Abstract: An adjustable gullet plate with interchangeable, adjustable portions and joints which are connected and secured to one another using interlocking elements and fasteners. The adjustable gullet plate may include interlocking elements equally spaced at or at about known increments and terminal portions connected successively to create points of adjustment. The gullet plate may be adjusted into an asymmetric configuration to fit a horse with an asymmetric body shape. The adjustable gullet plate can be installed in a saddle and then be adjusted to fit a horse's body shape by accessing at least one fastener securing an adjustable joint, loosening the fastener to disengage interlocking elements to permit radial movement, adjusting the radial displacement and interior angle of at least one adjustable portion to fit a horse's body shape, and tightening the fastener to reengage the interlocking elements and prevent further radial movement.

Abstract: A locking headplate of the configuration of the saddle tree of a riding saddle comprises two rigid headplate arms, each suitable for being fixed to a respective lateral front portion of the saddle tree. The two headplate arms have mutual connection end portions which form a headplate hinge for a rotation of one headplate arm with respect to the other about an axis of rotation. The end portions are further fitted with facing blocking surfaces shaped in a complementary manner so as to block, when placed in mutual contact, the rotation of the headplate arms. The headplate is further provided with arm translation means operable to translate one arm with respect to the other along the axis of rotation so as to cause the engagement and disengagement of said blocking surfaces, said arm translation means being accessible through a front access opening coaxial to the axis of rotation.

Abstract: Specialized saddles and components for specialized saddles. In some embodiments, the saddles may include one or more saddle horns that may be placed nearer one side of the saddle than the other. In certain embodiments, the saddle horn may be detachable, allowing different saddle horns to be used with a single saddle assembly or for multiple positions on a single saddle assembly where the saddle horn may be located for use.

Abstract: A saddle includes a tree having a rider-facing side and a horse-facing side, a seat cover adapted for detachable installation on the rider-facing side of the tree and an insert adapted for installation between the tree and the seat cover. Conveniently, the insert may adapt the saddle for riders of distinct size and shape and accommodate for physical differences between male and female riders. Furthermore, a connection panel secured to the horse-facing side of the tree may allow for releasably secured panel padding elements that customize the horse-facing side of the tree to a particular horse. Adjustable stirrup bars provide even further flexibility of customization.

Abstract: The adjustable frame for a riding saddle includes a saddle tree arranged on a portion of a riding saddle and having two longitudinal arms and at least one rotatable continuous part, passing through the saddle tree. An upper portion of the rail is easily accessible without requiring the disassembly of any component. The opening and closing of the reinforcement parts of the saddle tree, that are driven by the rotatable continuous part using a simple Allen wrench, are enabled.

Abstract: The adjustable frame for a riding saddle includes a saddle tree arranged on a portion of a riding saddle and having two longitudinal arms and at least one rotatable continuous part, passing through the saddle tree. An upper portion of the rail is easily accessible without requiring the disassembly of any component. The opening and closing of the reinforcement parts of the saddle tree, that are driven by the rotatable continuous part using a simple Allen wrench, are enabled.

Abstract: A locking headplate for an adjustable saddle tree includes opposed, hingedly connected plates for securing to a saddle tree head portion and a rotatable displacing element for displacing the hingedly connected plates inwardly or outwardly, wherein the rotatable displacing element assists in retaining the hingedly connected plates in a set spaced-apart configuration when not being rotated. The locking headplate further includes at least one supplemental locking mechanism for selectively preventing rotation of the rotatable displacing element. The hingedly connected plates include apertures for receiving a portion of the rotatable displacing element therethrough, the apertures defining at least one cross-sectional dimension that is greater than a corresponding cross-sectional dimension of the rotatable displacing element. Saddle trees and saddles incorporating the locking headplate are provided.

