FlapLock Technology | The patented innovation changing jump saddles forever

There's a moment every show jumper knows.

You're in the air, your leg is on, and beneath you the flap of your saddle follows your movement—pulling back, buckling, bunching. It's subtle. It's always been there. And until now, it's been accepted as normal.

FlapLock Technology changes that.

Patented and exclusive to the Bates Apex, FlapLock Technology is the innovation elite riders have been calling a game changer. It's simple in concept and profound in impact.

What is FlapLock Technology?

FlapLock Technology locks the saddle flap to the under-flap for total resistance against multi-directional forces.

The result: the flap no longer follows your leg over the fence. No more drag. No more interference. No more subtle inefficiency costing you milliseconds in the jump-off.

Your leg is simply on. Your upper body balanced. You're with your horse, never behind. Intuition prevails. No hesitation.

The problem it solves

Look at any photo of a show jumper mid-flight. Watch the flap. It follows the leg—pulling back, lifting, bunching. This creates drag that interferes with the rider's connection to their horse.

It's a problem that's been hiding in plain sight. Every jump saddle has it. Every rider has felt it, whether they recognised it or not.

Without FlapLock Technology (Bates saddle left): The flap follows the rider's leg over the fence, creating drag and reducing efficiency. The rider works harder to maintain position. Connection is interrupted.

With FlapLock Technology (Bates Apex right): The flap stays locked. No movement. No drag. No interference. The rider's control on approach, over the jump and on landing is quietly enhanced. The partnership stays unbroken.

The gains are real

FlapLock Technology quietly enhances the rider's control at every phase of the jump:

• On approach: Your leg is positioned and stable
• Over the fence: No flap drag, no interference, pure efficiency
• On landing: Instant recovery, your knee rehomed and ready for the next fence

The gains against the clock over technical and high courses are real. The more efficiently you ride, the more horsepower is unleashed, and the fewer milliseconds are lost.

Built for professional demands

FlapLock Technology is robust and ultra-durable, engineered to meet the high demands of professional stables. Replacement patches are available so you can ensure perfect performance at every competition throughout the saddle's life.

Girthing can be accessed without the need to release the FlapLock Technology each time.

What riders are saying

Elite riders have been competing in the Bates Apex for months—and the reactions have been unanimous.

"That is a game changer, I need that on all my jump saddles." "I'm obsessed already." "Can I take this today? I'm competing this afternoon." "This is the best saddle I've ever ridden in." "My leg just finds a perfect position."

Experience the difference

Once you've competed with FlapLock Technology, you'll want it on every saddle.

The Bates Apex is available now at Bates Saddles stockists worldwide. Find your nearest stockist and book your professional fit today.