Abstract: Disclosed is a rigging for a saddle, a saddle containing this rigging and a method of making the rigging wherein the rigging has a slot in the rigging material, the slot being large enough for at least a part of a stirrup leather or stirrup strap loop to pass through the slot, the rigging slot having a width for limiting the movement forward and/or rearward of a stirrup that is supported by the stirrup strap loop, the slot in the rigging located spaced downward on the saddle from a slot in a saddle tree of the saddle that supports the stirrup leather or stirrup strap loop.

Abstract: A saddle may be manufactured through the injection molding of a core. The core may then be reinforced by the application of a pliable reinforcement layer, such as pre-impregnated epoxy glass, which may then be hardened. A finishing layer may then be applied to the reinforcement layer to complete the saddle.

Abstract: An saddletree with controlled flexing is disclosed using multiple pairs of wave depressions. One group of wave depressions extends from the edge of the tree toward the central channel. Other waves are on the pommel and within the central channel. The pommel wave positioned along the centerline of the tree contains an ellipse and a pair of slots on either side to control flex. The interior of the central channel is scalloped along a portion of the periphery and a recess is cut into the edge of the pommel. An engineered rail and secondary rail are formed into the underside. The underside of the saddletree is covered with bidirectional carbon weave that extends from the underside to the top surface to overlap on a portion of the top surface.

Abstract: In one example, a saddle for an animal contains a tree assembly. The tree assembly includes a center support intended to run substantially parallel to an animal's spine when the saddle is in use, a first hinge associated with a first end of the center support that defines a first axis, the first axis being perpendicular to a first portion of the center support, and a first transverse support associated with the first hinge configured to rotate around the first axis.

Abstract: A saddle accessory apparatus is comprised of at least one panel of fabric material having a saddle seat covering portion shaped and sized to cover a saddle seat when mounted thereupon, and first and second flap portions, each extending from opposing sides of the seat covering portion and sized and shaped to cover the stirrup leathers of an English-style saddle, and all or substantially all of the fenders of a Western-style saddle. The apparatus protects the rider's bare legs when riding in shorts. Another embodiment of the apparatus includes riding implement retention means for retention of crops, bats, rods and the like and preventing them from falling to the ground if accidentally dropped.

Abstract: An equine saddletree with controlled flexing is disclosed using multiple pairs of wave depressions. One group of wave depressions is positioned along the sidebars extend from the edge of the tree toward the central channel. Other waves are on the pommel and within the central channel. The pommel wave is positioned along the centerline of the tree and has an ellipse and a pair of slots on either side to provide flex. The interior of the central channel scallops along a portion of the periphery. A recess is cut into the edge of the pommel with the width of the recess being greater along the gullet than along the points. The underside of the saddletree is covered with bidirectional carbon weave that extends from the underside to the top surface to overlap on a portion of the top surface. The weave extends from underside along the peripheral edge of the center channel flush with top surface. An engineered rail and secondary rail are formed into the underside.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improvements in or relating to saddles and saddle trees, especially English saddle trees, particularly for horses. In particular, we describe a method of manufacture for a tree which is simplified by the use of leather, webbing and plastic in flat sheet material. This fabrication can be simply stitched and riveted together and a Y-bar and headplate are then bolted and or riveted to the finished leather plastic fabrication. This method of making a tree is fast, efficient, cost effective, safe, reliable, provides more consistent symmetrical performance, and above all is very light, providing a weight saving of 60% compared with conventional methods. The tree fabrication requires no additional finishing or tidying, unlike other forms of manufacture. As soon as the parts are assembled they are ready to go to the next stage of making the finished seat for the saddle.

Abstract: A saddle accessory apparatus is comprised of at least one panel of fabric material having a saddle seat covering portion shaped and sized to cover a saddle seat when mounted thereupon, and first and second flap portions, each extending from opposing sides of the seat covering portion and sized and shaped to cover the stirrup leathers of an English-style saddle, and all or substantially all of the fenders of a Western-style saddle. The apparatus protects the rider's bare legs when riding in shorts. Another embodiment of the apparatus includes riding implement retention means for retention of crops, bats, rods and the like and preventing them from falling to the ground if accidentally dropped.

