Bates Saddles serial number guide: Understand your Bates saddle
Since 1934, Bates Saddles have been crafted to bring together innovation, performance and enduring quality for horses and riders around the world.
Over the decades, our designs, technologies and serial number formats have evolved. While there is no single way to interpret every Bates saddle serial number, your saddle carries a wealth of information about its original specifications, from the stamps beneath the flap to the technology badges within the chamber.
This guide will help you interpret those details and better understand the saddle beneath you.
What can I learn from my saddle?
Most riders are able to identify the details they're looking for by examining the saddle itself, without waiting for the results of a serial number search.
Look for:
- Stamps beneath the flap
- Technology badges within the chamber
- Model names and logos
- Serial number markings
Together, these can tell you your saddle's seat size, approximate year of manufacture, intended discipline, flap configuration, whether it is a Wide or High Wither model, the gullet system it features, and whether it features the CAIR Cushion System, the EASY-CHANGE Gullet System, the EASY-CHANGE Fit Solution or HART.
The sections below explain where to look and what each detail means.
Where is my saddle's serial number?
Most serial numbers are stamped beneath the saddle flap. Some older models may instead feature a sewn-in tag located near the girth points.
What do the stamps on my saddle mean?
Many Bates Saddles feature stamps beneath the flap that indicate the saddle's design and configuration.
|
Stamp |
Meaning | Stamp | Meaning |
| Advanta logo | Bates Advanta | DS | Deep seat |
| Apex logo | Bates Apex | WIDE | Wide model |
| Ariste logo | Bates Artiste | HW | High wither |
| Isabell logo | Bates Isabell | R | Regular flap |
| Isabell Werth signature | Bates Isabell | F | Forward flap |
| Isabell Icon logo | Bates Isabell Icon | E | Extended flap |
| Elevation | Bates Elevation | + | Plus model |
| Caprilli logo | Bates Caprilli | LUXE | Luxe leather |
| CC | Close Contact | AP / GP | All Purpose/ General Purpose |
| NG |
Bates Elevation (early models) |
DR / DRESSAGE | Dressage |
Not every saddle will carry these markings, however where present they provide a straightforward way to identify your saddle's model, leather type and flap configuration.
How do I read my Bates saddle's serial number?
Our serial number formats have changed a number of times since 1934, so there is no single method that applies to every saddle. However, many newer serial numbers can be read to identify the year and month of manufacture, and the seat size.
What year was my saddle made? How old is my saddle?
You can find your saddle’s year of manufacture at the start of your saddle’s serial number. If the first two numbers start with 10 or above, they represent the year your saddle was manufactured. The next two numbers represent the month.
For example, if the first two numbers of the serial number start with 17 and the next two are 11, the saddle was manufactured in November of 2017, 1802 = February 2018, 1904 = April 2019.
A worked example
Serial number: B1711304-40+
B = Bates Saddles | 1711 = manufactured November 2017 | -40 = 40 cm / 16" seat | + = Plus model
Stamps: Bates Saddles logo = Bates Saddles | AP = All Purpose model
From this information, we can tell the saddle is a Bates All Purpose+ in Classic Brown, 16 inch.
What size is my saddle?
The last two numbers of your saddle’s serial number represent your saddle’s seat size in centimetres. The conversions are as follows: 36 cm = 14 inch, 38 cm = 15 inch, 40 cm = 16 inch, 42 cm = 16.5 inch, 43 cm = 17 inch. 44 cm = 17.5 inch and 46 cm = 18 inch.
For example, if your saddle’s serial number ends in “-43” the seat size is 43 cm or 17 inches.
Does my saddle have a changeable gullet?
Most Bates saddles have a changeable gullet, however some older models have a different screw location or type and some early models are only changeable by a saddle fitter.
All saddles manufactured after 2010 will feature the EASY-CHANGE Gullet System which means that for most saddles it is only two external screws that need to be taken out to access the gullet. Saddles older than this may have additional screws in place to access the gullet. See above how to check your saddle’s year of manufacture. See below how to tell what systems your saddle includes.
Does my saddle feature the EASY-CHANGE Fit Solution?
