Description

Bates WIDE All Purpose Heritage Saddle – 17″ (Black)

Grade 4 | Pre-Owned | Serial No. B210300540-43 | Saddle ID: S13137

Bench Inspection & Fitter’s Rating

At Best Horse Saddle Shop, every pre-owned saddle is sent straight to our workshop for evaluation before listing. Our SMS Qualified Saddlers perform a complete 24-point bench inspection to verify tree integrity, CAIR air panel distribution, stitching security, and billet soundess.

• Condition Grade: Grade 4 (Very Good Pre-Owned Condition)

• Fitter’s Notes: Structural condition is top-tier. The ElastiFlex Wide tree frame, CAIR cushion system, and billets are 100% sound.

• Cosmetic Details: Shows light, normal riding wear across both flaps from stirrup leather contact (detailed in photos). The oiled Heritage leather remains supple, rich, and extremely well cared for.

What Makes The Bates WIDE All Purpose Heritage Special?

Engineered specifically to meet the fitting challenges of broader horses, cobs, and native breeds, the Bates WIDE All Purpose Heritage blends high-performance adjustability with classic luxury leather.

Built on a wider, flatter ElastiFlex tree, this model features low-profile slim CAIR panels that eliminate the “perched” feeling so common on wider horses. Combined with ultra-grippy oiled Heritage leather, a balanced deep seat, and padded knee inserts, it gives riders exceptional stability and close contact across flatwork, hacking, and jumping.

Key Features & Specifications

• Discipline: General Purpose / All Purpose (GP)

• Seat Size: 17″ (Supportive, perfectly balanced deep seat)

• Colour: Black

• Flap Design: Traditional Dual Flap

• Material: Premium Oiled Heritage Leather with padded knee inserts

• Tree Type: Lifetime-Guaranteed Flexible ElastiFlex Wide Tree

• Adjustability Range: EASY-CHANGE Gullet System Wide (1XW to 4XW)

• Currently Fitted With: Wide (W) Gullet Bar (Note: Easily swappable to Wide-series bars)

• Panel Type: CAIR Cushion System (Compatible with EASY-CHANGE Risers)

• Knee Support: Repositionable Velcro knee blocks

• Girthing: Quick-change girth point system with movable billets

• Target Wither Profile: Low Wither / Flat & Broad Back Conformation

Why Our Fitters Love This Model

• Tailored for Broad Builds: Designed with a flatter tree profile and wide-chamber panels that give horses room through the shoulders and trapezius without slipping or rocking.

• High-Grip Heritage Leather: Oiled Heritage leather offers an extra-tactile feel for immediate security, aging beautifully over time while maintaining supreme softness.

• Full HART & EASY-CHANGE Adjustability: Combines the ElastiFlex Wide tree with CAIR air panels to absorb shock, distribute rider weight evenly, and allow simple width/balance adjustments right in your tack room.

• Customizable Leg Support: Moveable Velcro knee blocks allow you to adjust leg positioning precisely to fit your height and riding style.

Trial & Shipping Options (UK & USA)

UK Mainland 5-Day Trial

1. Add the saddle to your basket and complete checkout.

2. Select your preferred delivery date at checkout—we recommend scheduling delivery 2 working days before your fitter’s visit to account for courier transit.

3. Your 5-day trial begins the day the courier delivers the saddle to your door.

4. If it fits—fantastic! If not, return it within the 5-day window under our standard UK trial policy.

USA 5-Day Trial & Fast Tracked Shipping

1. Order directly through our site with flat-rate express international shipping via DHL/FedEx.

2. Your 5-Day USA Trial begins the moment the saddle arrives at your doorstep.

3. Schedule your fitter during your 5-day window. If the saddle isn’t the right match, contact our support team to start an easy international return.

4. US buyers regularly save hundreds importing high-end pre-owned English saddles directly from our shop!

What’s Included

• Certified Saddle Inspection Report (Bench check for tree, CAIR panels, and safety)

• 6-Month Pre-Owned Soundness Warranty

• 5-Day UK & USA Trial Options

• Guaranteed 9-Month Buy-Back Option (UK Mainland clients)

• Free Guide: “Secrets to Selling Your Saddle” eBook

Care & Maintenance Guidelines

To preserve the rich texture, flex, and weather resistance of Bates Heritage leather:

• Step 1 – Hydrate & Condition: Regularly apply Bates Leather Cream to nourish the leather fibers deeply, preventing dryness or cracking.

• Step 2 – Seal & Protect: Follow up with Bates Leather Balsam to create a protective shield against moisture, sweat, and surface wear.

• Daily Care: Wipe away dirt and moisture with a damp cloth after every ride before applying conditioning products.

Frequently Asked Questions

What horse profile does this saddle fit best?

This saddle is crafted for horses with Low Withers and broad, flat back profiles (such as Cobs, native breeds, Warmbloods, and wide ponies).

Which gullet bar series does this saddle take?

It is built on the Wide tree platform and takes the EASY-CHANGE Gullet System WIDE headplates (1XW to 4XW).

How do CAIR panels work?

The CAIR Cushion System uses internal air bags instead of traditional flocking. The fluid air continuously adapts to your horse’s moving back muscles, distributing rider weight evenly and preventing pressure spots.