Abstract: A treeless western saddle comprising a flexible base coupled to an underside of a flexible substrate. A seat section is integrally formed in the flexible substrate. A pommel section is integrally formed in the flexible substrate. The flexible base has an upper stirrup aperture and a lower stirrup aperture formed in a lateral side of the flexible base. The underside of the flexible substrate has a cavity formed in a lateral side of the underside of the flexible substrate, the cavity to extend from the upper stirrup aperture to at least the lower stirrup aperture.

Abstract: The present invention is a wrap designed to protect the saddle horn when a lariat rope is dallied around it and pressure applied, as when roping cattle in the sports of team and calf roping. The horn wrap consists of a strap having desired elasticity and durability, as well as a sufficient coefficient of friction. The horn wrap can have one or two apertures at the tips which can be pulled over the saddle horn and act to attach the horn wrap to the saddle horn. Generally anticipated to be in a generally bell shape, the attachment pieces act to protect the saddle pommel near the base of the saddle horn. The horn wrap may be beveled near its edges so as to allow for smooth layers on the saddle horn which can increase the contact of the rope to the saddle horn to increase the friction resisting the dally sliding when weight is applied to the rope.

Abstract: A treeless western saddle comprising a flexible base coupled to an underside of a flexible substrate. A seat section is integrally formed in the flexible substrate. A pommel section is integrally formed in the flexible substrate. The flexible base has an upper stirrup aperture and a lower stirrup aperture formed in a lateral side of the flexible base. The underside of the flexible substrate has a cavity formed in a lateral side of the underside of the flexible substrate, the cavity to extend from the upper stirrup aperture to at least the lower stirrup aperture.

Abstract: A laminate comprising a compressible, cushioning layer and an open layer comprised of a tough, reinforcing woven or non-woven mesh, net, webbing, scrim or sheet material having openings therein and attached to the compressible, air permeable, cushioning layer is particularly useful for producing horn wraps that permit ventilation for the parts of the horns and head in contact with a horn wrap product. Permeable or air ventilating laminates of various materials and configurations are disclosed along with methods of making horn wraps using the laminates.

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 improvements in or relating to saddles and saddle trees, especially English saddle trees, particularly for horses. In particular, we describe a method of manufacture for a tree which is simplified by the use of leather, webbing and plastic in flat sheet material. This fabrication can be simply stitched and riveted together and a Y-bar and headplate are then bolted and or riveted to the finished leather plastic fabrication. This method of making a tree is fast, efficient, cost effective, safe, reliable, provides more consistent symmetrical performance, and above all is very light, providing a weight saving of 60% compared with conventional methods. The tree fabrication requires no additional finishing or tidying, unlike other forms of manufacture. As soon as the parts are assembled they are ready to go to the next stage of making the finished seat for the saddle.

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: The present invention relates to a modular saddle. There is provided a saddle having a saddle tree unit, a saddle flap unit and a panel unit, wherein the panel unit and saddle flap unit are removably securable to the saddle tree unit. The flap unit comprises two flap components each having a sweat flap and saddle flap. Each flap component is removable from the saddle tree in one piece. The panel unit includes plates, which extend the bearing surface of the saddle tree, and prevent the formation of pressure points. In another aspect of the present invention there is provided a flexible tree made from a polyurethane resin. The tree further includes a Y-shaped carbon fibre strengthening bar, which enables the tree to flex laterally, but not longitudinally.

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: Horn wraps for protecting the horns and head parts of animals, like cattle, from lariats are disclosed comprising a laminate having an air permeable compressible layer attached to a normally open fabric or scrim material. The laminate permits ventilation for the parts of the horns and head in contact with the horn wrap product. Permeable or air ventilating laminates of various materials and configurations are also disclosed along with methods of making the laminates and horn wraps.

Abstract: An exercise saddle tree and method of construction that utilizes the inherent strength characteristics, defined by wood grain, growth rings, and wood type, of natural wood to create a stronger, low-weight saddle tree design. In addition, the present invention alters a standard saddle tree design and form to distribute the concussive force of horse and rider in a more uniform manner across the structure of the saddle tree.

