[0001] This invention relates to riding saddles.
[0002] Conventionally, a riding saddle comprises a seat on which the rider sits and a panel
beneath the seat which rests on and over the back of the horse or other animal for
which the saddle is intended. The panel carries additionally, on each side of the
seat, attachments for girth straps and stirrup straps, and in order to protect the
rider's legs from discomfort or injury from such attachments a loose flap is provided
on the side of the saddle to cover the panel and its attachments.
[0003] Customarily, the panel also usually carries a pair of blocks, one on each side of
the seat, adjacent to the forward edge of the panel and beneath the flaps in order
to contour the latter to provide for a better grip by the rider's legs. Such blocks
may take various forms according to the intended purpose of the saddle and/or the
size of the rider.
[0004] In the case of a saddle intended mainly for show jumping, such blocks are placed
high up, near to the seat, and extend downwardly for only a short distance so as to
engage the rider's legs only above the knee and allow the rider to ride in the saddle
when jumping.
[0005] In the case of a saddle intended mainly for use in dressage, the blocks are much
longer and extend along most of the front edge of the flaps to provide maximum contact
with the rider's legs.
[0006] A general purpose saddle may have blocks of an intermediate size and shape.
[0007] However, in most cases, the blocks form a permanent part of the construction of the
saddle and as a result a single saddle is not entirely satisfactory for a wide range
of differing pursuits. However, many riders do follow a range of different pursuits
and either have to choose a single saddle which is a compromise between the competing
requirements of those different pursuits, or have to purchase two or more saddles,
each specifically adapted for a particular pursuit.
[0008] It is known from GB2279546A and GB2171883A to provide a pocket in the flaps which
is adapted to accommodate insert materials which contour an outwardly facing surface
of the flap, thus effectively providing blocks of variable configuration such that
the saddle may be used for a variety of riding pursuits, for example jumping and dressage.
[0009] However, such arrangements provide disadvantages since changing the inserts is relatively
time consuming and requires careful positioning of the inserts so that the resulting
formations are accurately positioned.
[0010] To obviate these disadvantages, I provide a riding saddle comprising a seat on which
a rider can sit, a panel beneath the seat to rest on and over the back of a horse
or other animal and a respective loose flap over the panel on each side of the seat,
wherein the flaps each comprise a first, main, part and a second, removable part wherein
the first part is attached to or integral with the seat, the first and second parts
having mutually engagable releasable attachment means whereby the second part is releasably
attachable at or adjacent a front edge of the first part.
[0011] There may be provided a plurality of differently contoured second, removable parts,
each having a different outwardly facing surface configuration.
[0012] Accordingly, the saddle may retain a conventional overall appearance, but it may
readily be adapted for different purposes by selecting an appropriate removable part
for the pursuit being followed at any given time.
[0013] Preferably, the removable parts comprise a generally flat, flexible sheet of material
which is releasably attachable to the main part so as to effectively form a continuation
thereof. The removable parts preferably each comprise a contact portion and an attachment
portion, wherein when the removable part is attached to the main part, the contact
portion presents an outwardly facing surface which forms a continuation of the external
surface of the main part for contact with the rider's legs, whereas the attachment
portion is located beneath the main part of the flap.
[0014] It will be understood that the term "contact" refers to the fact that during normal
use, this particular portion will be in contact with the rider's legs and it will
accordingly comprise the formations necessary to contour the removable part as required,
but that there may be provided a covering or layer of material over the contact portion
so that it may not be directly in contact with the rider's legs.
[0015] Accordingly, the removable part may comprise, at least at the contact portion, two
or more layers of material, there being provided a filler such as a block between
two of the layers to provide the required contouring.
[0016] The attachment portion may also comprise two or more layers of material, there being
provided on an outwardly facing layer thereof, fastening means enabling the removable
part to be releasably attached to the main part.
[0017] In one arrangement, the flaps may each be formed with an aperture, adjacent to but
spaced from the front edge of the flap, adapted to receive the contact portion of
the removable part which is in the form of an insert corresponding in size and shape
to the outline of said aperture. In such a case, the removable part may comprise an
innermost layer of material having dimensions greater than those of the corresponding
aperture, and an outermost layer having dimensions corresponding to those of the aperture
to form said contact part and the peripheral marginal portion of the insert forms
said attachment portion which may be brought into face to face engagement with an
underside of the flap around the aperture so as to bring the fastening means on the
insert into engagement with complementary fastening means around the aperture on the
underside of the flap.
