Abstract: A safety device (18, FIG. 1) for a horse 12 comprises an air bag 24 and an inflation means, the safety device (18) being adapted to be mounted to a saddle 14 or saddle pad 16. The airbag 24 is substantially horseshoe shaped and when inflated is adapted to extend around a horse's hind quarters up one flank, across the back of the horse, and down the other flank. Inflation of the airbag 24 is triggered when the safety device is moved to a substantially vertically disposed position as encountered in a rotational fall. A second embodiment of airbag 42 with a pyramidal shape is shown in FIG. 4.

Abstract: A horse protection equipment ventilation structure, the design of which specifically provides for aeration and ventilation at the horse-equipment contact area during the usage of saddles, heel protectors (boots), headgear, and other horse protection applications to eliminate perspiratory suppression and discomfort problems due to over tightening. The structural design features a ventilation pad that is assembled to a predetermined position on the interior surface of various horse protection equipment of assorted shape. The ventilation pad is fabricated of a tactile-feel, exceptional quality resilient material, which in addition to a plurality of arrayed vent holes, has various protruding patterns of predetermined shape formed on its interior surface. Furthermore, assorted reticulations and indentations are disposed on the protruding patterns.

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: 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: 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: The present invention relates to a retaining or guiding material for dogs and a dog harness, characterized in that they consist at least partly of a woven tubular fabric having preferably inserted therein a padding. This considerably improves the comfort of the harness, both for the dog wearing it and the person handling the dog.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for padding and cushioning an equine saddle for use between the saddle and the equine's back. The apparatus consists of a pad that includes an inner layer resistant to moisture and an outer layer for contacting the equine's back and the underside of the saddle. The pad includes a pocket for receiving an inflatable/deflatable cushion that enhances the animal's comfort.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for padding and cushioning an equine saddle for use between the saddle and the equine's back. The apparatus consists of a pad that includes an inner layer resistant to moisture and an outer layer for contacting the equine's back and the underside of the saddle. The pad includes a pocket for receiving an inflatable/deflatable cushion that enhances the animal's comfort.

Abstract: A multi-layer skin protective pad which is suitable for use as a saddle pad, a mattress pad, and other uses, comprises four layers of material. A first layer is adapted for placement against the body of a horse (for a saddle pad) or the body of a person (for a mattress pad) and is made of a plurality of elongated hydrophobic fibers which wick moisture and perspiration away from the body. A water storage and energy dissipation cushion layer made of foam material is attacthed to the first layer through a hydrophobic membrane layer which has pore sizes to permit passage of water vapor from the first layer to the cushion layer, and which blocks the passage of water droplets in the opposite direction from the cushion layer to the first layer. The opposite side of the cushion layer is covered with a water impervious protective layer, typically made of vinyl material.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for identifying race contestants and racing animals incorporating a detachable and interchangeable is described. The body of the label is detachably secured to the front of a piece of supporting material, such as a horse's saddle towel. The ends of the label are passed through slots in the saddle towel proximate to the corners thereof and are secured to the back of the saddle towel. This ensures that the label remains securely in place on the saddle towel, and remains flush and aligned therewith during the racing event so that the name or other identification is clearly visible to spectators.

Abstract: This invention relates to a formed leather sheath for covering the buckles of adjustable stirrup-supporting belts on a saddle, said sheath being characterized by a buckle-receiving pocket open on both ends, a necked-down section integrally formed on one open end sized to slide freely along the belt without passing over the buckle, strap-forming means depending from the other open end sized to encircle the belt, and fastener means cooperating with said strap means to define an openable collar effective in closed position with the necked-down position abutting one end of the buckle to engage the belt on the other end of said buckle and maintain the latter within the pocket.