Abstract: A saddle tree including a progressive flex headplate, and a saddle constructed therewith, which are capable for properly fining a variety of different size horses. The headplate assembly is constructed of a plurality of flexible, and resilient overlapping layers which increase in length from top to bottom and which are secured together at the center point of the layers. The configuration supplies the headplate assembly with non-linear resistance, permitting progressive flexure of the legs of the headplate assembly while providing resistance in response to flexure of each leg, providing the headplate assembly with points that flex to properly fit horses of varying widths.

Abstract: A saddle pad apparatus constructed from a first non-slip top layer which is stitched or welded to a second non-slip bottom layer with a stiffening layer contained between the top and bottom layers. Each layer is constructed from a poly vinyl chloride impregnated scrim. Each scrim is constructed with ventilation openings to allow for proper ventilation between the load being carried and the animal. The scrims are manufactured by applying a poly vinyl chloride material onto a fiber network with fibers areas and open areas to create a scrim with appropriate stiffness, softness, and ventilation while maintaining other appropriate characteristics.

Abstract: A saddle tree whereby various parameters, such as the fork, cantle, seat length and various angles there between are readjustable to accommodate different animals (e.g., horses) as well as the same animal as its physical dimensions change. The saddle tree is rigid thereby alleviating certain discomforts for the animal and rider.

Abstract: A harness for horse racing has a back-engaging tree with an arched body shaped to fit across a horse's back, a pair of laterally-spaced fork members projecting downwardly from opposite sides of the arched body so as to extend downwardly on opposite sides of the horse's body when in use, and a pair of laterally-spaced independently resiliently deflectable spring members extending rearwardly from the arched body and shaped to confirm with the shape of a horse's back. A girth strap assembly is attached to the back-engaging tree, the girth strap assembly having shaft attachments on opposite sides thereof below the back-engaging tree for attaching the shafts of a sulky thereto.

Abstract: A gel saddle (20) comprising of a gel seat (15) that is attached to stirrup riggings (92) which lie under skirts (44). Seat (15), skirts (44) and stirrup riggings (92) are attached to gel seat cushion (57) and rest on flaps (18). Flaps (18) cover girth straps (73) which are on top of sweat flaps (62) and all are attached and rest upon gel panels (10). Panels (10) rest on each side of the spine of the animal (400) creating an open space or gullet (17) over the spine of the animal (400). A girth (47) connects to one side of the girth straps (73) encircle the animal (400) and connects to the other side of girth straps (73).

Abstract: A fully adjustable saddle tree for use with the JaHar Saddles™ for implementation on equine members of the horse and mule, as well as pony and ass, in either English or Western styles. Adjustable to fit the individual horse, with a custom fit being accomplished individually to each animal and to each rider. It may even be used as a pack saddle frame.

Abstract: An equine saddletree has increased strength and minimal torquing due to the alternation of the multiple wood layers with layers of graphite. The interior graphite layers consist of at least one layer of woven graphite sheet material having a warp and fill and extending from the cantle to the pommel. The woven graphite sheet placement on the wood layer defines whether the wood layer is considered a parallel or an angled layer. The parallel and angled graphite layers are alternated to form the saddletree. Additionally, each of the graphite layers has at least one strip of graphite tape covering the pommel, approximately perpendicular to the sidebars. Strips of graphite tape extend diagonally, in alternating directions, along each length of both the first surface and the second surface to prevent torque. A second layer of graphite tape pommel strips is applied to both the first and second surfaces covering at least a portion of the pommel.

Abstract: A treeless saddle comprises a layered arrangement of flexible leather and foam, without including a rigid saddletree or frame. In particular, the inventive saddle comprises two lower body half sections sewn together to define a saddle body. An underside of said saddle body includes two back contacting pads that define a recessed gullet region therebetween. A removable gullet pad may be provided for releasable securement with the gullet region. The saddle further comprises additional layers of soft leather and foam shaped to define an upwardly extending pommel, an upwardly extending cantle, and a lowered seat area positioned therebetween. The arched and contoured shape of the saddle, therefore, is defined by soft foam and leather and not by a rigid steel or wooden internal frame.

