Bates Caprelli, Stubben Edelweiss?

[tpup]

Any opinions on either A/P saddle? Saddle fitter came out and the used Berney Bros I bought isn't "ideal". Tree is too curved and a bit too wide. He was able to flock it temporarily until I get another saddle. He felt the two I named would be a better fit for my horse and still have the features I want (A/P, more forward flaps) I want to eventually jump in it lightly, but mostly do flatwork, hacking out. I'm on the hunt for used!

[Defying Logic]

I have a Bates Caprilli A/P. I love it, have jumped up to 3 ft in it with no problem and feel I could easily go higher if I wanted without issue. It definately has a more forward flap than most A/P I have seen. To me it sort of seems like a CC with a deep seat.

Everyone who I have let ride in it has found it comfortable (enough so to remark on it). I got mine used from a local tack store, but have seen some on eBay.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v514/Latigo/Chey/IMG_3963.jpg Here is a picture of it on my mare.

[Ibex]

I've had both, and really wouldn't consider either a true A/P. Both are more as DF described them - deep seated CCs.

LOVED both of them. I only sold the Stubben because it didn't fit my youngster. Bought the Caprilli for the adjustable gullet, and it ended up fitting me better than the Stubben did. I felt comfortable and secure in both, but can sit up better in the Caprilli.

ETA: The newer Bates seem to fit the rider very differently than the older ones; Mine is like the one in DF's picture.

[tpup]

Thanks for the pic! That really helps. My gelding's back is very similar actually so his recommendation looks right on target.

He also mentioned a Stubben "Artiss"? can't find such a thing...anyone heard of that? Maybe "artist??"

[spmoonie]

I've ridden the Bates AP and it was really comfortable. Very nice saddle. That would be my choice. :)

[ef80]

Thanks for the pic! That really helps. My gelding's back is very similar actually so his recommendation looks right on target.

He also mentioned a Stubben "Artiss"? can't find such a thing...anyone heard of that? Maybe "artist??"

The Stubben Artus was an awesome saddle. They quit making it a few years ago, unfortunately. I think the Camelot came out around the same time and was similar. The Edelweiss is the model that they kept out of those three. :)

[AliBus]

I loved my edelweisses. I had an old style one and a new one -- neither fit my current horse so I had to go with another brand. But I was really sad about it. They hold up wonderfully and are SOOOOO comfortable and balanced. I did not like the bates when I had it on trial -- the twist was too wide and the seat too shallow for my personal taste.

Ride in both, then decide :) Good luck!!!

[Ibex]

I did not like the bates when I had it on trial -- the twist was too wide and the seat too shallow for my personal taste.

Ride in both, then decide :) Good luck!!!

That was my problem with the newer ones! The one I have is about 10 years old from the looks of it...

[JenEM]

I had an Edelweiss for a while, and it was definitely a jumping saddle, not an AP. It held up really well, and fit my horse well, but the flap was really just too small for me.

You can probably find a used one dirt cheap, because I didn't get much for mine when I sold it :no:

[Shortstroke]

I have the Edelweiss Delux NT and I love it. It has a narrow twist, short points and a half deep seat. It is not an AP saddle - definitely a jumping saddle. Apparently, there is a big difference between the old Edelweiss and the new ones they call the NT. I really recommend the one I have.

[ex-racer owner]

I have a Stubben Edeweiss NT and a Bates Caprilli CC. I loved the Stubben, but my horse outgrew it. I felt really secure in it and just love the leather. It still breaks my heart that I can't use it on my horse anymore :sadsmile:

I decided to go with the Bates only because I wasn't sure how much more my horse was going to change and I didn't want to have to keep buying saddles. I do like the Bates saddle and I think my horse enjoys the Cair panels. I am hoping that with time the leather will be as nice as the Stubben's. I have only had it for a couple of months and my horse has been off for some of that time.

[SpringOakFarm]

I love my Bates Caprilli - it is very comfortable for me and my horse. It's funny, a good friend of mine (and an experienced rider) came over and rode with me and she thought my caprilli felt like she was riding on a banana - but I absolutely love it. :D