Abstract: A saddle and use of said saddle are provided for seating a rider on an animal, in particular on a horse. The saddle includes a frame for mounting a girth and/or stirrups. The frame includes a front member that defines a pommel side of the saddle, a rear member that defines a cantle side of the saddle and a central member interconnecting the front member and the rear member. The central member is arranged to extend in a longitudinal direction above the spine of the animal. The saddle further comprises cushion members arranged for resting directly on the back of the animal on opposite sides of the central member. The saddle is provided with a connecting element crossing the central member and interconnecting the cushion members, and the connecting element is freely movable or loose with respect to the central member.

Abstract: A smart animal garment 1, such as a horse blanket 1, for an animal 5 in which the garment 1 can extend around the chest area 8a, shoulders 27 and towards the hindquarters of the animal 5 and is fitted with sensors 3 for monitoring the health and wellbeing of the animal 5 and the data parameters detected by the sensors 3 are communicable to a stable mounted communications hub 6 via a monitor 4 located for example at the chest portion 8a of the garment 1.

Abstract: A frame for an equestrian saddle includes a frame body provided with at least one opening shaped corresponding at least partially to an inguinal and/or ischiatic and/or sacrococcygeal region of a user. Each opening contains a shock-absorbing insert. The shock-absorbing insert includes a container provided with (i) one or more side walls and (ii) a bottom wall joined to the one or more side walls. The container defines an open top opposite to the bottom wall. At least one damping element is in the container on the bottom wall. The bottom wall is made with a first elastically deformable material, and the at least one damping element is made at least partially with a second at least partially elastically deformable material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a saddle pad for a horse, comprising at least one side part intended and adapted to extend on one side of a horse's back. The side part is further provided and adapted to be connected to a saddle comprising two saddle panels and two saddle flaps. Optionally, a sweat flap is arranged between the saddle pad and the saddle flap, respectively. It is provided that the side part has on its upper side at least one pocket which is provided and designed to accommodate, at least to some extent, one of the panels of the saddle or a portion of the saddle panel or to accommodate, at least to some extent, one of the saddle flaps or one of the sweat flaps or a portion of the saddle flap or sweat flap.

Abstract: An apparatus for insertion into a pocket of a saddle pad of an Equine English saddle. The apparatus includes a plurality of flexible polycarbonate layers encapsulated within a protective polyvinyl chloride skin. The apparatus is positioned within the pocket, on each side of the saddle pad, preventing interference between the shoulder blades of the Equine and the points of the saddle tree during natural movement of the Equine.

Abstract: A horseman-securing device is configured in order to prevent a horseman sitting on the back of a four-legged animal from falling off, or being able to fall off the animal. It comprises securing device by means of which the horseman, in use, is releasably secured to the animal. The securing device is configured to secure the horseman secured to the animal in such a way that the horseman retains the freedom of movement to hinge his knee joints.

Abstract: A highly absorbent PVA/starch towel cools an animal through the process of evaporative cooling. The towel is textured with indentations. A ridge extends along the crest of the towel. Water is applied to and absorbed by the towel. The towel is held to the animal with elastic straps, which allow the towel to be flapped periodically while fastened to the animal. Periodic flapping brings more absorbed liquid to the towel surface to facilitate continued evaporative cooling.

Abstract: A saddle pad for use with a western saddle includes a felt cover containing two air cushions inserted into cavities on each side of a central line of the pad, each cushion partly filling at least the front half of the cavity and partly is provided with barrier walls extending forwardly from the rear wall of the cushion, and a single pump connected to the two cushions to supply the same pressure to provide better comfort for the rider and to the horse during riding.

Abstract: Device for increasing the training effect in a horse, consisting of essentially a sheet of mat-like material (1) adapting to and attachable to the horse's back. The mat-like sheet (1) is, over a substantial area, equipped with slits (9) going through the mat, in order to improve flexibility, and also of cuts (3, 4) that take up a position in essentially the area of the highest point of the horse's rear scapulae, which permits the overlapping of the parts of the mat remaining on different sides of the cut (3, 4).