The EASY-CHANGE Fit Solution combines the EASY-CHANGE Gullet System with the ability to utilise EASY-CHANGE Riser Systems to fine-tune balance, bearing and clearance.
Look for an EASY-CHANGE Fit Solution badge at the front of the chamber, or a HART badge.
Does my saddle have CAIR or HART?
The badges within the chamber are the quickest way to identify the technologies in your saddle.
HART badge
A HART badge denotes that the saddle has all of the features of Horse and Rider Technology (HART), including the complete EASY-CHANGE Fit Solution and CAIR Cushion System.
CAIR badge and EASY-CHANGE badge
Saddles manufactured prior to the introduction of HART branding may instead feature a CAIR badge at the back of the chamber and an EASY-CHANGE Fit Solution badge at the front. These saddles feature the same core technologies later brought together under HART.
Is my saddle a Wide or High Wither model?
Saddles designed for specialist conformations are typically stamped with their model type.
Wide models are stamped WIDE and feature the EASY-CHANGE WIDE Gullet System, which uses lilac and purple EASY-CHANGE WIDE Gullets. High Wither models are stamped HW or HIGH WITHER.
What if I have an older Bates saddle?
Many Bates Saddles continue to be ridden in decades after they left our workshop.
For older saddles, serial number information becomes less useful over time. A serial number records how a saddle was configured when it was made, and the further a saddle travels from that moment, the less it reflects the saddle in front of you today. Gullets are changed, panels are adjusted, repairs are carried out and materials naturally age with use.
For an older saddle, the questions worth asking are less about original specifications and more about its condition now:
- Is the tree sound?
- Is the panel providing even, comfortable support?
- Are the leather and stitching in good order?
- Is the saddle still suitable for your horse's current shape and your riding?
None of these can be determined from a serial number. They require the saddle to be assessed in person by a qualified saddle fitter, saddler or your local Bates Saddles retailer, who can examine its condition and advise whether it remains suitable for you and your horse, or whether it would benefit from adjustment, repair or replacement. You can also perform a health and safety check on your saddle.
If your serial number is worn, faded or no longer legible, this in itself is often a good indication that the saddle has seen considerable use and would benefit from a professional assessment.
Please note: Our records vary for older saddles, and specific details are not always available. Our product specialists will always do their best to help identify what they can from the serial number, stamps and photographs you provide.
When did you last perform a health check on your saddle?
It’s important for the comfort and safety of you and your horse that you regularly check you saddle for signs of wear and tear. Follow our guide on how to perform a health and safety check on your saddle.
Are you looking to purchase a new saddle?
Read through our checklist for buying a new saddle to ensure you make the right decision for you and your horse.
Please note: When purchasing a saddle second hand, there is no way of knowing from the outside whether alterations have been made to the saddle. This could include the removal of the saddle’s CAIR Cushion System, which is not recommended and voids your saddle’s warranty. Therefore, it is important to seek the advice your local Bates Saddles retailer or have the saddle assessed by a saddle fitter if you have any concerns.
What is my Bates saddle worth?
The value of a Bates saddle varies considerably depending on its model, age, condition and market demand. As we do not operate within the second-hand saddle market, we are unable to provide advice on pricing or valuation.
When is a serial number search required?
A serial number search allows our product specialists to reference original manufacturing records. It is most valuable when precise factory information is required, such as:
- Confirming original specifications when ordering spare parts
- Confirming a model name where stamps are no longer legible
- Confirming original panel configuration
- Warranty and product support enquiries
A serial number reflects how your saddle was configured when it left our workshop. It cannot confirm the current condition, configuration or suitability of a saddle, as gullets and panels may be adjusted throughout a saddle's life as part of routine fitting.
I still need help to find out about my saddle
If you have worked through the information above and require confirmation of your saddle's original manufacturing records, our team will be happy to assist.
To help us identify your saddle, please provide:
- The complete serial number, including all letters and numbers
- Clear photographs of both sides of the saddle
- Photographs of any stamps, badges or model markings
- Photographs of the underside and panels where relevant
Typing out the serial number in full alongside your photographs will assist us considerably, as we are sometimes referring to handwritten historical records.
Please note: our records vary for older saddles and specific details are not always available. Our product specialists will always do their best to help identify what they can from the serial number, stamps and photographs you provide.