Abstract: A locking headplate for an adjustable saddle tree includes opposed, hingedly connected plates for securing to a saddle tree head portion, a rotatable displacing element for displacing the hingedly connected plates inwardly or outwardly, and at least one supplemental locking mechanism for selectively preventing rotation of the rotatable displacing element. The hingedly connected plates include apertures for receiving a portion of the rotatable displacing element therethrough, the apertures defining at least one cross-sectional dimension that is greater than a corresponding cross-sectional dimension of the rotatable displacing element. Saddle trees and saddles incorporating the locking headplate are provided.

Abstract: An adjustable equestrian saddle and adjusting and reinforcing system for adjusting an equestrian saddle to permit the saddle fit several sizes of the back and withers of one or more horses, wherein the adjusting system comprises a plurality of reinforcing members having different angular dimensions with the saddle having a headplate for interchangeably receiving the reinforcing members and a lid to have access to the reinforcing members.

Abstract: An adjustable equestrian saddle and adjusting and reinforcing system for adjusting an equestrian saddle to permit the saddle fit several sizes of the back and withers of one or more horses, wherein the adjusting system comprises a plurality of reinforcing members having different angular dimensions with the saddle having a headplate for interchangeably receiving the reinforcing members.

Abstract: An equestrian saddle having flaps, and a block mounted to each flap for engagement by the leg of the rider, the block being mounted to the flap by a mounting system which permits the position of the block on the flap to be adjusted and which retains the block in its selected position on the flap by a clamping action between the block and the flap.

Abstract: A locking headplate for an adjustable saddle tree includes opposed, hingedly connected plates for securing to a saddle tree head portion, a rotatable displacing element for displacing the hingedly connected plates inwardly or outwardly, and at least one supplemental locking mechanism for selectively preventing rotation of the rotatable displacing element. The hingedly connected plates include apertures for receiving a portion of the rotatable displacing element therethrough, the apertures defining at least one cross-sectional dimension that is greater than a corresponding cross-sectional dimension of the rotatable displacing element. Saddle trees and saddles incorporating the locking headplate are provided.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a piece (2) for a saddletree (1) of mat-like general shape conformed to have both a first overall concavity in a first direction of a longitudinal plane of symmetry and a second overall concavity in a second direction of a transverse plane, delimited by an exterior free edge (14) including a pommel portion, a cantle portion and two longitudinal portions, the exterior free edge being adapted to cooperate with a complementary interior free edge of the saddletree, the mat including a plurality of individual portions at least partly separate, placed in the vicinity of each other so that each individual portion can absorb forces and be deformed in bending or in torsion at least partly independently of the other individual portions, the piece being provided with elements for associating it with the saddletree.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a saddle for riding or carrying other load. The saddle includes at least two segments forming a frame, wherein, between the segments and between the right and left hand sides of each segment, flexible segment links allowing for relative movement thereof are provided, with the size, shape, flexibility, and stiffness of each segment being adapted to achieve an optimal weight distribution and freedom of movement, the segments and segment links or hinge elements are configured to allow for a relative independent movement thereof.

Abstract: A locking headplate for an adjustable saddle tree includes opposed, hingedly connected elements for securing to a saddle tree head portion, a rotatable displacing element for displacing the hingedly connected plates inwardly or outwardly, and an engaging element for selectively preventing rotation of the rotatable displacing element. The engaging element includes at least one insert and a threaded fastener for compressing the insert against the rotatable displacing element to selectively prevent rotation thereof. A portion of the rotatable displacing element may be made of a material having a first hardness, and the insert may be made of a material having a second hardness which is less than the first hardness whereby a portion of the rotatable displacing element impinges into the material of the insert. Saddle trees and saddles incorporating the locking headplate are provided.

Abstract: An adjustable equestrian saddle and adjusting and reinforcing system for adjusting an equestrian saddle to permit the saddle fit several sizes of the back and withers of one or more horses, wherein the adjusting system comprises a plurality of reinforcing members having different angular dimensions with the saddle having a headplate for interchangeably receiving the reinforcing members and a lid to have access to the reinforcing members.

