought was for the horses and to design a saddle to sit optimally, with as little a burden for the horses as possible. I believe we succeeded with this very well and now the CAIR Panel System has gone one better. I have been riding in both the Bates and Wintec Isabell saddles with CAIR panels, in training and competition, and I have to say I'm really impressed! From the very first moment, I had a fantastic feeling in the seat. You have the feeling you are sitting even closer to the horse, even more in the horse.

In all of my years of riding we have traditionally put gel pads or foam pads under the saddles, and now this is not necessary because an air cushion is already integrated into the saddle. Also - which is even more important to me - my horses immediately responded showing that they too felt comfortable.”