GB2501200A

GB2501200A - Saddle with cushioning arrangement

Info

Publication number: GB2501200A
Application number: GB1312726.1A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Anne Bondi
Original assignee: TOTAL SADDLE SOLUTIONS Ltd
Current assignee: TOTAL SADDLE SOLUTIONS Ltd
Priority date: 2009-09-02
Filing date: 2010-08-31
Publication date: 2013-10-16
Anticipated expiration: 2030-08-31
Also published as: GB2501201B; GB2501202A; GB2501200B; GB201312726D0; GB201312730D0; GB201308456D0; GB201312732D0; GB201014364D0; GB2473332A; GB2501190A; GB2501190B; GB0915205D0; GB2501201A; GB2473332B; GB2501202B

Abstract

A cushioning arrangement 72 for a saddle comprising an L shaped cushioning member 73, and securing means comprising discrete front 80 and rear 82 securing members projecting relative to front and rear edges of the cushioning member. The securing members are preferably in the form of piping which secure the cushioning arrangement to a saddle body. There are preferably two cushioning member made from foam material. The arrangement may also include fastening members 76, a load spreading member 83 and a further side securing flap (194, fig 12). A saddle including said arrangement and an additional stirrup hanger and seat is also claimed.

Description

Improvements in or Relatinu to Saddles This invention relates to saddles. More particularly, but not exclusively, this invention also relates to saddle bodies. The invention also relates to girth securing assemblies. The invention may also relate to stirrup hanger assemblies.

Known saddles tend to have the disadvantage that they do not fit the horse correctly.

As a result, injuries can occur.

According to one aspect of this invention, there is provided a saddle body comprising first and second body portions, each being formed of a generally flat, flexible material, the first body portion having a first edge region with an inwardly curved edge and the second body portion having a second edge region with an inwardly curved edge, wherein the first and second body portions are secured to each other along the first and second edge regions to provide a seam, whereby when the first and second edges regions are secured to each other, the inwardly curved edges of the first and second edge region cause deformation of the body portions at least along the first and second edge regions to provide a raised front and rear regions of the body to conform to the shape of the spinal region of a horse.

The first and second body portions may overlie each other at the first and second edge regions. The first and second edge regions may overlie one another to secure the first and second body portions to each other.

The edge region of the first body portion may be skived or bevelled on the upper surface thereof. The edge region of the second body portion may be skived or bevelled on the lower surface thereof.

The first and second body portions may be secured to each other by lacing through the first and second body portions. The lacing may be in a pattern comprising a plurality of adjacent V shaped formations arranged sequentially along the overlain first and second edge regions. The lacing may be a zigzag pattern.

In one embodiment, the edge region of the first body portion may overlie the edge region of the second body portion. In another embodiment, the edge region of the second body portion may overlie the edge region of the first body portion.

The provision of the seam has the advantage in the embodiment described herein that the top line of the saddle body may flex symmetrically along the spinal area of the horse whilst conforming to the shape of the back of the horse.

The edge regions may be configured so that when the edge regions are secured to one another, the seam has a profile that conforms generally to the profile of the region of a horse.

The first and second body portions may be secured to each other by lacing or stitching along the overlain first and second edge regions.

According to another aspect of this invention there is provided a cushioning arrangement for a saddle, the cushioning arrangement comprising a generally L shaped cushioning member, and securing means comprising front and rear securing members projecting relative to front and rear edges of the cushioning member, wherein the securing members can secure the cushioning arrangement to a saddle body.

The saddle body may have girth hanger straps, and the cushioning arrangement may be securable to the saddle body across the girth hanger straps.

The cushioning arrangement may comprise first and second cushioning members, which may be mountable on the first and second body portions respectively.

The, or each, cushioning member may be generally L shaped, having a pair of arms extending transverse to each other. In one embodiment, the, or each cushioning member may be formed of a foam material, such as a synthetic foam material, for example expanded polyurethane.

Each of the front and rear securing members may comprise piping. The front and rear securing members may be provided at the front and rear edges to enable the cushioning member to be secured to a respective body portion of the saddle body.

The cushioning arrangement may include a side securing member on the, or each, cushioning member. The, or each, side securing member may comprise a flap.

