CAIR or No CAIR

[miniemy]

Hi there im after your opinions on CAIR with the Wintecs. Im looking to get another Isabell Werth Dressage saddle for my youngster. Last time I had CAIR and we seemed to be very limited about how hard it was.

I was thinking about having no CAIR this time. Please can I have your comments please, especially as its for a youngester who will change shape lots.

Many thanks

Emma

 

[Sal_E]

Personally, I would NOT have Cair - I have heard of so many problems with it but, against my better judgement, I bought it anyway & also had problems! I don't like the idea of any air-filled 'flocking' any more.

 

[Sal_E]

Also, there is far more you can do with flocking in terms of alterations.

 

[air78]

CAIR is limited IMO because it is not adjustable. I have had a look at it on the saddles and i thought it was a bit hard too. I have Flair now, so it can be adjusted as needed on my youngster.
But the debate between CAIR and flocking is a tricky one! I would think i might opt for flocking......but i would want it to be a bit squishy, so it could 'mould' to the back, not rock hard. If the flocking was hard, i would go for CAIR.
I don't know if that helps at all!

 

[mat]

I have used both, I have cair on my breaking saddle that I use on more than one horse, as it is more comfy than a hard unfitted one.


If my horse has its own saddle, I would rather have it fitted and flocked to suit his shape.

 

[KateStartin]

I have cair in my bates event saddle and my horse loves it so much so that i have sold my albion dressage saddle because although it appears to fit him perfectly he is so much more forward and free in the bates.

 

[miniemy]

Matt

So in your opinion the CAIR version is more comfy for horse or rider?

I will be breaking him in this so Im espcially interested in your comments.

If leaning towards flocking, and think it will naturally mould better to his changing shape?

cheers everyone

 

[KatB]

Cair is brilliant if it fits your horse 110%, if not, air compressed is harder than Flock, so any pressure points will truly be felt. It takes a bit of getting used to aswell, because it takes a few minutes to warm up and soften and mold to the horse. Flock is truly more adjustable though.

 

[Toby_Zaphod]

I have Bates GP, Close Contact & Dressage saddles, all with Cair. Daughter loves them & horse loves them & goes well in them. Never had any problems whatsoever.

 

[mat]

The air on them compresses to the shape of the horses back which is the idea...

... also if your breaking in your horse will very likely change shape, so the bates changeable gullets may be useful?

 

[WishfulThinker]

I love my CAIR!! Beau seems to love the CAIR to! He doesnt squirm like he used to with flocking.

The only downside I have noticed though, is that after he gets all worked up and warm, it sinks a bit at the front........like the gullet gets wider.......but dont know if thats him or the saddle.

 

[samp]

I was advised by my saddler not to use cair as it has been temperamental. Personally I prefer the flair system where the amount of air can be vaired. If you are worried about pressure points you can buy a Korrector pad (which inflates and deflates with air to fit the horse)

 

[Blizzard]

I wont use cair after my Bates saddle, the cair panels are supposed to be fluid but one wasnt and the saddle was bridging on my mares back, I think the CAIR is too hard too.