| Bates Saddles are famous for their revolutionary | | | | replaced, but a saddler can easily perform the |
| CAIR Panel System. Rather than traditional flocking in | | | | procedure. |
| the saddle, the CAIR System uses air. The air cushions | | | | Once the rider is sitting in the saddle, the weight bears |
| the saddle just right, allowing the horse to relax and | | | | down causing the air to move fluidly and hug the |
| engage with the rider and to give the horse the | | | | horse's back. This distributes the weight of the rider. |
| ultimate in comfort, and the rider the ultimate | | | | Like any saddle, Bates saddles with the CAIR system |
| connection to the horse. | | | | will settle, and a saddler will need to periodically |
| Since 2000, people have been using the CAIR Panel | | | | rebalance the saddle using CAIR Panel inserts |
| System, and it has become extremely popular. The | | | | between the saddle tree and the air panels. |
| casing is made of durable PVC that lasts through all | | | | One great feature of the CAIR Panel System is that it |
| weather for decades. This is the same PVC material | | | | will adapt to more than one horse. A thin saddle |
| used to line mining dams at all temperatures and | | | | blanket is all that is needed with a Bates Saddle. Gel |
| because it's durable, the company offers a five year | | | | pads shouldn't be used because the increased bulk |
| warranty. Bates Saddles that include the CAIR Air | | | | between the saddle and horse can dampen |
| panel system has panels that are not adjustable. The | | | | communication with the rider. Riser pads with a saddle |
| air is captured in open-celled foam and then sealed in | | | | fitted slightly wider can be used with a horse that has |
| the air panel. If a CAIR panel is punctured, it must be | | | | severe atrophy as muscles redevelop. |