The beginnings of Bates Australia

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Bates Australia is one of the best-known horse saddle companies in the world and is famed for both its leather and synthetic ranges. Used by thousands of equestrians across the world for both professional and casual riding, Bates saddles contain some of the most innovative features to improve performance of both horse and rider.

These features include the revolutionary CAIR panels, which make use of air to cushion the riders impact on the saddle and ensure that pressure is evenly-spread. This not only makes a Bates saddle extremely comfortable for the rider, but also helps to prevent the horses back from being damaged.

However, it may surprise many horse riders to know that Bates Australia, now an extremely high production company, started out many years ago as just one mans $100 venture.

The origins of Bates Australia

Mr George Bates was living in Perth, Australia, in 1934 when he decided he wanted to start a business making saddles. However, he needed the capital to get the business underway and it was his sister who lent him the necessary $100.

With this money he bought a sewing machine and materials. He started making the first Bates horse saddles on the veranda of his home, not knowing that they would be the beginning of a company which would eventually grow into a household name for equestrians across the world.

George Bates decided from the outset that he would only sell the finest quality horse saddles and this is a value which has continued to be kept at the heart of the Bates company. It is this dedication to only producing superb horse saddles that has helped Bates to become such a highly-respected manufacturer.

When George Bates started his company, he personally ensured that there were no flaws or inaccuracies in the saddles he designed and crafted. Today, many more Bates saddles are produced yet still the undeniable quality which sets this brand apart remains inherent in every one.

One way in which this is achieved is the high standards which are set for each Bates saddle. Every one is quality tested to an extremely high degree, far greater than that which is necessary to meet industry standards. Some saddles are even picked out at random for even stricter, more in-depth testing to ensure they excel in all respects.

Additionally, Bates employs independent physics and engineering consultants to check that the advanced technology in Bates saddles is being implemented as effectively as possible and to identify any possible improvements.

Every Bates saddle is made from aniline dyed leather and it is essential that every hide is of the very best quality. In order to achieve this challenging target, Bates and the tannery communicate closely, with reports being sent back on every hide. However, their aims are set ever higher and ways of improving the tanning process are constantly under investigation.

Bates saddles and other equestrian products at Dogwood

At Dogwood, we are pleased to be able to offer a wide selection of Bates saddles that have been designed for a range of different disciplines. Choose from exquisite saddles like the Bates Caprilli Dressage, the Bates Caprilli All Purpose, the Bates Momentum, amongst many others. As well as a wide range of Bates leather saddles, we also have a collection of Wintec saddles made from quality synthetic materials.

If you are looking for equestrian clothing, you can find a wide range at Dogwood. From riding boots to riding hats and from jodhpurs to shirts, we have a selection of beautiful apparel from manufacturers such as Sergio Grasso, Charles Owen and Dublin.

In addition, the Dogwood collection of fine country clothing and field sports goods offers an excellent choice of clothing and accessories for all-season use. Discover Hunter Wellington boots in many colours and sizes, as well as a selection of attractive weatherproof jackets.

If you would like to find out more about a Bates saddle or any other Dogwood product, please call 0845 30 10 365.

Dogwood's fine saddle selection

Bates Leather Saddles

The Bates Momentum Saddle

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