Bates Versa Endurance 16.5″ Adjustable CAIR Leather Saddle – Black

When spending long hours on the trail or gearing up for competitive endurance rides, ultimate horse comfort and rider adaptiveness are non-negotiable. The Bates Versa Endurance is purpose-built to deliver exceptional balance, pressure relief, and long-range durability. Built on Bates’ renowned, flexible Elastiflex tree and featuring fluid-filled CAIR air panels, it actively moves with your horse’s musculature—eliminating pressure points and absorbing shock over every mile.

At Best Horse Saddle Shop, our workshop team hand-inspects every pre-owned saddle before listing. This 16.5″ Bates Versa is in Grade 4 condition—showing only minimal, light signs of previous use across both flaps, remaining 100% structurally sound and offering riders incredible value for distance riding.

Quick Specs

• Brand: Bates

• Model: Versa Endurance

• Seat Size: 16.5″

• Color: Black

• Material: Premium Quality Leather

• Tree Type: Elastiflex Ergonomic Tree

• Panel Type: CAIR Cushion System (Air-Filled Panels)

• Wither Profile: Standard Wither Profile

• Adjustability: EASY-CHANGE Gullet System (Narrow to Extra-Wide)

• Currently Fitted With: Medium (M) Gullet Bar

• Discipline: Endurance / Trail Riding / Distance Riding / General Use

• Flap Type: Lightweight Dual Flap (16.5″ Flap Length)

• Condition: Pre-Owned (Grade 4 — Good Used Condition)

Fluid Protection & Custom Fitting Technology

The Bates Versa is packed with world-class ergonomic technology designed specifically for distance performance:

• CAIR Cushion System: Replaces traditional panel flocking with dynamic air cushions that continuously adapt to your horse’s moving back muscles, distributing rider weight evenly and drastically reducing spinal impact.

• EASY-CHANGE Gullet System: Compatible with gullet plates ranging from Narrow through to Extra-Wide (currently fitted with a Medium bar). Swapping widths takes only minutes to accommodate seasonal changes as your horse changes shape or condition.

• Elastiflex Tree Technology: Precision-engineered to be lightweight yet structurally resilient, flexing laterally with your horse’s spine while preserving essential clearance over the withers.

• Adjustable Ergonomic Girthing: Offers versatile girthing alignment options to anchor the saddle securely, preventing slipping or shifting over steep terrain.

Condition Report

Grade 4 — Good Used Condition

This saddle has been well cared for and regularly maintained, remaining 100% structurally sound with minimal signs of prior use:

• Flaps & Leather: Supple black leather throughout with minimal, light stirrup leather placement marks across both flaps.

• Hardware & Tree: The Elastiflex tree, billets, stitching, and CAIR panels are solid, intact, and in excellent working order.

We encourage you to review all high-resolution detail photos for a complete view of its cosmetic appearance.

Worldwide Shipping, UK & USA Trial Options

We ship quality endurance saddles directly to riders across the UK, USA, Europe, and Australia, providing full courier tracking on every dispatch.

• UK Mainland Buyers: Take advantage of our 5-Day UK Mainland Trial Option—giving your qualified saddle fitter time to evaluate the saddle on your horse before you make your final commitment.

• USA Buyers: Take advantage of our 5-Day USA Saddle Trial Option—giving you and your local fitter time to assess the fit and feel on your horse once delivered.

• International Orders (EU & AU): Shipped directly with full overseas tracking. Note: Please check all measurements and consult your local fitter prior to ordering, as international trial terms differ by destination.

Warranty & Peace of Mind

Bates Manufacturer & Best Horse Saddle Shop Warranties

This saddle retains coverage under Bates’ 10-Year Tree Warranty against tree breakage (and 2-year materials warranty from original purchase date) alongside our Best Horse Saddle Shop 6-Month Soundness Warranty. Every tree, billet point, and seam is workshop-inspected before listing so you can head out on the trail with total confidence.

(Note: Coverage applies to structural soundness under standard care and excludes damage caused by accidents, neglect, improper storage, or unauthorized modifications.)

Need Fitting Guidance or Have Questions?

Want to check if the 16.5″ seat or current Medium (M) gullet bar will suit your horse’s back profile before placing your order? We’re here to help!

Send us photos of your horse standing flat on level ground or reach out to our team directly—our fitting specialists will gladly evaluate your setup and guide your choice.