Abstract: A composite pad for a saddle panel includes a first panel having a first firmness property and a second panel having a second firmness property that is different from the first panel firmness property. The first and second panels are configured whereby the first panel substantially nests in a cavity defined in the second panel. The second panel firmness is typically less than the first panel firmness, whereby in use the assembled composite pad the softer second panel will contact the back of an animal wearing the saddle. Saddle panels and saddles incorporating the composite pad of the disclosure are described.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a saddle pad are disclosed. In one example, the saddle pad a includes, by weight, from about 70% to about 95% by weight animal fiber of at least one of the Camelidae Family and the Bovidae Family and from about 5% to about 30% of an alternative fiber material.

Abstract: A saddle pad comprises an elongate insert having a pocket which has a size and shape which differs from the size and shape of the insert, and a flexible polymer gel pad of substantially the same size and shape as the pocket is positioned in the pocket. Plural shim pockets are also positioned on the insert pocket and shims may be positioned in some or all of the shim pockets to increase the thickness of the insert to reduce bridging of the saddle. A flexible shell having a pair of pockets of substantially the same size and shape as the inserts is provided and the inserts are positioned in the shell pockets through an opening in the end of each of the shell pockets. The saddle pad also includes an air channel which separates the shell pockets and which ventilates the spine of the horse.

Abstract: A saddle cloth includes a flexible base having a first and a second surface separated across the base's thickness. Pillar-shaped elements extend from at least one of the surfaces so as to distance the base from a mating surface that contacts the elements and to create therebetween an air gap. At least one of the pillar-shaped elements is internally hollow, its cavity opening in an opposite direction to the respective first and/or second surface.

Abstract: By configuring a saddle pad, in particular as a pad for a western saddle, comprising a felt cover (2), in which two air cushion (8, 8?) is inserted into pockets (7, 7?) on each side of the central line of the pad, and such that each cushion partly fills at least the front half of the cavity and partly is provided with barrier walls (13, 14, 15 and 13?, 14?, 15?) extending from the rear wall of the cushion and a distance forwardly, the engagement pressure from the saddle on the horse will be reduced, and at the same time the rider will remain in good contact with the horse. The two cushions are connected to a single pump (21) adapted to supply the same pressure in the two cushions thereby leading to a better comfort for the rider and the horse during riding.

Abstract: A composite pad for a saddle panel includes a first panel having a first firmness property and a second panel having a second firmness property that is different from the first panel firmness property. The first and second panels are configured whereby the first panel substantially nests in a cavity defined in the second panel. The second panel firmness is typically less than the first panel firmness, whereby in use the assembled composite pad the softer second panel will contact the back of an animal wearing the saddle. Saddle panels and saddles incorporating the composite pad of the disclosure are described.

Abstract: A bareback pad with customizable inserts for use in training and/or riding a horse is provided. The bareback pad provides a wide range of flexibility to provide comfort, control and support to both the rider and the horse to improve trust, balance and strength between the two. The invention discloses a modified training pad with removable and pliable inserts at the front and rear of the pad and along the flap.

Abstract: An improved saddle pad placed between the saddle and a horse that suspends the areas of highest pressure points from saddle bars. The improved saddle pad redistributes surrounding pressure evenly 360 degrees, not allowing highest pressure point areas from saddle bars to touch the shoulders of the horse. In a preferred embodiment, a circle cutout is reinforced with silicone rubber to prevent wear and redistributes surrounding pressure and allows the saddle bars to settle within circle cut out area pad closer to the horse reducing roll from side to side.

Abstract: Device for increasing the training effect in a horse, consisting of essentially a sheet of mat-like material (1) adapting to and attachable to the horse's back. The mat-like sheet (1) is, over a substantial area, equipped with slits (9) going through the mat, in order to improve flexibility, and also of cuts (3, 4) that take up a position in essentially the area of the highest point of the horse's rear scapulae, which permits the overlapping of the parts of the mat remaining on different sides of the cut (3, 4).

Abstract: A saddle pad assembly provides padding under a saddle while facilitating customization to inhibit undesirable pressure points from developing. The assembly includes a cover having a closed end and a perimeter wall extending from the closed end. An edge of the perimeter wall defines an open end opposite the closed end. A plurality of holes extends through the perimeter wall of the cover. The holes are arranged into a pair of opposed rows extending between the closed end and the open end. A pad is insertable into the cover through the open end. The pad has a row of apertures alignable with the rows of holes. A line may be laced through the rows and the apertures to couple the pad to the cover.

