This Bates Advanta Saddle Review takes an in-depth look at fit, performance, and real-world ride feel to help riders and parents decide if this premium jump saddle is worth the investment.
If high-performance eventing is on your mind, the Bates Advanta Saddle has probably caught your eye. I’ve spent time using it, watching how different horses and riders respond, and reading up on what makes it click with top eventers.
It’s one of those saddles built for serious results. There’s plenty to unpack about how it fits, feels, and performs, especially if you’re searching for adjustability and security over jumps.
But first, you may want to read my post on how English saddle measurements work. It will help you understand seat size, flap length, and rider fit before evaluating a premium saddle.
Now, one more thing…
Just a friendly disclaimer for transparency sake. This post may contain affiliate links. I may earn a small commission if you purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you.
At-a-Glance: Bates Advanta Saddle Quick Facts
The Bates Advanta is a monoflap jump/eventing saddle with a modern, athletic twist. It’s known for deep customization, high-tech materials, and helping eventers get extra close contact while staying organized and balanced in tough situations.
This saddle is great for riders who want a more connected feel, serious jumpers and eventers, and those with horses who tend to change shape.
Worth mentioning: its adjustability can be a real money-saver for people riding multiple horses or growing young ones.
- What it is: An adjustable, close contact monoflap event and jump saddle
- Who it’s best for: Ambitious eventers, competitive jumpers, riders with performance horses or growing/young horses
- One-sentence verdict: Hands-down, the Advanta gives you more control and connection in the ring, and can be dialed in for a custom fit (see price & details here).
What Is the Bates Advanta Saddle?
This saddle zeros in on performance eventing and jumping. Bates paired high-tech fit features with their lightest feeling monoflap design, which suits cross country and showjumping phases.
Where traditional jump saddles felt bulky or stiff, the Bates Advanta saddle brings a slimmer feel and nextlevel cool rider support, adding innovation on both horse and rider sides.
Purpose & Discipline
Built with eventers in mind, you’ll see this saddle at big competitions—think fast galloping, technical cross country, and sharp turns in show jumping. The single flap design brings riders closer to the horse, while its tech forward features offer more adaptability than most standard jump saddles.
What Makes It Stand Out From Traditional Jump Saddles?
Instead of just focusing on leather and blocks, the Advanta blends innovative materials (like the CAIR cushion panels) and the EASYCHANGE gullet system for easy tweaks.
The SynergyPanel is another modern addition, letting the saddle move with the horse while still distributing pressure evenly. In my experience, these differences really show up in the ride feel.
it’s just a more communication driven saddle.
Key Features & Technology
Monoflap Design
The monoflap (single flap) build is one of the reasons I like this saddle so much. Fewer layers between you and your horse means improved contact and you can better use your leg aids.
It’s a lighter feel that doesn’t sacrifice stability, especially going over solid jumps or landing cross country fences.
CAIR Cushion System & SynergyPanel
Bates’ CAIR panels use air cushions instead of wool or foam stuffing. These adapt with your horse’s movement, spreading pressure out and minimizing sore spots. I’ve noticed it especially helps horses with sensitive backs, changing shapes, or asymmetries.
Paired with the SynergyPanel, you get a low profile panel that flexes and moves while still supporting the saddle’s weight evenly, which is pretty handy for athletic horses making quick moves.
EASYCHANGE Fit Solution
This tech lets you swap gullets (the iron arch inside the front of the saddle) and make flocking tweaks without going to a professional saddle fitter every time. That’s genuinely useful if you ride horses who are gaining muscle, dropping weight, or still growing.
Owners of sales horses or young eventers find this system saves time, money, and headaches.
Rider Positioning Tech
The location and angle of the external blocks, along with stirrup bar placement, encourages a balanced secure jumping seat.
Adjustable FlexiContourblocs help dial in the support for your thigh and knee – extra important if you want stability without feeling “locked in.” With the right setup, I notice it’s easier to keep a tight, responsive position through combinations.
Ride Feel & Performance
Eventers and jumpers aiming for top rounds need a saddle that lets them move easily but also provides backup if a horse jumps huge or stumbles. The Advanta nails that combination: security, agility, and pure connection.
For Jumping & Eventing
The Advanta’s slim profile lets me wrap my leg fully around the horse.
It’s noticeably grippy and easy to stay with the horse’s center of gravity when they take off at odd distances. Hopping solid fences at speed, the monoflap style and well shaped seat are really helpful.
Stability, Balance, Security
Having a forward seat and generous thigh blocks means I feel stable over wide oxers or uneven ground.
Horses seem to relax into their jobs with the air panels and wide weight bearing area, especially those who need more freedom through the shoulder and back.
Who Loves This Saddle Most
The folks I see reaching for the Advanta are often upper level eventers or advanced jumpers. It gives them the positive seat feel and adjustability they look for during busy training schedules.