[0018] The attachment means may comprise any suitable form of conventional fastening means,
including press studs or buttons, or a zip fastener, but in a preferred arrangement
the fastening means comprise pairs of flexible strips of material having an array
of closely spaced, small hooks on one strip, interengageable with loops on the other
strip, e.g. of the kind available under the trade mark VELCRO.
[0019] In a second and preferred arrangement, the removable part is releasably attachable
as a forward extension of the main part at the front edge of the main part. In such
an arrangement, the fastening means preferably include directional fastening elements,
such that the complementary parts of the fastening means, provided on an outwardly
facing part of the attachment portion and an inwardly facing part of the front edge
of the main part, may not engage with or be released from one another unless there
is provided a relative degree of lateral movement between the complementary fastening
means in a predetermined direction, in addition to the generally axial movement which
is conventionally required.
[0020] Such fasteners may comprise press studs, formed to give the required directionality.
[0021] It is preferred that the directional press studs be provided at positions on the
attachment portion generally at or near the top and bottom thereof, and at corresponding
positions on the main part. Desirably, there may be provided more than one such fastening
means at both the top and bottom of the attachment portion and the main part.
[0022] Preferably in addition to such directional fastening elements the fastening means
also includes so called "hook and loop" fasteners, commonly available under the trade
mark VELCRO.
[0023] These and other features of the invention will now be described by way of example
with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein:-
FIGURE 1 shows a side view of a saddle constructed in accordance with the invention
and having flaps adapted to receive interchangeable inserts to adapt it for different
types of riding, the panel in Figure 1 being illustrated without any insert in place;
FIGURES 2 to 5 illustrate four different forms of insert which may be used with such
saddle;
FIGURE 6 shows an alternative embodiment of a saddle having flaps comprising a main
part and a removable part; and
FIGURES 7 to 10 illustrate four different types of removable part which may be used
with a saddle as shown in FIGURE 6.
[0024] As illustrated, a preferred embodiment of saddle in accordance with the invention
comprises a seat 10 of generally conventional form and a panel 12 which extends beneath
the seat and downwardly on opposite sides thereof in conventional manner. Also, in
conventional manner, the saddle includes a pair of flaps 14 (only one of which is
shown) to overlie the opposite sides of the panel 12.
[0025] In accordance with the invention, each flap 14 is formed as two separable parts whereby
a contact portion thereof adjacent to the forward edge 15 of the flap can be removed
from the main part thereof and replaced easily as and when required. In the embodiment
illustrated in Figures 1 to 5 each flap comprises a main part 16 of generally conventional
outline having a shaped opening 17 towards the front edge thereof. Around the periphery
of the opening 17, on the underface of the flap 14, there is provided a preferably
substantially continuous strip 18 of fastening material of the kind generally known
by the trade mark VELCRO.
[0026] In accordance with the invention the contact portion of the flap comprises various
inserts 20, 20
a, 20
b, 20
c which are provided for assembly with the main parts 16 of the flaps 14. In each case,
the insert 20, 20
a, 20
b, 20
c comprises an inner layer 21 which generally corresponds in shape to the shape of
the opening 17, but is of greater dimensions, and an outer layer 22 which again corresponds
in shape to the shape of the opening 17, but is so dimensioned as to fit within the
opening and effectively form an extension of the outer surface of the main part of
the flap 14.
[0027] The marginal portion of the inner layer 21 comprises an attachment portion which
carries a preferably substantially continuous strip 23 of complementary fastening
material to adhere releasably to the fastening material 18 around the periphery of
the opening 17 at the underside of the flap 14.
[0028] Thus, each of the inserts 20, 20
a, 20
b, 20
c can be assembled with the main part of the flap 14 so that the outer layer 22 thereof
is disposed in the opening 16 to form an effective continuous extension of the outer
surface of the flap and serve as a contact portion for the rider's legs.
