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.

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."

Elite showjumpers:

• Rebecca "Bex" Mason, England @bexmasonsj
• Sam, Carly, Grace and Hannah Overton, Australia @overton_showjumping
• Ross and Harriet Smith, Australia @rangeviewequestrian
• Josie Boegh, Denmark @boeghstables
• Russell Johnstone, Australia
• Hayley Morris, New Zealand @hayleymorris1
• Conor Reed, based in Germany, competing for Australia @conorreed297

Elite eventers:

• Andrew and Madi Cooper, Australia @andrew_cooper_eventing
• Blair and Charlie Richardson, Australia @vantagehill
• Hazel Shannon, Australia Sarah Bullimore, England @bullimoreeventing
• Stuart and Gemma Tinney, Australia @stuarttinney.eventing @gemma.tinneyeventing
• Shane Rose, Australia @shane.rose.eventing
• Olivia "Golly" Barton, based in Belgium, competing for Australia @golly_barton
• Sam Woods, Australia
• Shenae Lowings, Australia @shenae.lowings.eventing
• Sam Jeffree, Australia @jeffree_eventing

The Bates Apex is now available at Bates Saddles stockists worldwide.

The ultimate jump-off weapon

The Bates Apex was built to solve a challenge we've known about for years: how to eliminate the interference that costs milliseconds in the jump-off. The flap that follows your leg over the fence. The subtle drag that breaks connection. The inefficiency that separates a clear round from a winning one. The answer is patented FlapLock Technology.

FlapLock Technology (Patented)

This is the innovation everyone's been talking about.

FlapLock Technology locks the saddle flap to the under-flap for total resistance against multi-directional forces. The result? No interference with your action over the jump. No drag. No lost milliseconds.

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

FlapLock Technology quietly enhances your control on approach, over the jump and on landing. The gains against the clock over technical and high courses are real. The more efficiently you ride, the more horsepower is unleashed.

Robust and ultra-durable to meet the demands of professional stables, with replacement patches available to ensure perfect performance at every competition.

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.

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

Find yours

The Bates Apex is available now at Bates Saddles stockists worldwide.

We always recommend your saddle be fitted by a professional saddle fitter experienced in saddles with HART. Find your nearest stockist and book your professional fit today.