Abstract: A riding saddle provided with a semi-rigid tree (1) is remarkable in that it includes a semi-rigid trapezium (2) facing the back (50) of the horse and on which the saddle is placed, which trapezium co-operates with the tree (1).

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 locking device for preventing unauthorized use of a saddle is the subject of the invention. The device has a lower plate with billet pins protruding there from. The device also has an upper plate defining openings for receiving the billet pins. There is a locking mechanism for securely locking the lower plate to the upper plate so that the billet pins are locked through the openings defined by the upper plate. In use, the device is attached to the billets of a saddle where the billet pins are threaded through the holes in the billets and the device is then closed and locked. Optionally, the device has a locking mechanism such as a cable to connect the device to a fixture.

Abstract: A European style horse riding saddle includes a tree with a downwardly depending point on each side adjacent the front thereof wherein there is provided on an outer accessible surface on each side of the saddle a pocket extending behind the respective point of the tree with an opening for receipt of an insert.

Abstract: An equestrian tattletale rider hand-training device including a left wrist strap releaseably connected to a right wrist strap, and the wrist straps releaseably connected to the saddle.

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: Adjustable Dee ring embodiments are disclosed that allow the saddle and/or the billet or Latigo to be located in an optimum position on the horse. The adjustable Dee ring is light weight and a billet or Latigo can be easily and quickly adjusted laterally within a frame of the Dee ring by moving a billet holder or Latigo holder generally vertically a very small distance to unlock it for lateral movement, then moving it laterally and lowering it into the desired position to engage one or more locking features on the frame. Methods of using the adjustable Dee ring and of making a saddle comprising the adjustable Dee ring are also disclosed.

Abstract: An improved handgrip and stirrup support device for bareback horse riding. The device comprises a handgrip having opposing arms to which are attached at an angle side members having openings therein. The handgrip is improved by being made generally straight and elongated and by having ridges formed into the handgrip. The handgrip is further improved by having opposing arms to increase the elevation of the handgrip over the side members. The side members are improved by having a greater surface area. The openings in the side members are improved so that a hand can enter the openings to adjust a girth and so that a breastplate can be attached to the device. The improvements enable the device to be used with any horse and increase the security and comfort of the device for both the horse and the rider.

Abstract: A treeless riding pad has a first and second seating portion for two persons, and is particularly for use with handicapped and physically challenged riders. The riding pad allows a therapist or other professional to ride behind the rider and assist with therapy. The riding pad is made of soft materials and is typically an English-style pad. A looped member at the front of the riding pad allows the first rider to bold on to the animal. The riding pad has two sets of stirrups, allowing both riders to be stable while on the animal.

Abstract: A harness system for aiding a mounted rider in maintaining a substantially upright position during a riding procedure. Additionally, it specifically provides a harness system that aids a rider in maintaining a substantially upright position in the saddle during the delivery of a roping procedure.

Abstract: A portable ladder is presented for assisting a rider to mount a horse. The portable ladder is flexible and attaches to the saddle. The saddle need not be specially adapted to receive the portable ladder. The ladder may also be folded up for carrying or stowing while riding.

Abstract: An adaptive saddle and support assembly for use with handicapped, disabled, or injured riders includes a saddle body having a front attachment point and a rear attachment point. The attachment points each can releasably receive a support assembly therein including a vertical support member to which can be attached a torso pad, a pair of forearm pads and a pair of handgrips depending on the needs of the rider.

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 sweat panel for a saddle is connected to the saddle by a flexible connection member along a portion of the width. The sweat panel perimeter replicates the under panel perimeter to enable the two to be separated by preferably less than one quarter inch. Billets are disclosed that notch the billet leather to receive a connecting strip to connect the billet leather to the tree webbing, thereby reducing the thickness of the billets.

Abstract: A portable ladder is presented for assisting a rider to mount a horse. The portable ladder is flexible and attaches to the saddle. The saddle need not be specially adapted to receive the portable ladder. The ladder may also be folded up for carrying or stowing while riding.

Abstract: A quick release designed as a safety tool for heelers participating in the sport of team roping. During the history of team roping numerous heelers have cut off fingers and hands, when wrapping the rope around the horn of their saddle in an effort to pull the rope tight around the steer's hind legs. This quick release was designed to eliminate the daily (wrapping the rope around the horn) process. The quick release strap is wrapped around the saddle horn and buckled into place. The end of the rope is placed in the loop of the quick release. After the steer is roped, the heeler pulls on the release and the rope is freed. Thus eliminating any chance of fingers or hands being caught between the rope and the horn. For added safety, the rope can be release wither it is tight or loose.

Abstract: A method and system for custom fitting a horse's back with a fitted saddle pad or saddle. A plurality of different sized and shaped rigid molded shells are used for fitting to a horse's back to determine the proper size and shape shell for the horse to distribute the weight of a rider over a large area of the horse's back to minimize pressure points. The fitting shells have spaced holes to allow a fitter to determine the correct size shell for selecting a molded shell for the horse to determine the size and shape of the horse's back for a properly fitted saddle pad or saddle so that substantially the entire lower surface of the saddle pad or saddle contacts the horse's back to minimize pressure points.

Abstract: A method for fitting a horse for a custom fitting saddle pad or saddle. The steps include positioning a horse in a working position, marking a first reference line and a second reference line, positioning a pad on the horse's back, securing the pad on the horse's back, forming a cast of the horse's back, and removing the cast from the horse to be transported.