The, or each, cushioning member may be secured to the saddle body by stitching through the securing members.

In one embodiment, fastening means may be provided to fasten the, or each, cushioning member on the saddle body. The fastening means may comprise a hook and loop fastener, such as sold under the trademark Velcro. Alternatively, the fastening means may comprise stitching, whereby the, or each, cushioning member is fastened to the saddle body by said stitching.

A load spreading member may be provided on or within the cushioning member. The load spreading member may be elongate.

The load spreading member may be arranged on or within the cushioning member so that, when the cushioning member is secured to a saddle, the load spreading member extends from a front region of the saddle to a rear region of the saddle.

The saddle may include a girth carrier having a front and a rear.

The load spreading member may extend from the front of the girth carrier to the rear of the girth carrier. The provision of the load spreading member has the advantage in one embodiment that it spreads the load of the girth and the stirrups across the back of the horse, thereby preventing pressure points.

The load spreading member may be formed of a plastics material. Desirably, the plastics material is a polymeric material, which may be a polyethylene material, such as a high density polyethylene.

Alternatively, the, or each, cushioning member may comprise a plurality of layers of a resilient material, which may be a foam material, such as a closed cell polyethylene foam material. The layers may be arranged on a support, which may comprise a semi rigid material, such as a synthetic felt material. The synthetic felt material may be a polypropylene derivative.

A covering may extend over the layers, and may be attached to the support. The covering may be formed of an elastomeric material, such as latex.

The load spreading member may be provided between the support and the plurality of layers. The load spreading member may be generally oval in configuration. The load spreading member may extend over a minor portion of the length of one arm of the cushioning member.

The support may define an aperture, and the load spreading member may be aligned with the aperture. The aperture may be substantially oval in shape. The load spreading member and the aperture may be substantially the same size and shape as each other.

A cushioning assembly may be provided, which may comprise a pair of cushioning members. Attaching means may be provided to attach the cushioning members to each other. The attaching means may comprise bridging elements extending between the cushioning members. Each bridging element may comprise a bridging strap.

The, or each, cushioning member may be covered by a cover, which may comprise an upper cover member and a lower cover member secured to each other. The upper and lower cover members may be secured to each other by stitching.

The attaching means may be provided on the cover. The attaching means may extend from the cover on one cushioning member to the cover on the other.

According to another aspect of this invention, there is provided a girth securing assembly comprising an elongate flexible support member, the support member having first and second end regions attached to a carrier, first and second mounting members to mount respective first and second girth straps to the support member, and a third mounting member to mount the support member to the carrier, the third mounting member being arranged on the support member between the first and second mounting members, wherein the first, second and third mounting members are configured to allow relative movement between the respective mounting members and the support member.

The support member may be arranged in a W configuration. The carrier may comprise a saddle body.

The first and second mounting members may be provided at the lower apexes of the W, and the third mounting member may be provided at the upper apex of the W. The first and second mounting members may be arranged lower than the third mounting member. The first and second mounting members may be arranged lower than the first and second ends of the support member.

The first mounting member may define an aperture through which the support member can extend. The first mounting member may comprise a ring through which the support member can extend. The ring may comprise a D shaped ring.

Alternatively, the first mounting member may be a rectangular shaped ring or a ring of any other suitable shape.

The second mounting member may define an aperture through which the support member can extend. The second mounting member may comprise a ring through which the support member extends. The ring may comprise a D shaped ring.

Alternatively, the second mounting member may be a rectangular shaped ring or a ring of any other suitable shape.

The third mounting member may define an aperture through which the support member can extend. The third mounting member may comprise a ring through which the support member extends. The ring may comprise a D shaped ring.

Alternatively, the third mounting member may be a rectangular shaped ring or a ring of any other suitable shape.

The support member may comprise a central region associated with the third mounting member. The central region may comprise a main portion extending through the third mounting member, and a subsidiary portion extending around the third mounting member.

The subsidiary portion may be attached to the main portion on opposite sides of the third mounting member at attachment regions on the main portion, whereby the movement of the support member relative to the third mounting member may be only be between the attachment regions. The subsidiary portion of the support member provides the advantage in the embodiment described herein that it prevents the girth from becoming accidentally undone.