Abstract: The inventive saddle pads are for placement between a saddle and a horse's back, or between a saddle and the rider, for therapeutic and cushioning protection for the horse and for the rider. The saddle pads incorporate a perforated honeycomb cellular structure which contours to the horse's back and/or the saddle to provide uniform load distribution. The honeycomb cells of the pad are aligned perpendicular to the horse's back and flex with movement to reduce shear forces against the horse's skin. The ability of the honeycomb to contour and flex with the movement helps keep the pad securely in place, eliminating rubbing and chafing.

Abstract: An equine saddletree is disclosed that has increased strength and minimal torquing due to the alternation of the multiple wood layers with layers of graphite. The interior graphite layers consist of at least one layer of woven graphite sheet material having a warp and fill and extending from the cantle to the pommel. The woven graphite sheet placement on the wood layer defines whether the wood layer is considered a parallel or an angled layer. The parallel and angled graphite layers are alternated to form the saddletree. Additionally, each of the graphite layers has at least one strip of graphite tape covering the pommel, approximately perpendicular to the sidebars. Strips of graphite tape extend diagonally, in alternating directions, along each length of both the first surface and the second surface to prevent torque. A second layer of graphite tape pommel strips is applied to both the first and second surfaces covering at least a portion of the pommel.

Abstract: This invention relates to a saddle seat. This seat is adaptable to most “western” styled saddle tree and saddle jockey constructions. It is comprised of a base section that is flexible for absorbing some of the concussion related to the normal movement from a horse while being ridden. It is constructed of a single piece of flexible material of medium rigidity that attaches to the front and rear of the saddle tree, being positioned to result in it's elevation above the top surface of the saddle tree bars. It also includes a sculptured pad assembly comprising a seat padding being 2 pieces of firm padding material attaching to a saddle jockey construction to provide cushion for the riders hip bone and some elevation for clearance and relief of the riders groin, pelvic and genitalia area. Covering the sculptured and contoured seat padding is a layer of top padding and a seat cover, both being attached to a saddle jockey construction.

Abstract: The inventive saddle pads are for placement between a saddle and a horse's back, or between a saddle and the rider, for therapeutic and cushioning protection for the horse and for the rider. The saddle pads incorporate a perforated honeycomb cellular structure which contours to the horse's back and/or the saddle to provide uniform load distribution. The honeycomb cells of the pad are aligned perpendicular to the horse's back and flex with movement to reduce shear forces against the horse's skin. The ability of the honeycomb to contour and flex with the movement helps keep the pad securely in place, eliminating rubbing and chafing.

Abstract: A synthetic saddle tree for riding saddles having a shell-shaped seat region (4) and an upwards raised pommel section (6) attaching thereto at the front and running towards the withers of the horse is characterised in that in the seat region a window (14) covered by a pad (16) is left open. Thus, a saddle having a softer seat region can be manufactured in this way than saddles using conventional synthetic saddle trees.

Abstract: A saddle tree for a horse saddle includes a pair of spaced opposed flexible rubber bars having a fork attached to the front of the saddle tree and a cantle attached to the rear of the saddle tree. The fork and cantle are made from wood or the like and are fastened to the rubber bars by screws or the like. The rubber bars are made of rubber having laminated fabric layers, with alternating layers of woven and straight cord fabric, dispersed throughout the rubber. The rubber bars are flexible and conform to the horse's back during any type of movement by the horse, more evenly distributing the weight of the rider and saddle and the forces generated by riding that prior art saddles or saddle trees.

Abstract: A saddle tree for a horse saddle has an arched body portion shaped to fit across a horse's back, a pair of laterally-spaced fork members which project downwardly from opposite sides of the arched body portion so as to extend downwardly on opposite sides of a horse's body when in use, and a pair of laterally-spaced independently resiliently deflectable spring members projecting rearwardly from the arched body portion. The spring members are of blade-like shape curved to conform with the shape of a horse's back and have a length sufficient to extend along at least eight vertebrae when in use and a lateral spacing causing at least laterally-inner rear-edge portions thereof to rest on the relevant vertebrae when in use.