[0029] The insert 20 shown in Figure 2 is of substantially flat form, whereas the inserts
20
a, 20
b and 20
c shown in Figures 3,4 and 5 respectively are contoured by the insertion between the
inner and outer layers of respective fillers, in this case blocks 24,25,26, so that
insert 20
a is specifically adapted to use in show jumping, insert 20
b for use in dressage work, and insert 20
c for general purpose usage. It will be appreciated that these forms are representative
of many others that may be made available.
[0030] Whilst in the illustrated embodiment the inserts are of such a size as to form a
substantial part of the overall area of each flap, it will be appreciated that the
opening in the flap may be significantly smaller, so as to be sufficient to accommodate
only the area in which variable contouring may be required.
[0031] Referring now to Figure 6, there is shown a second embodiment of a saddle comprising
a seat 10, and flaps 30 which extend downwardly from either side of the seat, only
one of which is shown. The flap 30 is attached to the seat in generally conventional
manner, as shown in Figure 1. However the flap 30 in this case comprises a first,
main, part 31 having a front edge 32 which, as will be seen by reference to Figure
1, represents a reduction in area of the flap 30 when compared to flap 14 of Figure
1. There is further shown a second, removable extension part 33 having a contact portion
34 for contact with the rider's legs and an attachment portion 35 for releasable attachment
of the part 33 to the part 31. The contact portion 34 presents an outwardly facing
surface 38, which may be formed of the same material as that of the main part 31 or
of a contrasting material.
The attachment portion 35 comprises a tongue which is adapted to locate behind the
main part 31 such that the extension part 33 may be attached to the main part by virtue
of complementary fastening means 36, 37 provided on an outwardly facing surface of
the attachment portion 35 and an inwardly facing surface of the main part 31.
[0032] In this embodiment the fastening means comprise both a plurality of pairs of directional
press studs 37, and sheets of fastening material in the form of a hook and loop fastener,
commonly known by the trade mark VELCRO, indicated by reference numeral 39, which
serves to provide additional securement of the extension part 33 to the main part
31 of the flap 30.
[0033] One part of each press stud 37 is provided on the outer face of the attachment portion,
35 and the complementary part of each press stud 37 is provided on the inner face
of the main part 31. The press studs are directional to the extent that in order for
the complementary parts to be released from one another, relative lateral movement
is required therebetween in addition to the axial movement to separate the complementary
parts, as indicated by the arrows A, although it will be appreciated that the direction
of arrows A is purely exemplary.
[0034] The removable part 33 shown in Figure 6 and in more detail in Figure 7 is of substantially
uncontoured form, but the removable part may incorporate blocks, as shown in more
detail in Figures 8 to 10, the blocks having the same purpose as those described with
reference to Figures 1 to 5. In use, a riders leg effectively abuts a rearwardly facing
surface 41 of the filler, thus imparting a force on the filler in a generally forward
direction. The directional fastening means are thus orientated and/or formed such
that in order for the complementary fastening means to be released from one another,
the lateral force required must be in a different direction to the direction of the
force applied by a rider to the rearwardly facing surface 41 of the filler, such that
the complementary fastening means do not separate when the saddle is in use by the
rider.
[0035] Figures 8 to 10 show various embodiments 33
a, 33
b, and 33
c of extension parts which differ by the provision of differently shaped fillers 40,
41, 42 on the contact portion 34 of the removable parts 33. It is anticipated that
any required shape of filler may be provided on the contact portion 34, as dictated
by the type of riding which is required. Indeed, as shown in Figure 7, it may be that
no filler at all is required, such that the exposed portion is generally flat.
[0036] It will be appreciated that by interchanging the insert 20 or extension part 33,
a single saddle may readily be adapted for a variety of purposes and that no skill
is required so that the inserts or extensions as appropriate can be interchanged by
the rider in the field at any time during events having stages calling for different
configurations of filler. Also, the facing material of the insert 20 or extension
33 can be made of a more durable material than that of the main part of the flaps,
since this is where the greater wear occurs, without the extra cost that would arise
were the entire flap to be faced with such a more durable material. Moreover should
the material of which the insert is made become worn or damaged, the insert can readily
be replaced at minimum cost.