Abstract: A saddle pad, in particular for use as a pad for a western saddle, has a felt cover (2), in which two pockets are formed, an air cushion (8, 8?) is inserted into each pocket (7, 7?) located on each side of a central line of the pad. Each cushion partly fills at least a front half of the pocket and partly is provided with barrier walls (13, 14, 15 and 13?, 14?, 15?) extending from a rear wall of the cushion and a distance forwardly, such that the engagement pressure from the saddle on the horse will be reduced, and at the same time the rider will remain in good contact with the horse.

Abstract: A saddle pad is described for placement on a horse or other riding animal's back. The saddle pad can include a pad and an outer cover into which the pad is inserted. The saddle pad is placed directly on the back of the animal and a saddle is placed on top of and over the saddle pad. The pad can be constructed from one, two, or more pieces of material and includes one or more cushioning elements. One of the cushioning elements can be located along a central longitudinal axis of the pad. The cushioning elements of the pad can be constructed from walls, baffles, or bladders, which may be filled with a gas, a liquid, or a gel material to increase stability of the saddle pad and to provide additional cushioning between the saddle and the animal's back as well as between the rider and the saddle.

Abstract: The present application relates generally to an apparatus to be used as a saddle pad for laying on the back of a riding or pack animal to reduce pressure point, irritation, and injury. More particularly, the present application relates to a saddle pad that has self-adjusting features that can compensate for wide variances in the contours of an animal's back as well as various saddle configurations, and thus, can reduce the discomfort an animal that is associated with a saddle or weight load. The self-adjusting features are provided by at least one protective packet configured to be removably placed within at least one interior pocket of the saddle pad.

Abstract: A saddle pad cover is disclosed and may include a first layer and a second layer, the first layer being coupled to the second layer, a closure device adapted for insertion of a saddle pad, and a patch positioned on the surface of the first layer, where the saddle pad cover may sleevably receive a saddle pad to form an assembly. A method of maintaining a saddle pad cover is also disclosed.

Abstract: All English and Western horse saddles require the use of a saddle pad (sometimes called a saddle blanket). This pad sits underneath the saddle to protect the horse from rubbing. Saddle pads are relatively inexpensive and often viewed as fashion accessories so are discarded with regularity. Saddle pad pillows repurpose saddle pads by doubling and sewing the pad, filling with polyfil or kapok, and adding patching or embroidery. The result is a large decorative pillow with a history. Saddle pad pillows provide reuse/repurpose of an item with no other utility and sometimes provide an event or horse keepsake. The pillows will typically be released with information on the previous owner (the horse) so that they can be used as keepsakes.

Abstract: A horse blanket allowing freer movement of a horse in use, comprises a generally rectangular piece of material with a front edge, a rear edge and two side edges. The blanket is split, from each side edge to the centre line thereof, into a front section and a rear section, the front and rear sections being connected together at the centre line of the blanket to define a flexible joint therebetween, about which the blanket articulates. The flexible joint extends to a position to each side of the centre line. The flexible joint is positioned, in use, at a location to the rear of the horse's withers where the pommel of a saddle would be properly positioned. The articulation of the blanket about the flexible joint facilitates up and down movements, side to side movements, as well as twisting movements of the front section relative to the rear section in response to movements of the horse.

Abstract: A saddle pad that exhibits pockets on its top side facing toward a saddle to be laid on, arranged along and to the left and right of a line of symmetry of the saddle pad. The pockets extend over the entire length of the saddle pad. Inserted into the pockets is a plate-shaped spring device, by which optimal stabilization and pressure distribution are achieved, even when treeless saddles are provided for the riding of a riding animal.

Abstract: An improved saddle pad placed between the saddle and a horse that facilitates unrestricted movement of the horse's forelimbs when the horse is in motion. The improved pad has an underside that demonstrates elevated aspects or voids that correspond to and overlay the horse's shoulder blade area. According to a preferred embodiment, the improved saddle pad has a further elevated aspect running from front to back down the center of said pad that overlays and relieves pressure to the horse's spine. The improved saddle pad may be comprised of a top and bottom layer with the elevated aspects comprising cutouts and channels formed in the bottom layer. The top layer of the saddle pad is fabricated from a breathable fabric such as felt, and the bottom layer, which may be lined on its underside with breathable fabric for comfort to the horse, is fabricated from a shock absorbent material.