The first and second end regions of the support member may be fixedly attached to the carrier. Desirably, the first and second end regions of the support member are attached to the carrier by respective first and second attachment members, which may be in the form of straps.

An embodiment of the above described girth securing assembly arrangement has the advantage that it allows equal spread of pressure along the back of the horse, and relieves pressure points in the area of the stirrup hanger. The sliding straps of this embodiment provides the advantage that allows a more equal spread of the pressure on the back of the horse, thereby reducing peak pressure points.

According to a further aspect of this invention, there is provided a stirrup hanger assembly comprising a base, and a stirrup carrier arrangement on the base, the stirrup carrier arrangement comprising a stirrup holding member and first and second securing members on the base to secure the stirrup holding member to the base.

The first and second securing members may be elongate, and may comprise a strap. The first and second securing members may extend to one another to provide an apex.

The stirrup holding member may be provided at the apex of the first and second securing members. The first and second securing members may be arranged at an acute angle to each other.

The first and second securing members may be a single securing element folded to provide the first and second securing members, whereby the fold provides the foresaid apex. The stirrup holding member may be secured to the securing element at the fold thereof.

The base may be formed of a flexible material, which may be generally flat. The base may be formed of leather or other suitable material.

The stirrup hanger assembly may comprise two stirrup carrier arrangements on the base. The stirrup carrier arrangements may be arranged in general reflective symmetry relative to each other. Each of the stirrup carrier arrangements may be as described above.

The first and second securing members of one of the stirrup carrier arrangements may be arranged at an obtuse angle to the respective first and second securing members of the other stirrup arrangement.

Each of the securing members may be formed of a generally flat flexible material, and may be in the form of a strap. The stirrup carrier arrangement may be secured to the base by stitching through the securing member.

The base may be formed of a single piece upon which the, or each, stirrup carrier arrangement is secured. Alternatively, the base may be formed of two pieces, wherein a respective stirrup carrying arrangement is secured to each piece of the base.

A stop member may be provided on the base in front of the stirrup holding member.

The stop member may comprise an elongate formation projecting from the base.

The stop member has the advantage that it prevents, or restricts swinging of the stirrup holding member, and hence the stirrup.

According to another aspect of this invention, there is provided a seat for a saddle, the seat comprising a one piece seat member having a pommel and a cantle, an underside configured to conform to the shape of the saddle body, and an upper side configured to the form of a seat for a saddle.

The seat may be formed of a cushioning material, for example a foam material.

According to another aspect of this invention, there is provided a saddle incorporating one or more of a saddle body, a cushioning arrangement, a girth securing assembly, a stirrup hanger assembly, and a seat, as described above.

At least one embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings: Figure 1 is a side view of an upper region of a saddle; Figure 2 is a front perspective view of an upper region of a saddle body of the saddle shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 shows a first body portion for use in forming the saddle body; Figure 4 is a view of the front region of the saddle body; Figure 5 is a side view of the saddle body showing a girth securing assembly and a stirrup hanger assembly; Figure 6 is a view from below of the saddle body; Figure 7 shows the stirrup hanger assembly; Figure 8 shows a first embodiment of a cushioning arrangement for use with the saddle body; Figure 9 shows a front perspective view of a seat member on the saddle; Figure 10 shows a side view of the seat member on the saddle body; Figure 11 shows a second embodiment of a girth securing assembly; and Figure 12 shows a cushioning assembly comprising an alternative cushioning arrangement; Figure 13 is a view from below of a pair of further alternative cushioning arrangements; and Figure 14 is a view from above of one of the alternative cushioning arrangements.

Referring to the drawings, a saddle 10 for a horse comprises a saddle body 12, a girth securing arrangement 14, and a stirrup hanger assembly 16 (see Figures 5, 7, 9 and 10 for the stirrup hanger assembly 16). The saddle 10 also includes a seat 18 on the saddle body 12.

The saddle body 12 comprises a pair of downwardly extending flaps 20, either side of the torso of the horse, and an upper part 22 which is intended to be arranged on the back of the horse.