[0037] It is particularly advantageous for the aperture in the flap or "cut away" section
of the front edge to be substantially wider than the filler itself since the portion
of the flap adjacent to the filler may be subjected to greater wear than other parts
of the flap, and such an arrangement enables a worn portion of the removable part
adjacent to the filler to be replaced. However, it will be understood that the aperture
in the saddle may be dimensioned and shaped so as to correspond with the outline of
the largest filler to be used.
[0038] In particular, the invention provides an inexpensive way of customising saddles to
an individual rider's requirements.
[0039] The features disclosed in the foregoing description the following claims or the accompanying
drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing
the disclosed function, or a method or process for attaining the disclosed result,
or a class or group of substances or compositions, as appropriate, may, separately,
or in any combination of such features, be utilised for realising the invention in
diverse forms thereof.
1. A riding saddle comprising a seat on which a rider can sit, a panel beneath the seat
to rest on and over the back of a horse or other animal and a respective loose flap
over the panel on each side of the seat, wherein the flaps each comprise a first,
main, part and a second, removable part wherein the first part is attached to or integral
with the seat, the first and second parts having mutually engagable releasable attachment
means whereby the second part is releasably attachable at or adjacent a front edge
of the first part.
2. A riding saddle according to claim 1 wherein a plurality of differently contoured
second, removable parts is provided, each having a different outwardly facing surface
configuration.
3. A riding saddle according to claim 2 wherein the removable parts each comprise a generally
flat, flexible sheet of material which is releasably attachable to the main part so
as to effectively form a continuation thereof.
4. A riding saddle according to claim 2 or claim 3 wherein the removable parts each comprise
a contact portion and an attachment portion, wherein when the removable part is attached
to the main part, the contact portion presents an outwardly facing surface which forms
a continuation of the external surface of the main part for contact with the rider's
legs, whereas the attachment portion is located beneath the main part of the flap.
5. A riding saddle according to claim 4 wherein the removable part comprises, at least
at the contact portion, two or more layers of material, there being provided a filler
between two of the layers to provide the required contouring.
6. A riding saddle according to claim 4 or claim 5 wherein the attachment portion also
comprises two or more layers of material, there being provided on an outwardly facing
layer thereof, fastening means enabling the removable part to be releasably attached
to the main part.
7. A riding saddle according to any one of claims 4,5 and 6 wherein the flaps are each
formed with an aperture, adjacent to but spaced from the front edge of the flap, adapted
to receive the contact portion of the removable part which is in the form of an insert
corresponding in size and shape to the outline of said aperture.
8. A riding saddle according to claim 7 wherein the removable part comprises an innermost
layer of material having dimensions greater than those of the corresponding aperture,
and an outermost layer having dimensions corresponding to those of the aperture to
form said contact part and the peripheral marginal portion of the insert forms said
attachment portion which may be brought into face to face engagement with an underside
of the flap around the aperture so as to bring the fastening means on the insert into
engagement with complementary fastening means around the aperture on the underside
of the flap.
9. A riding saddle according to claims 1 to 6, wherein the removable part is releasably
attachable as a forward extension of the main part at the front edge of the main part.
10. A riding saddle according to any preceding claim wherein the attachment means comprises
any suitable form of conventional fastening means, including press studs or buttons,
or a zip fastener.
11. A riding saddle according to claim 10 wherein the fastening means comprise pairs of
flexible strips of material having an array of closely spaced, small hooks on one
strip, interengageable with loops on the other strip.
12. A riding saddle according to claim 10 wherein the fastening means includes directional
fastening elements, such that the complementary parts of the fastening means, provided
on an outwardly facing part of the attachment portion and an inwardly facing part
of the front edge of the main part, may not engage with or be released from one another
unless there is provided a relative degree of lateral movement between the complementary
fastening means in a predetermined direction, in addition to the generally axial movement
which is conventionally required.
13. A riding saddle according to claim 12 wherein fasteners comprise press studs, formed
to give the required directionality.
14. A riding saddle according to claim 13 wherein the directional press studs are provided
at positions on the attachment portion generally at or near the top and bottom thereof,
and at corresponding positions on the main part.
15. A riding saddle according to claims 12 to 14, wherein there are provided more than
one such fastening means at both the top and bottom of the attachment portion and
the main part.
16. A riding saddle according to any preceding claim with reference to and as shown in
the accompanying drawings.
17. Any novel feature or novel combination of features described herein and/or in the
accompanying drawings.