Choosing between equestrian saddles & pads gets difficult when both candidates are brown, used close-contact saddles but the buying priorities diverge. The useful shortcut is to decide whether the Butet's jumping designation and standard tree or the Bates's seat-size specification, monoflap detail, and included riding accessories matter more.
Quick verdict
At a listed-price gap of $650, the Butet Close Contact Jump Saddle is the direct choice if you want jumping/close-contact wording and a standard tree. Bates Caprilli Close Contact is the match if you want its seat-size specification, monoflap feature, and included stirrups and leathers. The colors do not separate them, so focus on the tree, riding format, seat specification, and accessory package.
At a glance
| Saddle | Listed price | Seat or tree detail | Key details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Butet Close Contact Jump Saddle | USD 1,000.00 | Standard tree | Jumping/close contact |
| Bates Caprilli Close Contact | USD 1,650.00 | 18 in | Monoflap; stirrups and leathers included |
Where each product wins
Butet wins for a jumping-first brief
The Butet title explicitly uses the phrase Close Contact Jump Saddle, making its intended riding format immediately clear. Its standard tree is another concrete selection point for shoppers whose saddle brief includes that specification. The lower listed price also gives it the edge when the accessory package is less important than the saddle's stated format.
Bates wins for included riding equipment
Bates stands out when the purchase needs to include stirrups and leathers, since both the title and description name them. Its monoflap detail and Easy Change Gullet System add further features to weigh. The Bates choice is therefore most compelling when those named components matter more than the Butet's jumping designation and standard tree.
Product notes
Butet Close Contact Jump Saddle
The Butet Close Contact Jump Saddle is the direct match for a brief that begins with jumping: the title explicitly uses the phrase Close Contact Jump Saddle, and the standard tree is a stated detail. The description adds a brown finish, a cover, supple leather, and reflocked knee rolls and panels, giving shoppers concrete package details to weigh. Its limitation is the used condition, so it is not the right selection for someone specifically requiring new gear. Choose Butet when the jumping designation and standard tree define the brief, with the cover and leather condition as secondary details rather than reasons to assume a particular riding result.
Bates Caprilli Close Contact
Bates Caprilli Close Contact makes its case around a clearly stated accessory package. The title and description identify included stirrups and leathers, while the saddle is described with a monoflap design; the description also mentions an Easy Change Gullet System. Those are useful selection points when you want riding equipment and saddle features named together. Its limitation is the used condition, and the stated seat dimension may not suit a brief built around a different seat size. Choose Bates when the accessory package, monoflap detail, and seat specification are the priorities, rather than paying for features that are not central to your decision.
Final choice by use case
- Choose Butet when the jumping designation and standard tree are the deciding details, or when the $650 price spread matters most.
- Choose Bates when an 18-inch seat, monoflap design, and included stirrups and leathers are the specific requirements.
- If color is your tie-breaker, both saddles are brown, so it does not create an edge. The meaningful choice is between Butet's jumping-oriented description and Bates's named accessory package.