The saddle body 12 comprises first and second body portions 24, 26. Each of the first and second body portions 24, 26 have respective first and second securing edge regions 28, each of which provides a respective edge 29. The first and second body portions 24, 26 are secured to each other at the securing edge regions 28.

The first edge region 28 of the first body portion 24 is skived or bevelled on the upper surface thereof. The second edge region 28 of the second body portion 26 is skived or bevelled on the lower surface thereof.

In Figure 3, the first body portion 24 is shown arranged flat, prior to being secured to the second body portion 26. As can be seen, the edges 29 are inwardly curved. The first edge region 28 is delimited in Figure 3 by a broken line.

The first and second body portions 24, 26 are secured to each other along the respective first and second edge regions 28. The inwardly curved edges 29 have the effect that, when the first and second body portions 24, 26 are secured to each other at the respective first and second edge regions 28, they form an overlapping seam 30.

The inwardly curved edges 29 cause the front and rear of the saddle body 12 to rise relative to the centre of the seam 30. Thus, the saddle body 12 so formed conforms to the shape of the back of a horse.

In order to secure the edge regions 28 of the first and second body portions 24, 26 to each other, the edge region 28 of the first body portion 24 is arranged to overlie the edge region 28 of the second body portion at the seam 30 (see Figure 4), and then the edge regions 28 are stitched to each other by lacing through the edge regions 28 of the first and second body portions 24, 26 as shown by the lacing or stitching 31 in Figure 4, which comprises a zigzag lacing formation along the overlain edge regions 28 of the first and second body portions 24, 26. The lacing extends over the edge 29 of each of the first and second edge regions 28, and through apertures 31A defined in the first and second body portions 24, 26 at the edge regions 28.

Referring to Figure 5, the girth securing assembly 14 is attached to the saddle body 12 as described below. The girth securing assembly 14 comprises an elongate support strap 32 having first and second end regions 34, 36.

The first and second end regions 34, 36 are fixedly attached to the saddle body 12 by stitching 37 through first and second fixings 34A, 36A respectively. The first and second fixings 34A, 36A are in the form of leather cover pieces.

The support strap 32 is arranged in a W configuration, and a central region 38 of the support strap is secured to a third fixing 38A on the saddle body 12 via a mounting member in the form of an upper D ring 40. As can be seen, the support strap 32 extends through the upper D ring 40.

The D ring 40 is secured to the saddle body by a securing strap 42. The securing strap 42 is attached to the saddle body 12 by stitching 43 through the third fixing 38A. The third fixing 38A is also in the form of oblong leather cover piece.

First and second mounting members in the form of first and second lower D rings 44, 46 are provided at a region of the saddle body lower than the upper D ring 40. The support strap 32 extends through the first and second lower D rings 44, 46. Thus, the upper U ring 40 and the first and second lower D rings 44, 46 allow the support strap 32 to slide therethrough, thereby accommodating the movement of the horse.

The saddle includes first and second girth straps 48, 50 which are secured respectively to the first and second lower D rings 44, 46 by stitching 47.

Although the mounting members have been described herein as being in the form of D rings, it will be appreciated that the mounting members could be in the form of rings of rectangular shape, or of other suitable shape.

The above described arrangement of the girth securing assembly 14 has the advantage that the forces from the girth are more even along the back of the horse.

The ability of the straps to slide through the upper D ring 40 and the first and second lower D rings 44, 46 allows the force on the girth to be equalised between the three points at which the support strap 32 is secured to the saddle body 12.

Referring to Figure 7, the stirrup hanger assembly 16 is also secured to the saddle body 12, for example by stitching. The stirrup hanger assembly 16 comprises a generally flat base 52 formed of a flexible material, such as leather.

The stirrup hanger assembly 16 comprises a stirrup carrier arrangement 54 secured to the base 52.

The stirrup carrier arrangement 54 comprises a stirrup holding member 58 which has a first portion 60 to receive the stirrups, and a second portion 62 to allow it to be secured to a securing strap 68. The stirrup carrier arrangement further includes a stop member 56 to prevent or restrict movement of the stirrup holding member 58.

