As the saddle fitter of The Cheshire Horse, I work with many different quality saddles over the course of my week. I recently had the pleasure of personally trying out the new Bates Artiste Dressage Saddle, and I have to say it is a beautifully crafted saddle. With numerous technological advances, including the innovative Horse And Rider Technology (HART), combined with classic styling, it is a saddle that I foresee myself recommending for many horse and rider combinations.
The HART system is exclusively designed for Bates, Wintec, and Arena Saddles and allows you to easily modify the saddle to properly fit your horse. One of the most popular features of the HART saddles is the Easy-Change Gullet System which makes changing out the tree size of your saddle a quick and easy process. Simply measure your horse with the Easy Change Gullet Gauge to select the properly sized gullet for your horse (gullet sizes range from narrow to extra-wide), then follow a few quick steps to change the gullet size of your saddle. I recommend this system because it allows you to change the fit as your horse’s back changes shape, whether it is due to increased training and muscling, weight gain, or in response to the natural aging process.
You can see just how easy it is to change the gullet of a Bates saddle in the video below while learning more about the HART system.
The superb European calf leather of the Ariste saddle is soft and supple, and the look has a style of its own. This monoflap dressage saddle is so comfortable and offers a very strong supported rider alignment, with adjustable ergonomic stirrup bars for a customized fit for the leg. Additionally, you can also move the integrated FlexiContourblocs or external knee blocks forwards, backward, or angled to meet your individual needs. This keeps the equestrian properly balanced and positioned in the saddle as you work your way up the levels.
For me, another excellent feature is the new close contact Synergy Panel system which allows the rider to sit closer to the horse, which in turn improves the connection and effectiveness of the aids, without losing the important protective back cushioning of the CAIR Technology. The saddles feature air-filled cushions that you can modify with shims to properly fit the horse and rider. This performance panel technology also cushions the back, protecting against painful pressure points when you are working your horse.
My horse was extraordinarily comfortable and moved unrestrictedly when I rode in this saddle. I would have to say it was the best he has moved in a dressage saddle in a while. I would say this saddle is a win-win for horse and rider! If you are looking for a dressage saddle that supports the rider, is comfortable for the horse, and allows adjustability over time, I encourage you to consider the Bates Artiste Dressage Saddle.
Cindy Athans, the professional saddle fitter of The Cheshire Horse, has been involved with horses for over 50 years. She grew up taking lessons, showing hunters, and working at Winamac Riding Camp which her parents owned and operated for nearly 30 years (it was here that she learned the importance of saddle fit). Cindy then discovered eventing, where she competed up through the preliminary level. Currently, she is exploring various natural horsemanship programs to improve her partnership with her gorgeous bay gelding Soren. “Each horse has been my teacher and I do believe we learn something from each one,” Cindy exclaims. “That’s what makes working with horses so special and rewarding.”
I assume the flap length is standard, 16ish. Can you find out if the Artiste can be ordered with a shorter flap, please?
Thanks for your question. Unfortunately Bates doesn’t make the Artiste in a short flap version. They do manufacture the Bares Innova Monoflap in a short flap in a size 0 if that would be something you might be interested in. It would be a special order but would not have an added up charge. Delivery would be quoted as 16 weeks until we could get an update for a possible earlier delivery. Hopefully this helps!
What’s the main differences between the innova mono flap & the new artiste?
Thanks Adam
Hi Adam, great question! Both saddles are monoflaps, have medium/open seats and external blocks. So both are close contact, also have adjustable stirrup bars and adjustable flexiblocks. If you like the Innova, you will like the Artisite.
The main differences:
The Artiste has synergy panels which have a lower sleeker profile (1/2″ shorter panels in length) so there will be even closer contact with the horse. The thigh block sits a little higher on the Artiste and the block itself molds more to the rider’s thigh – slightly softer so the leg can sink into it more. The saddle really makes it almost effortless to stay in the right position according to many riders.
I have read your explanation about the differences between the Artiste and the Innova Mono. I was looking at both saddles and comparing them in order to make a decision on which one to buy. This would be for a small 847 lbs 14.1 h short back arabian. I have ridden treeless saddles for over a decade and now, I’m in need of a treed saddle. The tiny Arabians I ride have big spooks. Based on what you mentioned about the Artiste having shorter panels. would you recommend it for my short back Arabians for endurance riding? I did sit on one at the store, but it was a 16″ and they did not have the 17.5″ in stock, the 16″ was a bit tight. Do the blocks interfere with my leg’s freedom when posting at the trot? Also, would I be able to have your company add some D rings in order to hook up my cantle bags? Thank you so much for your time.
Hi Monica, the Artiste would be better for a short backed horse due to the lower profile and shorter panels. The sizing is size 0 which is a 16.5/17, size 1 is 17/17.5, and size 2 is 17.5/18. They run a little big, so it’s better to size them down. You can definitely post in the saddle when trotting. We can also send you a demo to try if needed. We will see it if would be possible to add some dee rings to it. If you’d like to get in touch with our saddle fitter just let us know, and we can coordinate a virtual evaluation for you.
I am trying to find out information on the air bags. Are they 4 separate bags like the Flair type. I am trialing the saddle but it seems the back is lowering. I like the saddle a it but want more information on the air bags. Can more air be added, does it stay in each section?
Hi Kim, no, it is a closed air system: http://www.caircushionsystem.com/whatIsCAIR/index.htm. The back of the saddle can be shimmed over the air panels to lift the back.
Can you add the x wide gullet to this? I have a Morgan mare that is short-backed but very round. Thank you
Yes, the Artiste can take an extra wide gullet!
Hi,
One of the comments mentioned addin shims. How do you do this and where do you get them? How do you know which ones to use if necessary?
We are happy to explain the shimmable technology that the Bates, Arena, and Wintec Saddles have to offer.
There are standard shims and pony shims available. The standard shims only fit the all purpose and dressage saddles, whereas the pony shims fit all pony and jump saddles. The panels of the saddles contain front, back, and middle pockets, and the shims come in 4mm, 8mm, 12mm, and 16mm sizes. The Easy Change Riser System Standard Full Set is available and they are available as singles as well, but unless you know what size shim you need, we suggest purchasing the set.
To add any shims, disassemble the saddle as if you were going to adjust the gullet, and reach up behind the panels to feel for velcro, which you will need to peel back. We’ve added a video to help explain this more: https://youtu.be/MZjfpNHKAGM.
We suggest that you call your local saddle fitter to find out which shim you need, or you are free to use ours if you are local to our Swanzey, NH store. Please contact [email protected] or call 877-358-3001 for her contact information or if you have further questions.