A suitable saddle for horse and rider

Whatever saddle you choose, if it's not properly fitted to your horse, it will only cause problems. So make sure your horse doesn't develop back pain or pressure points by checking your saddle regularly and adjusting it if necessary.

The problem with classic saddles

Every horse lover understands that a horse changes shape over the years, depending on its condition, diet, and age. That's why it's important that your saddle can be adjusted regularly, according to your horse's needs. Many riders know the frustration of a saddle—sometimes even custom-made—that no longer fits. Some then resort to various corrective pads for under the saddle, or are forced to buy a new saddle... only to encounter the same problem a few months or years later.

That's why we at Aleashop have consciously chosen to work with saddles equipped with the "Easy-Change Fit Solution" saddle system. This is the first complete saddle fitting system that allows you to adjust your saddle as needed in just a few minutes. You'll find this unique saddle fitting system in saddles from Bates and Wintec.

HART (Horse & Rider Technology): the combination of Easy-Change Gullet, Cair & Easy-Change Riser

"Easy-Change" saddle fitting solution

The "Easy-change Gullet System," or interchangeable wither bar system, allows you to easily adjust the width of the Elastiflex saddle tree. The Elastiflex tree provides stability along the saddle's length while still allowing it to adapt to a specific lateral flexion of the horse's muscles. The tree width is determined using the Wintec/Bates gullet gauge , which allows you to measure the width of your horse's withers.

Every Bates and Wintec saddle comes standard with a black (medium) stirrup. Depending on your horse's narrower withers, you can narrow your saddle tree to a green stirrup (medium narrow) or a yellow stirrup (narrow). If your horse is wider, you can choose a blue stirrup (medium wide), red (wide), or white (extra wide).

Genuine Easy-Change stirrups are so strong that they won't widen or narrow unintentionally, but always retain their original shape and width during normal use. If you have a Bates or Wintec saddle, always use the original Easy-Change stirrups.

Tip: Beware of saddlers who try to adjust the size of these stirrups manually or mechanically. The system isn't designed for this, and it can only cause problems for the horse's back.

Air cushions for extra comfort

The Bates and Wintec Cair saddles are equipped with the revolutionary Cair air cushion system that takes into account the moving back muscles of your horse.

The horse-friendly CAIR air cushion system provides ultimate comfort for horse and rider.

The traditional saddle pads have been replaced by air. The natural shock absorption of air promotes your horse's relaxation and collection while riding. Because you sit closer to your horse, you become an extension of each other; rider and horse become one.

Stuffing a saddle is an art in itself

The Easy-Change Riser system allows you to easily adjust the saddle cushions for optimal balance and freedom of movement.

Using the special panel inserts, you can easily add more cushion padding in just the right places. The Easy-Change Riser Standard Pack contains 10 pairs of pads for the front, middle, and back, in various thicknesses.

When Olivier from the Alea team comes to fit your saddle to your horse, these pads will be used if necessary to ensure a good fit and even pressure distribution on the horse's back.

The horse's freedom of movement, expression and posture are noticeably improved by the world's best saddle systems Cair and Easy-Change:

- personalized fit

- equal weight distribution

- smooth suspension due to the wide cushions

Aleashop is the number 1 saddle specialist in Belgium for Bates & Wintec saddles!

Read the interview with Olivier during a saddle fitting session with Olympic rider Claudia Fassaert, article and photos by Kris Van Steen in LRV Magazine 78 (May-June-July 2017).

Whether you're a competitive rider or a recreational rider, choose a saddle with the Easy-Change Fit Solution and put your horse's comfort first.

Bates guarantees high-quality leather saddles for various equestrian disciplines. One of the most well-known saddles is the Isabell Werth dressage saddle , but there is also a wide selection of Bates all-purpose saddles, jumping saddles, and walking saddles such as the Australian Stock Saddle. Bates pony saddles are specially designed for the youngest riders and their ponies.

Wintec saddles are made of synthetic material, making them very lightweight and, above all, maintenance-free. The Wintec 500 all-purpose saddle is very popular, and there is also a Wintec version of the world-renowned Isabell Werth dressage saddle .
Wintec saddles are available in various models: all-purpose, dressage, jumping and stock saddles, for horses and ponies.

We have almost all Bates and Wintec models in stock in our shop. So come take a look and schedule an appointment with Olivier to fit your saddle to your horse.

When buying a new saddle, it's reassuring to know that it can be adjusted to fit your current horse or even if you change horses. This makes investing in a saddle truly a purchase you'll enjoy for years to come.

For more information, please email or call the store. We're happy to help!