Wintec - Cair vs Flock??

[Blitzen]

As above really - I'm considering a Wintec as a first saddle for my 3 year old who is due to be backed in the spring. I've had conflicting advice about Cair panneling, some people say it becomes rock hard under pressure (from bum on the saddle), and needs extra flocking anyway. Some people have told me their Cair/Flair saddle is the best thing they've ever bought and their horse loves it etc etc.
Any opinions would be much appriciated! Thanks

 

[Wagtail]

I would avoid cair. It tends to be very hard and my horse hated it. I had to get the panels replaced with flocking.

 

[showqa]

Well, I had an Isabell for my 4.5 year old which he's been in unil now ( 7 and fully matured so looking for somethin else), going up throught the gullet sizes. I know that CAIR has a bad press but frankly mine is still soft and this hasn't been an issue at all. If anything, it's the kink in the gullet plate that has become a problem as he's muscled over his shoulder/wither area.

 

[showqa]

Sorry about the spelling mistakes in that - been a long, cold day!!

 

[devilwoman]

Recently had a saddle fitter down who told me to avoid Cair as over time it does become hard and can cause pressure points.

 

[Blitzen]

That's what I've been told - that they don't have as much give as flock, and to imagine how an inflated football would feel pressed on your back!

showqa - I didn't know this about the gullets. He isn't very broad yet, but as an Irish cob X ISH he will fill out plenty I'm sure. He has had a medium width saddle on for long reining, so I get the feeling he's going to be quite stocky!

I'm starting to reconsider Wintec! I was hoping to have him in a brown VSD to last him for a showing season or 2 at little local shows, which is really why I was set on having a Wintec, for a reasonably priced adjustable saddle that won't look too out of place in the show ring (I'm hoping he will make a nice middleweight show hunter).

thanks for the advice!