Heritage Leather

All Bates Saddles feature the finest hand selected European leather. You can be confident that the leather in Bates Saddles is the best in the world and, if cared for, will offer many years of excellent service.

Heritage Leather

Heritage leather upholds the traditional European practices of natural oil and wax tannage. The high oil and wax content of this performance leather ensures optimum suppleness and enhanced rider grip.

Characteristic of the finest natural leather, the leather is heavily pre-oiled with visible shade variations, often being referred to as a ‘pull up’ leather with a traditional, if not distressed aesthetic. The depth of colour is dependent on the infused oil content within the fibers of each particular hide. The distinctive tones of colour are particularly visible when the leather is bent as the colour lightens returning over time to its original colour as the oils migrate back through into the fibers.

Saddles available in Heritage Leather

Saddles available with Heritage Leather combine the comfort and luxury of Opulence Leather on the seat and on the knee inserts, with this unique leather being featured in the skirt (over the stirrup bar) and the saddle flaps.

Caring for Heritage Leather

The natural surface of the leather is more easily prone to scratch or marks however this can easily be removed by simply rubbing or buffing the leather in the area to draw the oils back to the area replenishing the surface.

Due to the high level of oils within the leather the correct level of care is still important to ensure the surface is protected against wear, water and sweat. In high wear areas the leather will darken over time ensuring an aged rich patina.