Abstract: An adjustable saddle for a horse or other animal includes a pommel with substantially opposed lower ends, a seat member connected to the pommel and a pair of substantially opposed gripping members comprising flexible panels configured to contact the flanks of the animal. The panels have rearward portions fastened to the seat member and forward portions which are substantially free of contact with the seat member. An adjustment means connects at least one of the forward portions to the pommel. The adjustment means is configured to cause the panels to flex between a retracted position where the gripping members are relatively widely spaced and a gripping position where the gripping members are relatively closely spaced together. The gripping position provides gripping action against the upper body of the animal when the saddle is in use.

Abstract: A locking headplate for an adjustable saddle tree includes opposed, hingedly connected elements for securing to a saddle tree head portion, a rotatable displacing element for displacing the hingedly connected plates inwardly or outwardly, and an engaging element for selectively preventing rotation of the rotatable displacing element. The engaging element includes at least one insert and a threaded fastener for compressing the insert against the rotatable displacing element to selectively prevent rotation thereof. A portion of the rotatable displacing element may be made of a material having a first hardness, and the insert may be made of a material having a second hardness which is less than the first hardness whereby a portion of the rotatable displacing element impinges into the material of the insert. Saddle trees and saddles incorporating the locking headplate are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a saddle for riding or carrying other load. The invention is characterized in that the saddle (1) includes at least to segments (2,3,4) forming a frame, wherein, between segments (2, 3, 4) and between the right and left hand sides of each segment, flexible segment links allowing for relative movement thereof are provided, with the size, shape, flexibility, and stiffness of each segment (2, 3, 4) being adapted to achieve an optimal weight distribution and freedom of movement, the segments (2, 3, 4) and segment links or hinge elements (5) being configured to allow for a relative independent movement thereof.

Abstract: An adjustable saddle for a horse or other animal includes a pommel with substantially opposed lower ends, a seat member connected to the pommel and a pair of substantially opposed gripping members comprising flexible panels configured to contact the flanks of the animal. The panels have rearward portions fastened to the seat member and forward portions which are substantially free of contact with the seat member. An adjustment means connects at least one of the forward portions to the pommel. The adjustment means is configured to cause the panels to flex between a retracted position where the gripping members are relatively widely spaced and a gripping position where the gripping members are relatively closely spaced together. The gripping position provides gripping action against the upper body of the animal when the saddle is in use.

Abstract: A riding saddle includes a saddle tree determining a saddle structure and seat padding thereon. The seat padding, in a supporting region for a rider's posterior, has two padded elevations projecting from a basic saddle surface and mutually separated by a flat depression. Dimensioning and configuration of the elevations and depression relieve a rider's buttocks from load during riding by more greatly padding ischial protuberances than buttocks. The elevations have a surface, at least 150 cm2, causing at least the ischial protuberances of riders of different height and different distances between the ischial protuberances to be padded in different sitting positions. The elevations have rounded outer contours, are matched to the saddle shape, are formed by two separate pads with the depression formed therebetween to the basic saddle surface below the pads. The saddle increases comfort by distributing weight over the posterior surface and saddle, providing secure and unstressed seating.

Abstract: An adjustable saddle and saddle tree assembly including an adjustable pommel frame assembly in communication with the saddle side bars whereby lateral adjustment of the adjustable pommel frame assembly effectively adjusts the lateral spacing of the saddle bars and thereby the overall fit of the saddle.

Abstract: A method of customizing a saddle to fit the back of a particular horse by using shims of various shapes and sizes between the underside of the saddle and pad. These shims are attached to the underside of the saddle and to the pad by a hook and loop fastening system. Different types molding or rebounding pads may be used. The rebounding pads are useful to allow the interchange of saddles between different horses while achieving a perfect fit on each horse.

Abstract: An equestrian saddle comprises a modular construction including a tree having two side panels connected by a bridge of hinged construction whereby the side panels are angularly adjustable, and a seat plate secured to the side panels.

