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Bates Apex Double Flap Adjustable Show Jump Saddle CAIR and Flaplock Technology

ID:	9097671049287
Category:	Bates - Saddles

£3,899.00

Description

Bates Apex | The biggest evolution in jump saddles has landed

The Bates Apex is the flagship jump saddle from Bates Saddles - engineered for riders who hunt perfection, not wait for it. Patented Flaplock Technology delivers efficiency you'll feel from the first stride. Monochrome luxury that whispers its power. Innovation forward, steeped in luxury, engineered to bring a win.

Jump higher. Turn tighter. Ride bolder

The ultimate jump-off weapon.

Angular. Predatory. Built for speed and height over elite-level fences. This is a saddle that changes what's possible in the jump-off.

Elite riders have been competing in the Bates Apex for months—and the reactions have been unanimous: 'That is a game changer, I need that on all my jump saddles.' 'I'm obsessed already.' 'This is the best saddle I've ever ridden in.' 'My leg just finds a perfect position.'

The competitive advantage is undeniable

The collective power of innovations in the Bates Apex unlock the natural talent and grit of horse and rider like no other jump saddle before.

Flaplock Technology (Patented)
Bates SynergyPanel
SweetSpot
CAIR Cushion System
Adjustable Ergonomic Stirrup Bar
Movable Front and Rear Flexiblocs
Forward flap
Luxe Leather
Slimline girth points
Monochrome luxury aesthetic

FlapLock Technology | The patented innovation changing jump saddles forever

There's a moment every show jumper knows.

You're in the air, your leg is on, and beneath you the flap of your saddle follows your movement—pulling back, buckling, bunching. It's subtle. It's always been there. And until now, it's been accepted as normal.

FlapLock Technology changes that.

Patented and exclusive to the Bates Apex, Flaplock Technology is the innovation elite riders have been calling a game changer. It's simple in concept and profound in impact.

What is FlapLock Technology?

FlapLock Technology locks the saddle flap to the under-flap for total resistance against multi-directional forces.

The result: the flap no longer follows your leg over the fence. No more drag. No more interference. No more subtle inefficiency costing you milliseconds in the jump-off.

Your leg is simply on. Your upper body balanced. You're with your horse, never behind. Intuition prevails. No hesitation.

The problem it solves

Look at any photo of a show jumper mid-flight. Watch the flap. It follows the leg—pulling back, lifting, bunching. This creates drag that interferes with the rider's connection to their horse.

It's a problem that's been hiding in plain sight. Every jump saddle has it. Every rider has felt it, whether they recognised it or not.

Without FlapLock Technology: The flap follows the rider's leg over the fence, creating drag and reducing efficiency. The rider works harder to maintain position. Connection is interrupted.

With FlapLock Technology: The flap stays locked. No movement. No drag. No interference. The rider's control on approach, over the jump and on landing is quietly enhanced. The partnership stays unbroken.
The gains are real
Flaplock Technology quietly enhances the rider's control at every phase of the jump:

On approach: Your leg is positioned and stable

Over the fence: No flap drag, no interference, pure efficiency

On landing: Instant recovery, your knee rehomed and ready for the next fence

The gains against the clock over technical and high courses are real. The more efficiently you ride, the more horsepower is unleashed, and the fewer milliseconds are lost.
Built for professional demands
Flaplock Technology is robust and ultra-durable, engineered to meet the high demands of professional stables. Replacement patches are available so you can ensure perfect performance at every competition throughout the saddle's life.

Girthing can be accessed without the need to release the Flaplock Technology each time.

Monochrome luxury
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.

Every curve intentional. Every angle refined. This is luxury that knows its power.
Bates SynergyPanel
Your horse moves freely from the first sit.

The ultra-close Bates SynergyPanel conforms instantly to each horse's back—then resets completely. No memory. No compaction. No breaking in. Place it on one horse, then another. Fresh, protective contact every time.

This is HART doing what nothing else in show jumping can. Full natural movement, unlocked immediately—and a fitter's dream.
SweetSpot
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. There is always room for your leg to lock into perfect position. Instant recovery on landing is assisted with subtle support behind.

