Horse saddle

Abstract

 A horse saddle comprising at least a saddle tree (1) and padding panels (2) fixed on both undersides of the saddle tree so as to face the horse's flanks, The invention is implemented so that the panel (2) is dimensioned and shaped so that its front edge does (3) not overextend the horse's shoulder (6) when the saddle is placed on the horseback.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a horse saddle comprising at least a saddle tree and padding panels fixed on both undersides of the saddle tree so as to face the horse's flanks.

[0002] The invention is particularly directed to all-purpose and jumping saddles. Conventional saddle constructions are hampered by having fixed to the saddle tree a panel that, with a knee roll additionally fixed thereon, extends up to the horse's shoulder, whereby the force exerted by rider's leg (knee) is imposed directly onto the horse's shoulder. This is a discomfort to the horse and may in the long run subject the horse, among other damage, to muscular disorders or rubs.

[0003] It is an object of the present invention to provide a novel kind of saddle construction that gives improved comfort to the horse and does not invoke physiological disadvantages. The saddle according to the invention is characterized in that the panel is dimensioned and shaped so that its front edge does not overextend the horse's shoulder when the saddle is placed on the horseback.

[0004] A preferred embodiment of the saddle according to the invention is characterized in that the front edge of the panel meets the edge of the horse's shoulder.

[0005] Another preferred embodiment of the saddle according to the invention is characterized in that onto the panel is fixed a saddle flap with a knee roll at its front edge and that the front edge of the flap and the knee roll extend more forwardly than the front edge of the panel.

[0006] A benefit of the invention is that having the panel not extending over the shoulder, the saddle is more comfortable to the horse and does not cause rubs on the horse nor irritation of the shoulder musculature. The placement of the panel in accordance with the invention also supports the muscles adhering to the shoulder blade.

[0007] The invention is next described in more detail with the help of a preferred exemplary embodiment by making reference to the appended drawings in which

FIG. 1 shows a saddle according to the invention in a simplified exploded view; and

FIG. 2 shows the saddle according to the invention placed on a horseback.

[0008] Now referring to FIG. 1, therein is shown in an exploded view a saddle according to the invention. For greater clarity, elements irrelevant to the present invention, such as stirrups, girth, etc., are omitted from the diagram.

[0009] The saddle comprises a tree 1 that advantageously is, e.g., a saddle tree of the kind disclosed in FI Utility Model Reg. No. 23091. The tree 1 has panels 2 adhered thereto, one panel on either side of the saddle. The panel has a front edge 3 that will be described in more detail later. On either one of the panels 2 is mounted a flap 4 with a knee roll 5 thereon. The method of fixing the members to each other is not described in more detail herein inasmuch as it can be implemented using any conventional technique.

[0010] FIG. 2 shows the saddle according to the invention placed on a horseback. Also herein the diagram is simplified, whereby many of the saddle members are omitted for greater clarity. The saddle illustrated in FIG. 2 is yet constructed in accordance with the invention. Reference numeral 6 denotes a dashed line depicting the outer edge of a horse's shoulder blade. In prior-art designs the panel 2 has extended partially over the shoulder blade, but in the construction according to the invention the front edge 3 of the panel does not extend to the shoulder. Advantageously, the panel front edge 3 abuts the outer edge of the shoulder blade 6.

[0011] The saddle also includes a flap 4 overextending the shoulder, but not in a fashion making a discomforting contact with the shoulder. Hence, the front edge of flap extends more forwardly than the front edge of the panel. To the flap 4 is fixed a knee roll that also overlaps the shoulder blade, however, without cause the same problem that hampers prior-art saddles in which the panel can directly rub the horse's shoulder.

[0012] To a person skilled in the art it is obvious that the invention is not limited by the above-described exemplary embodiments, but rather may be varied within the inventive spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A horse saddle comprising at least a saddle tree (1) and padding panels (2) fixed on both undersides of the saddle tree so as to face the horse's flanks, characterized in that the panel (2) is dimensioned and shaped so that its front edge does (3) not overextend the horse's shoulder (6) when the saddle is placed on the horseback.

2. The saddle of claim 1, characterized in that the front edge (3)of the panel (2) meets the edge of the horse's shoulder.

3. The saddle of claim 1 or 2, characterized in that onto the panel (2) is fixed a saddle flap (4) with a knee roll (5) at its front edge and that the front edge of the flap (4) and the knee roll (5) extend more forwardly than the front edge of the panel (2).

Drawing