Abstract: An adjustable equestrian saddle and adjusting and reinforcing system for adjusting an equestrian saddle to permit the saddle fit several sizes of the back and withers of one or more horses, wherein the adjusting system comprises a plurality of reinforcing members having different angular dimensions with the saddle having a headplate for interchangeably receiving the reinforcing members.

Abstract: A saddle correcting device consisting of 4 protective shields placed over the shoulders and loins of an equine to protect areas of movement often damaged by the rigid structure of a saddle. The shields are placed upon, or within, a pair of connected aprons, under the saddle against the horse. The shields are molded to the general shape of the equine anatomy they are to protect and slotted to induce flexing in areas necessary to utilize the upward bending actions of the shoulders and downward and inward pressures of the saddletree bars. By harnessing these opposing forces, the shields act to keep the corrector device in place, while concurrently holding the saddle rearward of the rotating scapulas. The area of weight distribution is increased under the shields only in the areas of most damage to the musculature of the animal by the typical saddletree. The closeness of the rider to the horse is enhanced because little padding is needed under the saddle.

Abstract: An equestrian saddle comprises a modular construction including a tree having two side panels connected by a bridge of hinged construction whereby the side panels are angularly adjustable, and a seat plate secured to the side panels.

Abstract: In a saddle for equestrian use, the saddle panels are secured within the saddle at their front and rear ends by screws driven into the saddle tree whereby the saddles can be detached from the saddle just by removal of the screws. Each panel is stiffened around its rear edge by wire or rod so that its edge is substantially self-supporting between the points of attachment defined by adjacent screws.

Abstract: In a saddle for equestrian use, the saddle panels are secured within the saddle at their front and rear ends by screws driven into the saddle tree whereby the saddles can be detached from the saddle just by removal of the screws. Each panel is stiffened around its rear edge by wire or rod so that its edge is substantially self-supporting between the points of attachment defined by adjacent screws.

Abstract: Riding saddle ensemble and corresponding use. The riding saddle ensemble comprises a metal tree, two pads (3) and a seat. The tree is made up of a structure of metal rods and comprises two warped bars (1) which are the same and symmetrical with respect to an intermediate plane, where each pad (3) is attached to one of the bars, and a front bridge (5) and a rear bridge (7) which extend in a curved manner between both bars (1). The riding saddle ensemble also comprises an anatomical platform (13), attached to the metal tree, which is rigid and is suitable for withstanding indefinitely the weight of a rider without becoming permanently deformed. Preferably a single piece of leather (21) is used to cover the whole of the top part of the platform (13).

Abstract: A saddletree (2) intended for producing a saddle, notably for horses, which has at least one single-piece part (13) forming a pommel (14), a cantle (15), a base (16) and a support for constituent parts of the saddle, this single-piece part being produced from materials, such as composite materials, chosen for their suitability for being shaped to the required shape for the saddletree, for conferring on the saddletree the necessary qualities of strength and elasticity and for allowing the incorporation in the saddletree of members (21) for the removable positioning and fixing of other constituent parts of the saddle, in order to adapt the saddle to the requirements expressed.

Abstract: A saddle assembly for use by handicapped riders, a saddle assembly including a bridle having reins extending therefrom and a saddle having stirrups connected thereto, the improvement comprising interconnecting straps extending between the stirrups and the reins whereby movement of the reins would cause movement of one or more of the stirrups.

Abstract: To improve the safety of horseback riding, a fabric saddle with hook fastener strips sewed to its side fenders attaches to the horse using a new design of harness that gives the rider the ability to mechanically make a secondary tightening of that harness around the horse after the standard initial manual girth strap tightening has been done. This secondary tightening has the characteristic of being controlled so as not to harm the horse yet it snugs the saddle up so there is much less likelihood of the saddle slipping off the horse's back. As the rider mounts, the loop fastener strips on the rider's pants legs match with the hook fastener strips on the saddle and hold the rider onto the animal so the rider is not accidentally thrown off the horse. Quick dismount is not inhibited since the hook and loop fastener strips separate readily when the riders kick their legs away from the horse.