Description

The biggest evolution in jump saddles has landed.

A saddle built for riders who hunt perfection, not wait for it.

Bates Apex features patented, game-changing technology, and is set for release in April 2026.

Bonnetts have limited stock available now

Free Express Freight in Australia

For all saddle fitting options and saddle information please contact Gary on 0419 860 139 or email gary@bonnetts.com.au

We will contact you with every saddle sale to find out the best gullet width for your horse and change to suit free of charge

$230 Free accessories includes – extra gullet plate, girth, balsam and cap, please add sizes required in the Notes for the sizes of these or we will contact you before dispatch.

Winner of Bates Saddles Dealer of the Year in Australia for 20/21, 21/22, 22/23, 23/24 and 24/25 – Bonnetts

Bates Saddles has long been an industry leader

Bates Saddles innovations in horse comfort for performance revolutionising saddles and raising the bar for riders and their horses the world over.

Available in Colours – Classic Black | Classic Brown

Available in Sizes – 16 1/2 in /42cm | 17 in / 43cm | 17 1/2 in / 44cm

Please note Photo is intentionally blurred due to official release in April 26.

Features

  1. Monochrome Luxury (aesthetic): Angular. Predatory. Built for speed and height over elite-level fences. The Bates Apex doesn’t announce itself—it doesn’t need to. Strong lines and considered angles speak to what this saddle was engineered to do. Tonal layers of premium European leather, raised sections with purpose, thoughtful stitch lines, and subtle embroidery in the chamber bring quiet depth to a design that whispers rather than yells. This is luxury that knows its power.
  2. Bates SynergyPanel (close-contact panel): No memory. No compromise. The ultra-close Bates SynergyPanel conforms instantly to each horse’s back—then resets completely. Place it on one horse, then another. Fresh, protective contact every time. No breaking in, no waiting, no compaction over years of hard use. Your horses move freely from the first sit. Tuck, bend and stretch uninhibited. This is HART doing what nothing else can—a fitter’s dream.
  3. SweetSpot (seat): Stop searching for your position. The SweetSpot finds it for you. This forward seat was designed for action and assertive riding—drawing you into centre and holding you there through the turn, over the fence, on landing. Instant recovery. Total connection. When the course asks questions, your position gives the answers.
  4. CAIR Cushion System (panel-fill): Land lighter. Recover faster. Stay together. The CAIR Cushion System delivers cloud-like cushioning that keeps you with your horse fence after fence—seamless through the turn, instant on landing. Your horse stays relaxed and free through the back, instantly responsive to clean aids.
  5. Flexibloc system (movable leg supports): Your leg. Your way. The movable Flexibloc system lets you position support exactly where you need it—or remove it entirely. Front and rear Flexiblocs adjust to suit your riding style, your position, your preference. Dial it in with your fitter and feel the difference from the first stride. Total control. Total customisation. Because no two riders are the same.
  6. Adjustable Ergonomic Stirrup Bar (movable stirrup bar): Set your position. Lock in your advantage. The Adjustable Ergonomic Stirrup Bar lets you fine-tune stirrup placement to match your leg, your balance, your ride. Each rider is unique. You may find moving it forward gives you a shorter, more aggressive position, or shifting it back gives you length and stability. Once set, it stays—delivering consistent, repeatable performance round after round. Dial it in with your fitter and feel the precision from the first fence.