Youth riders on ponies in growth spurts also benefit; it keeps up with shape changes better than fixed tree models.
Horse Fit Considerations
No saddle works for every single horse, but this one fits a surprisingly wide range. Its adjustability systems help tackle everything from growing warmbloods to compact ponies.
Conformation Types It Suits
I’ve found the Advanta especially happy on horses with moderate to high withers, average width backs, and athletic toplines. Thanks to its multiple gullet options, it adapts well to Thoroughbreds, Irish sport horses, and warmblood eventers.
When CAIR Panels Work Best
The CAIR panels shine for horses who are back sensitive or do not love stiff, traditional panels. Horses with fluctuating weight (like fitness training cycles or season changes) benefit a lot, because the air can self adjust each ride.
Importance of Getting the Fit Right
Even though you get more flexibility than a fixed tree jump saddle, it’s still really important to check fit with every tweak. The wrong gullet or an unbalanced panel setup can cause pinch points or pressure. Getting a professional saddle fitter to set it up the first time helps make sure your investment pays off over the long haul.
✅ Pros of the Bates Advanta Saddle
- Exceptional rider balance and security
The Advanta’s SweetSpot seat and monoflap design naturally place the rider in a balanced, centered position—especially helpful for jumping efforts, uneven terrain, and technical lines. - Ultra-close contact feel
The monoflap construction reduces bulk between rider and horse, improving communication through the leg and allowing more precise aids without feeling restrictive. - Highly adjustable fit for changing horses
With the EASY-CHANGE gullet and riser system, the saddle can be professionally adjusted as a horse’s shape changes, making it a smart long-term investment rather than a short-term purchase. - Horse-friendly pressure distribution
The SynergyPanel combined with the CAIR Cushion System helps evenly distribute rider weight, supporting freer shoulder movement and improved comfort over fences and longer rides. - Customizable rider support
The FlexiContourbloc system allows riders to fine-tune knee and thigh support, accommodating different leg lengths, riding styles, and preferences without forcing a fixed position. - Premium leather and craftsmanship
High-quality leather offers a secure yet supple feel, contributing to durability, grip, and a polished appearance suitable for both competition and daily training. - Designed for serious performance riding
Built specifically for jumpers and eventers, the Advanta excels in forward seat work, cross-country balance, and technical jumping rather than trying to be a one-size-fits-all saddle. - Supports rider progression
Many riders appreciate that the saddle continues to feel supportive as skills advance, making it suitable for intermediate to advanced riders who want equipment that grows with them.
While the Bates Advanta Saddle sits in a higher price range, its adjustability, comfort, and performance focus make it a strong option for riders who need a saddle that can adapt over time—rather than needing frequent replacements.
Cons: Things to Know Before You Buy
- Premium Price Tag: Upfront, the cost matches the advanced features. If you’re on a tight budget or not sure you need all the high tech details, it’s worth considering other options. But you do get high durability and tech in return.
- Needs Regular Fitting Checks: Because the saddle is so customizable, you’ll want to check fit more often. In the long run, that means greater comfort for your horse and peace of mind for you.
- Designed for Performance Riders: This isn’t a casual trail saddle. Riders looking for long, slow hacks or preferring a supercushy seat might not love how streamlined the Advanta feels.
Pros of the Bates Advanta Saddle
The Bates Advanta Saddle is an excellent choice for:
- Jump and event riders who want a secure, balanced saddle designed for forward-seat work
- Serious junior, amateur, and adult riders progressing beyond entry-level equipment
- Parents investing in long-term value, especially for riders moving up the levels
- Horses whose shape changes due to conditioning, growth, or seasonal muscle development
- Riders who appreciate adjustability, including customizable blocks and fit systems
- Those seeking close contact without sacrificing support
Cons of the Bates Advanta Saddle
- Higher price point, reflecting premium materials and performance-focused design.
- Professional fitting recommended to get the most from its adjustable features.
- Built for serious riding, which may exceed the needs of casual riders.
- Monoflap design requires a short adjustment period for some riders.
If you’re looking for a saddle that supports rider development, adapts to your horse, and performs consistently at higher levels, the Bates Advanta stands out as a thoughtfully engineered option rather than a short-term solution.
Final Verdict: Is the Bates Advanta Saddle Worth It?
The Bates Advanta Saddle is a thoughtfully engineered choice for riders who prioritize balance, adjustability, and performance over shortcuts.
Its close-contact monoflap design, customizable rider support, and adaptable fit system make it especially well suited for jumpers and eventers who want a saddle that evolves alongside both horse and rider.
While it sits in a higher price range, the value lies in long-term comfort, consistent performance, and the ability to adapt as training demands increase.
If you’re ready to invest in a performance-driven saddle that supports confidence, progression, and proper fit, the Bates Advanta Saddle is well worth considering.
👉 Check current pricing, availability, and fit options for the Bates Advanta Saddle to see if it’s the right match for your riding goals.