Abstract: A mammal interface system, an apparatus and method, providing a housing, a formable material within the housing which is molded into a customed fitted interface which redistributes forces transmitted to the mammal.

Abstract: A saddle pad cover is disclosed and may include a first layer and a second layer, the first layer being coupled to the second layer, a closure device adapted for insertion of a saddle pad, and a patch positioned on the surface of the first layer, where the saddle pad cover may sleevably receive a saddle pad to form an assembly. A method of maintaining a saddle pad cover is also disclosed.

Abstract: A saddle cushioning assembly having component structures including a flexible pad having an upper surface and having a longitudinal midline; a flexible “T” hook having left and right arms; and hook attaching stitching fixedly interconnecting the flexible pad and the flexible “T” hook, the hook attaching stitching positioning the flexible “T” hook so that the flexible “T” hook's left and right arms overlie the flexible pad's upper surface and respectively extend leftwardly and rightwardly from the flexible pad's longitudinal midline.

Abstract: A disposable saddle pad that includes a wicking layer to wick moisture away from a horse's skin. The disposable saddle pad may also include an absorbent layer to absorb moisture and a barrier layer to inhibit the pad from absorbing moisture from the atmosphere.

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 polyvinyl 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: Riding apparatus and methods for use on animals. In one exemplary embodiment, the apparatus comprises a saddle pad system with pad elements that are resiliently mounted to a central element so as to allow relative motion therebetween in at least one dimension. The resilient couplings absorb stress placed on the pad, thereby relieving stress on the central element (which is disposed proximate to the animal's spinal region), and optionally the withers region. Sheepskin contact elements are also optionally used to interface with the animal in order to provide maximal comfort, thermal properties, and moisture dissipation, as well as pressure dissipation. Methods of using the pad apparatus, and for manufacturing the same, are also disclosed.

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: An saddle pad for use beneath a Western saddle that prevents the pad from slipping, shifting and riding out from under the saddle. The saddle pad is constructed with a substantially rigid peripheral restraint adjacent the pad's forward edge and projecting from the top surface of the pad to function as a restraining abutment should the saddle slip or shift. The peripheral restraint is constructed of an inner reinforcement member, preferably a braided nylon rope, which does not yield or collapse when the saddle is pushed against it and additionally provides a recess that mates with and securely engages the forwardmost edge of the saddle to lock the pad in place beneath the saddle. The pad is dimensioned to extend outwardly beyond the outer edges of the saddle, providing the saddle with limited freedom of movement relative to the pad.

Abstract: A pad for use with an animal harness is disclosed. The pad comprises a first side and a second side with a padding material disposed between the first side and the second side. The pad is configured to prevent contact between a shaft, such as a carriage shaft, and an animal, such as a horse.

Abstract: A saddle pad display system by which a horse and rider may display an exhibitor number tag, equine jewelry, or the like on a saddle pad. The saddle pad display system is comprised of: a saddle pad, the saddle pad having a left side and a right side and further having an outer pad surface and an inner pad surface; a plurality of display holes cut and sewn into the saddle pad, the depth of the display holes continuing throughout the entire thickness of the saddle pad; a retaining sleeve attached to the inner pad surface and located centrally between a pair of display holes located on each side of the saddle pad; and a display item, the display item having a clip by which the display item may be securely attached to the saddle pad.

Abstract: An animal garment includes a first layer of temperature controlling fabric which reacts to changing temperatures, and an second layer of heat retaining and releasing fabric. The first layer of temperature controlling fabric includes a polymer structure that closes to retain the heat and opens to release heat and moisture. The second layer of heat retaining and releasing fabric includes molecules which change phase.

Abstract: The invention relates to a numnah for interposition between a saddle and an animal to be ridden. The numnah comprises a first layer that constitutes a base layer of polymer foam with an open cell structure and a second layer in the form of a cover fabric with an open structure intended to be applied against the back of the animal to be ridden. The base layer substantially consists of polyurethane foam and at least 50% recycled polyurethane foam with a high water absorption capacity. A suitable material may be a Poliyou® foam.

