What does CAIR mean in a saddle?
In this article we will discuss all about CAIR panels, what they are. Which saddles they are in, their features and what the benefits of them could mean for you and your horse.
When buying or researching saddles, one of the most vitally important aspects to be informed about is the panel flocking or padding. Here at The Saddle Bank want everyone to have the information that they need. So you can make an informed decision about the saddles and tack that they buy. The panels of the saddle are the padded “cushion” parts that sit on either side of the channel of the saddle; which when the horse is tacked up is where the weight is distributed to either side of your horse’s spine.
There are four main subsets of panel type. The most traditional of which being wool flocking; but you will also find synthetic flocking (normally just a wool substitute). As well as foam panels, and air panels. The type of interior of your panel on your saddle will impact the way it feels for your horse and absorbs the weight of the rider. In addition to making a difference to the price and sometimes even the way that the saddle fits. In this blog we will be specifically talking about CAIR Saddles which fall under the category of air panels.
If you are still a bit confused about which saddle or any saddle related product is best for you why not get in touch with our friendly customer support team. Via phone on 01733 301 488 or email info@thesaddlebank.com. Our lovely team are always happy to help as much as they can and provide you with the information you need to make the best decision for you and your horse.
What are the features of CAIR Panels?
You can usually identify a CAIR saddle by the CAIR/HART emblem. Which is found at the cantle end of the channel underneath the saddle. CAIR, unlike FLAIR, which is another type of air panelling system. Cannot have the volume of air inside of the air cushions adjusted; the airbags which make up the inside of the saddle are sealed. Inside the CAIR cushions, which are 2 to a panel, are a piece of open cell foam and yes, you guessed it, air!
The open-cell foam is a very squishy, low-density material, much like a sponge. Which allows the air to pass through it freely; but provides some structure to the air cushions. The idea behind the air-filled cushions is that gas is a compressible and dynamic state of matter, so the cushions support the saddle as well as constantly contracting and expanding to accommodate for your horse as their muscles flex and move, and the weight of the rider as it shifts on the horse.
What saddles have CAIR in them?
CAIR is an exclusive technology to Bates, Wintec, and Arena saddles. As a part of HART or “Horse and Rider Technology”, the CAIR cushion system has been meticulously researched and developed by Saddlery Brands International, the company which owns the saddle manufacturers Arena, Bates, and Wintec.
The company and respective brands have continuously made a commitment to providing innovative solutions for modern riders. Saddlery Brands International believe that the opportunity to ride with precision, comfort for both horse and rider, and optimum performance, belongs to every rider; everyone deserves tack that helps them to perform at their best. The HART initiative benefits all modern Arena, Wintec, and Bates saddles but you may see some older models of saddles with the CAIR emblem still displayed.
This technology is constantly being developed, so you may find that if you tried the earlier CAIR saddles and liked them, that you find their new HART saddles to be even better. Wintec, Bates, and Arena stock a huge variety of saddles in cuts for dressage, jumping, general-purpose riding, and more. Further benefits of saddles designed with Horse and Rider Technology include the Elasti-flex tree. Which is designed to prevent the horse’s spine from suffering concussive injuries and be lightweight and flexible to move with your horse’s back without warping.
Also a part of HART, the Easy-Change Fit Solution is a system by which you can adjust your horse’s saddle in both the tree and the panel. In a way which is reversible; so that you can fit the saddle to another horse or adjust as your horse changes shape. HART saddles all have the great benefit of Comfort Seat Technology to allow the rider maximum support; in a balanced, non-restrictive way.
What are the benefits of CAIR?
Saddles fitted with CAIR, as opposed to standard flocking, will not need to be completely stripped down and re-flocked every two years. The absence of flocking means that it will never ball up, which can cause uneven pressure on the horses back. The CAIR panelling system keeps the cost of materials lower. So you can benefit from modern saddlery technological advances. While remaining an economical option that most riders will find accessible. We here at The Saddle Bank know how expensive horses can be, and every horse and rider, regardless of budget, deserves to have great options for saddling their horses.
The beauty of Saddlery Brands International is that for each manufacturer, (Bates, Arena, and Wintec,) the saddles come in a great range of styles and affordability, so you are bound to find something that suits your style and price range. Air cushioning technology is seen more and more across a huge number of industries to great benefit, from airbags in your car to air-cushion cases for mobile phones and laptops, in both instances the technology used for protecting against damage upon impact.
The principle is much the same with air-panelled saddles; during riding the panels will absorb the impact and weight by compressing. So that the pressure is lessened on a concentrated area of your horses back. Therefore protecting the spine from concussive forces and repetitive impact.
Want to try one?
If you are interested in trying a saddle with CAIR panels why not trial one via The Saddle Bank.
The Saddle Bank offer 5 Day UK Trials on all Quality Used and New saddles to UK customers. Once delivered you can try the saddle for 5 whole days before committing to keeping it.
Full details on our trial policy can be found here.
Are you from outside of the UK? No problem. The Saddle Bank offers international shipping, simply click here to see our international delivery options.