When the course asks questions, your position gives the answers.
CAIR Cushion System
Land lighter. Recover faster. Stay together.

The CAIR Cushion System delivers cloud-like cushioning that keeps you with your horse fence after fence. Your horse stays relaxed and free through the back. You stay balanced and ready. The partnership stays unbroken when it matters most.
Adjustable Ergonomic Stirrup Bar
Set your position. Lock in your advantage.

Fine-tune stirrup placement to match your leg, your balance, your ride. Move it forward for a shorter, more aggressive position. Shift it back for length and stability. Once set, it stays—delivering consistent, repeatable performance round after round.
Flexibloc System
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. Swap for a larger bloc if needed. Total control. Total customisation.
Forward flap
Room to ride. Room to win.

The forward flap gives riders with a longer femur the space they need—no more sizing up to accommodate your leg. Select your true seat size and ride with precision. More forward cut for freedom over fences, engineered for the aggressive position elite jumping demands.
Luxe Leather
Premium European leather with a tactile grip and softness beyond compare.

The Luxe Leather is soft, grippy and streamlined—carrying your leg in a groove that actively draws you into position. Attention to detail in stitching and workmanship unmatched.

Care for your Luxe Leather with Bates Leather Balsam. Show your new saddle some love prior to its first ride—apply Bates Leather Balsam and allow it to soak in overnight, polish and buff off any excess in the morning.

Available in Classic Black, Classic Dark Brown in 16.5', 17' or 17.5'

These saddles are sold as standard with a Medium width (Black) Easy Change Gullet. All other gullet sizes from Narrow to Extra Wide are available on our separate listing and are sold separately.

Weight - Approximately 5.76 kg/12.7 lb

We strongly recommend fitting these saddles under the guidance of a Bates trained saddler. Please see the Bates site for a full list of approved saddlers in your area.

When trying on your saddle please ensure you use a clean saddlecloth and do not remove any tags. Saddles which have had the tags removed, been sat on, girthed up, ridden on or show any signs of use cannot be returned.

Saddle Fitting Information

After your initial saddle fit, we recommend that you have the fit of your saddle checked within the first three months, as it will settle in the head during the initial riding period, as is standard with all new saddles. Following this initial settling in period, your saddle fit should then be assessed every six months throughout your saddle’s life to ensure the saddle continues to fit correctly, as your horse changes shape according to its age, level of fitness and work program. It is always recommended that you seek ongoing professional advice on your horse’s saddle fit, where possible. However the following information can assist you in not only assessing your horse’s saddle fit, but understanding when simple adjustments should be made.

In order to check the clearance, bearing and balance of a saddle, it is important that the saddle is positioned correctly. All fitting adjustments and saddle alterations should be made in accordance with the manufacturers recommendations.

Ensure your horse is standing square and is on level ground. Locate your horse’s shoulder and check to see that the nail of the saddle is approximately three fingers distance from the edge of your horse’s shoulder.

Checking for sufficient clearance

Sufficient clearance of your horse’s wither, across the width and length of the spine, should be maintained at all times. Check to see that the channel of the saddle is clear of your horse’s wither and spine through the length of the saddle.

Checking for even bearing

Your saddle should bear evenly on your horse’s back, providing a close fit. Run your hand between your horse and the panel of your saddle to check for even bearing. If your saddle features the CAIR Cushion System, it is important that a rider sits in the saddle to check the bearing, as the air becomes dynamic under the rider’s weight.

Checking for a balanced seat

Check that the deepest part of the saddle seat is central and level to ensure perfect saddle balance. Should your saddle require further adjustments select the optimal combination of EASY-CHANGE Risers to achieve sufficient clearance, even bearing and perfect balance.

NB. The innovative systems in our saddles offer unsurpassed flexibility in achieving an optimal fit, however, no one saddle can claim to fit any horse. It is always recommended you seek ongoing professional advice on the fit and in meeting the unique needs of each horse/rider combination.

We are one of the largest independent retailers of Bates in the UK and a verified premium stockist giving us access to the entire range. Our sales advisors all use these products on a daily basis so are able to offer you expert advice. If you need any assistance in selecting the right item for you or your horse please don't hesitate to contact us.