Abstract: The saddle pads have a lower covering layer of a comfort fabric formed from a passive performance fiber. In use this layer lies against the back and sides of a horse and acts to wick perspiration from the horse. The perspiration is then absorbed by the cushioning layer which consists of a polymeric foam backing. The foam backing is, in turn, covered by another hydrophilic layer, which in one embodiment is synthetic sheepskin and in the other is a cloth cover. The saddle pads are constructed with a withers relief gusset.

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: The present invention is a two part horse cover comprising a saddle pad and detachable quarter sheet providing protection of the large muscles of the horses hind quarters while riding in cold or foul weather, and straps for holding the quarter sheet to the saddle pad in a rolled up position and a tail strap for keeping the quarter sheet in place.

Abstract: A saddle pad for laying on the back of a riding animal comprises a first side panel, a second side panel and a web from which the first and second side panels hang. The web includes a lengthwise groove configured and arranged to overly the spine of the riding animal, so that the panels resting on the flanks of the riding animal have a greater thickness than the web connecting the first and second panels to one another over the spine, where undersides of the first and second panels that contact the riding animal are made of lambskin.

Abstract: A saddle cloth for equestrian use to be applied to a horse prior to application of the saddle has zones adapted to lie beneath the saddle panels at respective sides of the horse. Each zone includes within a pocket, a separate air bag at least in a forward and a rearward part of the zone such that each air bag serves to apply a relatively even pressure to the back of the horse. Each air bag is substantially flat and is filled within its interior with a resiliently compressible open cell foam and air sealed within the bag is substantially at atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: These interface pads with proportional valves have at least one inflatable member having a foam core with a cell structure that absorbs atmospheric air. The transmission of air into the foam core is controlled by a valve in said opening. Fasteners are used to affix this inflatable member in a location where it can serve as an interface pad between a living creature and another object. The valve used is a proportional valve adjustable to different pressure settings, where the different pressure settings allow air to escape from the valve until the set pressure is reached. In one preferred embodiment, there are two inflatable members adapted for placement adjacent the upper sides of a load-bearing animal. An important subcategory of this embodiment covers bareback riding pads, including bareback riding pads for use by handicapped persons. In other embodiments, at least one inflatable member is adapted to pad an interface between a human and an object.

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: A saddle pad having a malleable zone that permits a relief area to be shaped between the saddle pad and the withers of the horse. The malleable zone is generally formed near the apex of the leading edge of the saddle pad and may include one or more ductile elements. The one or more ductile elements may be shaped or otherwise bent to the optimal shape for each individual animal and each individual saddle to provide a relief area. The malleable zone may also include EVA foam as surface or embedded padding, and nylon webbing may be used on the surface or embedded to reduce the discomfort to the horse due to the weight of a saddle and rider or movement of the saddle during riding. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

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: These interface pads with proportional valves have at least one inflatable member having a foam core with a cell structure that absorbs atmospheric air. The transmission of air into the foam core is controlled by a valve in said opening. Fasteners are used to affix this inflatable member in a location where it can serve as an interface pad between a living creature and another object. The valve used is a proportional valve adjustable to different pressure settings, where the different pressure settings allow air to escape from the valve until the set pressure is reached. In one preferred embodiment, there are two inflatable members adapted for placement adjacent the upper sides of a load-bearing animal. An important subcategory of this embodiment covers bareback riding pads, including bareback riding pads for use by handicapped persons. In other embodiments, at least one inflatable member is adapted to pad an interface between a human and an object.

Abstract: These interface pads have a right and a left inflatable member with the volume of air in each of these inflatable members being independently adjustable. Each member is adapted to provide an interface between one side of a load-bearing animal and a load-supporting structure such as a saddle. Connecting means span the spinal area of the animal and link the members to one another in a manner that avoids the placement of any substantial compression on the animal's supraspinous ligament. Moreover, a gullet channel is maintained so as to allow appropriate ventilation in this area. The inflatable members are constructed of a foam core wholly surrounded by and bonded to a pair of thin skins or panels, forming a fluid tight envelope. A valve is disposed between the chamber formed by the envelope and the ambient environment. After allowing inflation of an air pad of this type and placing a load (such as the saddle and/or rider) thereon, the valve can be opened.