SADDLERY BRANDS INTL English Saddles|Bates Caprilli Close Contact+ Forward Flap Saddle

Ideal for long-legged riders, the Bates Caprilli C/C+ Forward Flap Saddle features soft and grippy, double-lined Opulence leather. Instantaneously supple, this high-quality European leather offers optimal stability, balance and comfort in the saddle. The forward flap with soft, padded supportive knee roll is both more forward and slightly longer, perfect for tall or long-legged riders. 

This close contact jumping saddle offers the ergonomic stirrup bar with recessed stirrup leather channel. By removing excess material from underneath the rider’s leg, it further promotes a close contact feel. The adjustable Flexibloc system with rear bloc allows customized leg support.

The Caprilli C/C+ is built on the Elastiflex tree. Broad and tapered panels with drop, quilted panel points offer tremendous support for the horse’s working muscles, enabling great freedom of movement. The CAIR® Cushion system delivers impact absorption, and the QUICK-CHANGE Girth Point System offers versatility for the life of the saddle. The EASY-CHANGE Fit Solution provides the ability to adjust the saddle for a perfect fit on your horse. A long girth is required for the short triple girthing system.

Description of features:

Elastiflex Tree, supported by the EASY-CHANGE Gullet, maintains clearance over the horse’s withers. It also has lateral flexion to work with the horse’s muscular movement in every stride. Precision engineered to be lightweight, symmetrical and ultra-durable, the Elastiflex tree is guaranteed against breakage for 10 years under normal riding conditions.

CAIR Cushion system replaces traditional saddle panel fillings with air cushions. CAIR technology provides significant performance advantages in the way it distributes the rider’s weight and cushions the horse’s back.

In distributing the rider’s weight, air cushions continually mold to mirror the horse’s individual conformation and working muscles. They ensure a close, even contact over a much larger weight-bearing area and help eliminate instances of pressure points.

In cushioning the horse’s back, the dynamic nature of the air ensures it works in synergy with the horse’s muscles, rather than the horse’s muscles working against a static medium. Additionally, air provides the ultimate shock absorption, reducing instances of trauma to the horse’s muscles in work.

EASY-CHANGE Fit Solution is comprised of the EASY-CHANGE Gullet system and the EASY-CHANGE Riser system. It offers a total saddle fitting solution for absolute horse comfort and rider peace of mind.

Select the optimal gullet width in the EASY-CHANGE Gullet system for the horse’s current shape and muscling. Make adjustments within the saddle panels for optimal balance and clearance with the EASY-CHANGE Riser system. All adjustments are measurable, symmetrical and completely reversible, ensuring total confidence in the saddle’s ability to be custom fitted to the horse’s changing shape for optimal comfort and performance.

QUICK-CHANGE Girth Points in Bates saddles offer the rider peace of mind that the girth points can be fitted to factory standard throughout the life of the saddle. This girth system also allows customization by a saddler or saddle fitter. The unique design ensures the girth points are highly durable and ultra slim-profile, which supports a close contact feel and increased comfort for horse and rider.

All Bates® saddles feature the finest, hand selected European leather. You can be confident that the leather in a Bates® saddle is the best in the world, and if cared for, will offer many years of riding. Leather is a natural product and its life relies on maintaining a certain level of moisture. By following the steps below your saddle will perform for many years.

Prior to being ridden your new saddle should be liberally dressed with Bates® Leather Balsam. The balsam offers a surface barrier and protects against wear, water and sweat. Allow it to soak overnight for maximum absorption and protective sealing.

Regular cleaning of the saddle with glycerine saddle soap and a damp cloth or sponge will remove dirt, which can scratch the surface. Follow the cleaning with an application of Bates Leather Balsam or Bates Leather Cream to all areas of the saddle that are not suede. Apply a heavier application to high wear areas.

Keeping your Bates® saddle clean will help it achieve the traditional, rich patina of aged, worked leather and your saddle will bring you excellent years of service.

*We do not recommend the use of oil on a Bates® saddle.

Imported.