Abstract: The improved saddle structure of the invention comprises first and second opposed side panels, a plurality of resilient transverse arched rib members connecting the first and second opposed side panels, and a spine member extending longitudinally between the first and second side panels. The spine member is connected to each rib member at a central crown portion of the rib member. The spine member can comprise one or more elongate members or a plurality of connecting members joining the rib members at their crown portions, and the spine member is of sufficient flexibility to flex with the flexure of the spine of an animal on which the saddle structure is fitted. A saddle seat is secured to the spine member and/or rib members. The saddle structure of the invention provides a saddle structure for use on the back of an animal whereby localised load pressure points are reduced while allowing flexure of the animal's spine, and whereby load is distributed more evenly along the length of the saddle structure.

Abstract: The improved saddle structure of the invention comprises first and second opposed side panels, a plurality of resilient transverse arched rib members connecting the first and second opposed side panels, and a spine member extending longitudinally between the first and second side panels. The spine member is connected to each rib member at a central crown portion of the rib member. The spine member can comprise one or more elongate members or a plurality of connecting members joining the rib members at their crown portions, and the spine member is of sufficient flexibility to flex with the flexure of the spine of an animal on which the saddle structure is fitted. A saddle seat is secured to the spine member and/or rib members. The saddle structure of the invention provides a saddle structure for use on the back of an animal whereby localised load pressure points are reduced while allowing flexure of the animal's spine, and whereby load is distributed more evenly along the length of the saddle structure.

Abstract: A dynamically rigged load distributing system for an equestrian saddle including several load-bearing sections positioned upon flexible inner side panels to be incorporated in the saddle. Several line guides are fixed respectively to the sections. One or more load distribution lines pass through the guides, and loop around free-running pulleys of the stirrup hanger system. A new stirrup hanger bat includes cliverter pulleys and cooperates with a pulley block to transfer loads through the load-distribution lines to the load-bearing sections around the saddle. A girthing system for the saddle includes webbing attached to the sections so as to depend therefrom and receive ends of girth straps whereby load is transferred to the sections on each side of the saddle.

Abstract: A dynamically rigged load distributing system (1) for an equestrian saddle includes several load-bearing sections (2) positioned upon flexible inner side panels (3) to be incorporated in the saddle. Several line guides (6) are fixed respectively to the sections (2). One or more load distribution lines (7, 8) pass through the guides, and loop around free-running pulleys of the stirrup hanger system. A new stirrup hanger bar (9) includes diverter pulleys (14, 15) and cooperates with a pulley block (11) to transfer loads through the load-distribution lines to the load-bearing sections around the saddle. A girthing system for the saddle includes webbing (16, 17, 18) attached to the sections (2) so as to depend therefrom and receive ends of girth straps (23, 24) whereby load is transferred to the sections (2) on each side of the saddle.

Abstract: In a method for identifying a trailering mode in the context of a towing vehicle, in particular as part of a vehicle dynamics control system having a trailer roll logic function for stabilizing the combination of towing vehicle and trailer, and a control device for carrying out the method, identification of the trailering mode is accomplished by a comparison of an actual signal characterizing the vehicle state with a corresponding target signal.

Abstract: In a method for identifying a trailering mode in the context of a towing vehicle, in particular as part of a vehicle dynamics control system having a trailer roll logic function for stabilizing the combination of towing vehicle and trailer, that identification of the trailering mode is accomplished by a comparison of an actual signal characterizing the vehicle state with a corresponding target signal.