Abstract: A method and system for custom fitting a horse's back with a fitted saddle pad or saddle. A plurality of different sized and shaped rigid molded shells are used for fitting to a horses back to determine the proper size and shape shell for the horse to distribute the weight of a rider over a large area of the horse's back to minimize pressure points. The fitting shells have spaced holes to allow a fitter to determine the correct size shell for selecting a molded shell for the horse to determine the size and shape of the horse's back for a properly fitted saddle pad or saddle so that substantially the entire lower surface of the saddle pad or saddle contacts the horse's back to minimize pressure points.

Abstract: A quick release designed as a safety tool for heelers participating in the sport of team roping. During the history of team roping numerous heelers have cut off fingers and hands, when wrapping the rope around the horn of their saddle in an effort to pull the rope tight around the steer's hind legs. This quick release was designed to eliminate the daily (wrapping the rope around the horn) process. The quick release strap is wrapped around the saddle horn and buckled into place. The end of the rope is placed in the loop of the quick release. After the steer is roped, the heeler pulls on the release and the rope is freed. Thus eliminating any chance of fingers or hands being caught between the rope and the horn. For added safety, the rope can be release wither it is tight or loose.

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: A device for seating a rider on an animal, preferably a horse, the device comprising: a first frame member (20) having a proximal end, a distal end, and a middle section extending therebetween; a second side frame member (22) having a proximal end, a distal and a middle section extending therebetween, wherein the first and second frame members are attached in such a way as to create a sitting area for the rider between the first and second frame members.

Abstract: This invention deals with a method for fitting a horse for a custom fitting saddle pad or saddle. The steps include positioning a horse in a working position, marking a first reference line and a second reference line, positioning a pad on the horse's back, securing the pad on the horse's back, forming a cast of the horse's back, and removing the cast from the horse to be transported.

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: 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: A saddle for equestrian use has panels having sealed air bags filled with air at atmospheric pressure to permit an even pressure to be applied over the back of a horse. The interior of the panel above the air bags is filled with packing material to permit adjustment of the fit of the saddle on the horse throughout the working life of the saddle.

Abstract: A removable stirrup cover and removable leather cover for providing substantial protection against abrasions and scuff marks of the flap and panel area of an english saddle. The covers consist of smooth, nonabrasive materials that help preserve the value and aesthetics of the english saddle. The stirrup cover is employed during storage of the saddle by placing the stirrup cover over the stirrup providing protection to the saddle. The leather cover is alternatively employed during use of the english saddle by covering the saddle leathers with the leather covers, preventing saddle abrasions created by the leathers rubbing against the panel area.

Abstract: A system and apparatus of measuring and recording the contours of a surface area of a non-human animal that receives an article, transmitting the data collected from the measuring and recordation to a remote location where the supplier of the article uses the transmitted data to select the article(s) whose contact surface area contours best correspond to the transmitted data.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an animal pack saddle with a pivotally and adjustably mounted side board that is contoured to the shape of the pack animal. The cross bucks of the present invention have upwardly extending hook arms forming rings through which bag or pannier straps may be securely looped, as well as hung. Also disclosed is a saddle pad with closeable pockets for securing the side boards.

Abstract: A saddle tree comprising a first and a second side bar, a center bar, and a base. The first and second side bars each include a proximal and a distal end. The center bar is associated with each of the first and second side bars toward the proximal ends thereof. The base is associated with each of the first and second side bars at a second end and the center bar at a first end. The center bar is structurally configured to provide both torsional and longitudinal flexibility, to, in turn, permit the first and second side bars to move independently of each other.

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: A saddle for equestrian use has panels having sealed air bags filled with air at atmospheric pressure to permit an even pressure to be applied over the back of a horse. The interior of the panel above the air bags is filled with packing material to permit adjustment of the fit of the saddle on the horse throughout the working life of the saddle.

Abstract: A saddletree (10) comprising a headiron (16) associated with pommel portion (12) and reaching into skirt ends (15). Saddletree (10) has a cantle portion (13) supported by an arcuate cantle-supporting member (25) and longitudinal spring members (17) extending between the pommel and cantle portions (12, 13). Headiron (16) is provided on both sides with resilient headiron end sections (21).

Abstract: A treeless and gulletless 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 is in form fitting continuous contact with the back of the horse across the full surface area of a central contact 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: A saddle for equestrian use has panels having sealed air bags filled with air at atmospheric pressure to permit an even pressure to be applied over the back of a horse. The interior of the panel above the air bags is filled with packing material to permit adjustment of the fit of the saddle on the horse throughout the working life of the saddle.

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 has a rigid pommel portion and a rigid cantle portion joined by at least one discrete flexible connector whereby the tree is able to flex centrally of the tree.

Abstract: A saddle for equestrian use has panels having sealed air bags filled with air at atmospheric pressure to permit an even pressure to be applied over the back of a horse. The interior of the panel above the air bags is filled with packing material to permit adjustment of the fit of the saddle on the horse throughout the working life of the saddle.

Abstract: A saddlecloth includes an external cloth portion having at least one attachment member for cooperation with a complementary attachment member on an inside surface of a saddle, with the at least one attachment member of the saddlecloth and the complementary attachment member of the riding saddle forming a Velcro-type fastener. An additional attachment member may be arranged on the outside of each side member of the saddlecloth in substantial parallel relationship to the front edge of the saddlecloth for cooperation with a complementary further attachment member on the inside of the saddle flaps, with the additional attachment member and the complementary further attachment member forming a Velcro-type fastener.

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.