Abstract: A saddle sling for supporting a saddle against a vertical support such as a fence post includes a hook (e.g., C-, V-, U- or L-shaped hook) configured to engage a cantle or pommel edge of a saddle (i.e., an equestrian saddle). The hook defines a gap into which the engaged edge of the saddle is received. A tether loop extends from the hook. The loop is sufficiently long to extend from the engaged edge past the opposite edge and over a vertical support, such as a fence post or picket. The loop may be fixed, adjustable or retractable. The saddle is thus held between the hook and the fence or fence post.

Abstract: There is disclosed an improved shock absorbing, light-weight, thermally insulative orthotic pad designed for use in a pad and boot assembly for hoofed livestock. The pad is comprised of a mixture of flexible spheroids and elastomeric materials. In a preferred embodiment, elastomeric material generally is more concentrated at the top portion of the pad, and spheroids dispersed in a matrix of elastomeric material concentrated at the bottom section of the pad. The spheroids have a lower density than the elastomeric materials and possess better thermally insulative properties, and in a particularly preferred embodiment, at least some of the spheroids are comprised of closed-cell polypropylene foam. A method of making the light weight pad is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to load-bearing frame apparatus for a pack animals, and more particularly to a saddle for transporting cargo upon the backs of pack animals that may be adapted to carry a wide variety of different types and configurations of cargo. Examples of load-bearing apparatus may include a modular load-bearing frame, a load-distribution assembly, a hoist assembly, and/or a multiply-positionable link.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process and intermediates for the preparation of enantiomerically pure cycloalkanoindolecarboxylic acids and azaindolecarboxylic acids and pyrimido[1,2a]indolecarboxylic acids and their activated derivatives, characterized in that the tolyl acetic acid is first esterified with a chiral alcohol, then diastereoselective substitution at &agr;-carbon atoms is carried out and this product is halogenated in the tolyl group and then reacted with appropriate cycloalkanoindoles, cycloalkanoazaindoles or pyrimido[1,2a]indoles. It is possible by this method to prepare specifically, in high purity, the enantiomerically pure carboxylic acids which are intermediates for valuable medicaments.

Abstract: A horizontal, elongated support structure is provided having a transverse cross sectional shape generally similar to a truncated equilateral triangle and mounting structure is provided at one end for support of the elongated structure from a vertical support surface and with the support structure disposed generally normal to the surface. The elongated support structure may have a saddle disposed thereover for support of the saddle therefrom during periods of non use and a majority of the upwardly facing surfaces of the support structure are reticulated for free passage of drying air therethrough.