Bates Artiste vs. Bates Isabell Icon
When it comes to choosing the right saddle for dressage, riders often find themselves torn between the vast amount of options available to them. Two popular choices in the market are the Bates Isabell Icon and the Bates Artiste saddle.
Both these saddles are designed to provide comfort, support, and performance for both the rider and the horse.
In this blog post we will look into both the Bates Isabell Icon and the Bates Artiste saddle, analysing their features, design, materials, and overall performance to assist you as a rider to make an informed decision.
If after this blog you have any Bates dressage saddle related questions please do get in touch with our super friendly, helpful team on 01733 301488 or email info@thesaddlebank.com
Round 1: Design and Construction
Bates Isabell Icon
Launched in 2022, as an upgrade on the ever popular Bates Isabell Werth, the Bates Isabell Icon saddle is renowned for its deep seat, super narrow waist and it's iconic moveable over girth. This design aims to support the rider’s position and balance while allowing for close contact with the horse. The Bates Isabell Icon is a close contact dual flap saddle, providing a closer connection between the rider’s leg and the horse. Additionally, it incorporates the CAIR Cushion System and Easy-Change Fit Solution, allowing for customizability and adaptability to the horse’s shape.
Additionally, the saddle features Luxe Leather as standard. Luxe leather is simply the finest calf-leather in the world. As soon as you touch the Isabell Icon you will immediately notice the soft elasticity, exceptional grip, beautiful depth of colour and strength, all of which make it the ultimate in comfort and prestige, allowing you to maintain optimal balance and position.
Bates Artiste
On the other hand, the Bates Artiste saddle which has gained enormous popularity since its launch in 2021, boasts a refined large external knee block (FlexiContourBloc) that can be moved to get you the best position to support your leg position whilst in the saddle. The Artiste also has a deep dressage seat for rider support and comfort without restriction. Like the Isabell Icon, the Artiste also features an adjustable ergonomic stirrup bar to aid in achieving optimal balance and comfort. The Artiste saddle is crafted with Bates world renowned luxurious double-lined Luxe leather for durability and elegance. Similar to the Isabell Icon, it includes the CAIR Cushion System and Easy-Change Fit Solution for personalized fit and comfort. The Bates Artise is a monoflap close contact saddle so you as a rider can feel your horse, as never before. The unique shaping of the saddle flap, allows your aids to transmit to your horse cleanly and directly.
Round 2: Horse Comfort
Both the Bates Isabell Icon and Artiste saddles prioritise equine comfort through their innovative technologies.
The Artiste and the Isabell Icon are on Bates' revolutionary SynergyPanel®. The Synergy Panel is a low profile panel that helps to achieve a quick and seamless transition from your seat to your horse for unprecedented connection.
It is simply the most protective and shock absorbing panel for your horse’s comfort and a full range of movement. Here at The Saddle Bank we have heard from clients who have noticed a huge difference in their horse's way of going and feel since riding in a saddle with SynergyPanels.
The CAIR Cushion System incorporated in these saddles aims to distribute weight evenly across the horse’s back while minimising pressure points. The CAIR system and panels also allow for precise and measurable adjustments to be made by inserting the Easy Change Risers (shims) directly into the panels of the saddle. By inserting the risers you can customise the fit to your horse.
The Easy-Change Fit Solution allows for quick adjustments to ensure an optimal fit for various horse shapes, both models are on the standard tree so take gullet bars from Narrow up to Extra Wide.
Not sure what width gullet bar your horse needs? Click here to learn how to use the Bates Gullet Gauge.
Final round 3: Performance
In terms of performance, both saddles are designed to enhance the rider’s connection with the horse while promoting correct alignment and balance. The deep seat of the Isabell Icon and the Artiste provides stability during advanced dressage movements. Providing high levels of comfort and support to both horse and rider without restricting either, allowing them to perform to the best of their abilities both in and out of the white dressage boards.
Bates Artiste vs Bates Isabell Icon Features Summary
Bates Artiste
- Monoflap
- Synergy panels
- Adjustable ergonomic stirrup bar
- Fixed, yet moveable external blocks (simply unscrew them from the underside, reposition, and retighten)
- Luxe leather as standard
Bates Isabell Icon
- Dual flap
- Synergy panels
- Moveable over girth which enhances closeness between horse and rider
- Adjustable ergonomic stirrup bar
- Moveable, velcro knee blocks
- Luxe leather as standard
- Cut away shoulder panel
Hear from two riders on the Artiste vs the Icon
Issy votes for the Isabel Icon, Tori votes for the Artiste, but why?
Issy chose the Isabell Icon for her horse Dancer, here's what she has to say;
"Having tried both the Artiste and the Isabell Icon on my horse Dancer it was clear to see the Isabel Icon was the one for him, he is quite a chunky horse with a good size shoulder on him so the cut away panel worked really well on him. For me I have had dressage saddles that weren't right for me as a rider so lacked support for me which the Isabell Icon offers and is super comfy."
Tori chose and rides in the Artiste on her horse Giovanni, here's what she has to say;
"I have owned Gio for 7 years now and in that time I have had 7 different dressage saddles from different brands on him, including big named brands such as Allbion, GFS Monarch, Amerigo and Fairfax. None of these have really fitted Gio properly and some ended up causing him pain and discomfort as it just wasn't suited to his confirmation. Gio is a KWPN with a high wither which then drops down to a flat back. We tried him in the Artiste and haven't looked back since, although it is advertised as a 'high wither saddle' it sat straight on Gio with no alterations required and he has been going brilliantly ever since in it, but I know if needed we can use the Easy Change Riser System and gullets bars to get the best fit for Gio. I love the close contact feel the Synergy panels offer, as well as the option to move the knee blocks and stirrup bar."
The Saddle Banks Verdict
In conclusion, both the Bates Isabell Icon and Bates Artiste saddles offer unique features tailored to meet the demands of dressage riders. Ultimately, it is down to you as the rider to choose between these two exceptional saddles depending on your own individual preferences, riding style, and specific requirements for you and your horse.
Some riders prefer the support of larger, fixed external knee blocks. If this is you, why not try the Bates Artiste. Some horses have larger shoulders and require a more cut away panel. If this is your horse, why not try the Bates Isabell Icon.
Both saddles have their own strengths and cater to different rider preferences. It’s essential for riders to consider their own needs as well as those of their horses when making a decision between these two high-quality options.
If you are based in the UK why not take full advantage of our 5 day UK trial and see which Bates saddle works for you? You are welcome to trial both saddles at the same time so you can see which enables you and your horse to enhance your performance. Click here to see our full range of Bates dressage saddles and watch our handy video on how to trial a saddle below!
Looking to sell your Bates Artiste or Isabell Icon?
If you are in the UK and have a Bates saddle you are looking to sell we would love to assist you!
Simply fill in our Sell a Saddle form here and our quotes team will get back to you within 24 hours.
