#bates saddle

02/09/2017

Bates Isabell Werth Dressage Saddle - Review

Author: Annalise Wagner

Originating in Western Australia in 1934, Bates is now a very well known saddle brand worldwide being used and promoted by numerous top level athletes in a large variety of disciplines. 

From Eventing to Station Work to Icelandic Equitation, Bates has the high quality saddle for the job which has made the brand incredibly popular!

Unfortunately, I am not that exciting, I ride dressage predominantly with my OTTB gelding named Beetle. However, with that being said, as Dressage is a discipline thats mainly spent sitting deep in the saddle, myself and most riders can agree the correct saddle is paramount to your success. 

After our recent survey, Majority of readers requested that we review the Bates Isabell Dressage Saddle, which pleased me as this has been a saddle I have personally been dying to try! 

The Isabell Dressage Saddle was named after German Olympian Grand Prix Dressage rider, Isabell Werth, whom worked alongside Bates to design and create this saddle. Werth believes Bates and herself have created “The perfect seat for you, and unprecedented comfort for your horse”. 

...So what did we think of it? 

The first time I had tried a Bates Isabell saddle, was when I visited Horseland Mt Barker to find the ‘ultimate dressage saddle’ for myself back in 2015. I had tried numerous saddles in dressage and show range from both Bates and Wintec (Sister synthetic saddle company), and had found the Isabell to be the best fit for me on the saddle stand. However, I was told at the time the saddle stand is incredibly different to how the saddle feels once on the horse.  I didn’t have the budget for a brand new Bates Isabell at the time, so didnt think too much of it. I ended up purchasing a Henri De Rivel Paris Dressage saddle in 2016. 

However I must admit, I have remained curious about the Isabell as I found both the saddle comfortable and visually appealing. 

Horseland Mt Barker were kind enough to lend me a demo model of the Isabell to test out and review! On pickup, they explained and demonstrated how easy it is to change the gullet of this saddle. This hit home for me, as my OTTB, Beetle changes shape quite a bit as his muscles grow and progress! This feature would also be fantastic for a rider with many different horses! 

The saddle leather is just divine! Incredibly soft and luscious. Saddle is astronomically light. It’s remarkable as I am so familiar with my heavy dressage saddle, this is practically a feather in comparison.  

Riding wise, every horse and rider is incredibly different, making my review rather subjective. I think there was a bit of initial shock too as I am so used to my saddle, riding in another was quite a different sensation! If I had more time with the saddle to get used to it, I think I definitely would have had a far better experience! 

Once I mounted, Instantly I must admit, I felt a pinch in my hips, but I soon realised this was because I was clenching my seat as I was initially a bit nervous. Once I relaxed my seat and leant back instead of perching forwards I had a far better result and I actually found the wider seat one of the best features of the saddle! I really appreciate the wider seat on the bates isabell as I found it made me feel more stabilized and balanced on my horses back which almost gave me confidence. 

Saddle was incredibly comfortable to ride in, like a couch. So deliciously comfortable, I didn’t want my ride to end! 

I did find the saddle tipped me forwards a little, which meant I was overcompensating with my seat and leg, however I think this particular issue stemmed from the gullet being a fraction too wide, causing the saddle to sit unevenly on his back. Issue was fixed with a half pad! 

One feature I love on the Bates Isabell is the fact you can actually change the size of the knee blocks, simply by pulling them off the saddle and applying new ones via the velcro system. Whilst I wasnt a fan of the knee blocks on the demo saddle, if I had bought an Isabell of my own, I could easily change the knee blocks and tailor the saddle to myself far better! 

Overall my experience with the isabell was delightful. It was a beautiful day and my OTTB, Beetle was behaving beautifully- and honestly the comfort and confidence the Bates Isabell Dressage saddle gave that day really added to the overall wonderful experience. The only serious downside is I wish I had the saddle for more time! 

A massive THANK YOU to Horseland Mt Barker for lending me their Demo to test out and review! I had a fantastic time, perhaps I will need to invest in a Bates Isabell Werth of my own some day! 

If you want to check them out, here is their facebook page! 

https://www.facebook.com/horseland.mtbarker/

Here you can find more information on the saddle!

http://www.batessaddles.com/the-bates-range/dressage-saddles/bates-isabell-saddle/