Bates Saddlery was formed in 1934 when Mr George Bates borrowed $100 from his sister, bought a sewing machine and began to make saddles from his home in Perth, Australia. The company focused on the performance of saddles for both horse and rider and studied the impact of saddle fit on the horse's back.  Bates Australia have a reputation as industry leaders in innovation with their 1996 launch of the EASY-CHANGE Gullet System which allows the rider to custom fit the saddle to their horses's changing shape.  Most recently, the CAIR Panel System has provided superb shock absorbancy for both horse and rider.