Choosing among equestrian saddles & pads starts with a practical question: do the seat size, construction, included pieces, and condition fit your riding setup well enough to justify the price? The Bates Caprilli Close Contact 18-inch saddle makes that decision specific, with a monoflap design, included stirrups and leathers, and an Easy Change Gullet System.
Quick verdict
For a shopper specifically seeking a Bates Caprilli Close Contact saddle in an 18-inch size, the package has a clear practical appeal. The included tack means the purchase is not limited to the saddle itself, while the gullet system is a meaningful feature to consider when saddle fit is central to the decision. The main caution is that the saddle is used, and its stated price is USD 1,650.
Bates Caprilli Close Contact 18"
Its strongest buying case is the combination of a recognizable close-contact design, monoflap construction, and included stirrups and leathers. That makes it worth considering for a rider whose preferred format and 18-inch seat size already align with the saddle. The trade-off is the used condition: although it is described as being in excellent condition and well looked after, condition remains an important part of the purchase decision.
Who it suits
This saddle suits a shopper who already wants a close-contact design and can work with an 18-inch seat. The monoflap format should appeal specifically to riders looking for that construction rather than serving as a universal reason to choose it. The brown color is also clearly defined, which matters if coordinating the saddle with existing tack is part of the plan.
The included Easy Change Gullet System gives the saddle a specific fit-related feature to weigh. Its presence makes adjustability part of the conversation, but it does not by itself establish that the saddle will fit every horse-and-rider combination.
What stands out from the listed details
The purchase is comparatively straightforward to understand: one Bates Caprilli Close Contact saddle, an 18-inch seat, monoflap construction, stirrups, leathers, and the Easy Change Gullet System. Those inclusions are more useful to a shopper who needs those particular pieces than to someone seeking only a saddle shell.
The condition description is another notable detail. "Excellent condition" and "well looked after" present a favorable description, while the used designation keeps the saddle in a different decision category from an unused purchase. Both points belong in the evaluation.
Meaningful trade-offs
Price is the clearest financial consideration. At USD 1,650, the saddle needs to make sense for the rider's intended setup, not merely match a preferred brand or style. The OBO wording adds flexibility to the stated price, but it does not change the need to assess whether the included tack and gullet system justify the overall amount.
Fit is the other major trade-off. An 18-inch seat and changeable-gullet system are concrete specifications, not a guarantee of suitability. If those details match the rider and horse, the package is easier to evaluate; if they do not, the included accessories are less persuasive.
Bottom line
The Bates Caprilli Close Contact 18-inch saddle is most compelling for a rider seeking its close-contact, monoflap format and wanting stirrups, leathers, and an Easy Change Gullet System included. Its used condition and USD 1,650 price are the reasons to make the decision carefully rather than impulsively.