The securing strap 68 comprises first and second securing members 64, 66. The securing strap 68 is provided to secure the stirrup carrier arrangement 54 to the base 52.

The securing strap 68 is folded over itself at a fold 69 in the strap 68 to provide the first and second securing member 64, 66, so that the fold 69 of the elongate strap 68 provides an apex for the first and second securing members 64, 66, at which the stirrup holding member 58 is secured.

The first and second securing members 64, 66 extend at an acute angle from the fold 69.

As can be seen from figure 7, the stirrup hanger assembly comprises a pair of stirrup carrier arrangements 54 arranged on the base 52.

In figure 7, the base 52 is formed in two pieces, 52A, 52B which are secured to one another. This has the advantage of allowing the base to be secured to the saddle body 12 across the seam 30.

Figure 8 shows a cushioning arrangement 72 which is provided on the underside of the saddle body 12. The cushioning arrangement 72 comprises a foam rubber cushioning member 73 (shown in broken lines) held within a cover 74 formed of a suitable flexible material, such as leather. The cushioning member may be formed of a suitable resilient material, such as expanded polyurethane.

The cushioning arrangement 72 is generally L shaped having two arms 72A and 72B. A respective fastening element 76 is provided on each arm 72A, 72B of the cushioning arrangement 72.

Each fastening element 76 is formed of one part of a hook and loop fastening means, such as sold under the trade mark Velcro. The other part 78 of the hook and loop fastening means is provided on the underside of the saddle body 12, as shown in Figure 6.

The cushioning arrangement 72 is also provided with front and rear securing members 80, 82 for securing the cushioning arrangement 72 to the saddle body 12.

The front and rear securing members 80, 82 are in the form of piping at the front and rear edges respectively of the cushioning arrangement 72, as shown. The front and rear securing members 80, 82 are secured to the saddle body 12 by stitching.

The cushioning arrangement 72 also includes a load spreading member 83 (shown in broken lines in Figure 8) arranged on the arm 72A of the cushioning arrangement 72 in engagement with the cushioning member 73.

The load spreading member 83 is positioned on the cushioning member 73 so that it extends from the front of the first fixing 34A of the first end region 34 of the girth strap 32 to the rear of the second fixing 36A of the second end region 36 of the girth strap 32.

The load spreading member is formed of a suitable resiliently deforniable material, such as a polymeric material. An example of a suitable material is high density polyethylene.

Thus, in this embodiment, the load created by the girth and the stirrups is spread along the load spreading member 83, thereby alleviating or preventing pressure points.

A padding member 85 (also shown in broken lines in Figure 8) is provided at the rear of the cushioning arrangement 72. The padding member 85 can be formed of a suitable resilient material, such as expanded polyurethane.

The saddle 10 includes two cushioning arrangements 72, each being attached on the underside of a respective body portion 24, 26 of the saddle body 12.

Referring to Figures 9 and 10, the seat 18 is shown, which is formed as a one-piece seat member 84, having a pommel 86 and a cantle 88. The seat 18 is of a shape that conforms to the traditional shape of a saddle, thereby allowing correct rider posture. The seat member 84 may be formed of a suitable resilient material, such as expanded polyurethane.

The seat 18 includes a sleeve 90, which is formed of leather or other similar material, and is provided to secure the seat 18 to the saddle body.

The seat member 84 is arranged in the sleeve 90, and the sleeve 90 is glued to the seat member 84. The sleeve 90 complises a flap portion 90A by means of which the seat member 84 is secured to the saddle body 12 by stitching, and a main portion 90B that extends around the seat member 84.

A seat cover 92 is arranged over the seat member 84, when the seat member 84 is secured to the saddle body 12. The seat cover 92 includes a cover portion 93 and front and rear flap portions 94, which provide an aesthetic finish to the seat 18.

There is thus described a saddle, the above described embodiment of which comprises several features which are advantageous to the horse and the rider.

Various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention, for example, the base of the stirrup hanger assembly could be formed of a one piece material, and the first and second securing members 64, 66 could be formed of separate pieces of material.

A modification to the girth securing assembly 14 is shown in Figure 11, in which the central region 38 of the support strap 32 comprises a main strap portion 138 and a subsidiary strap portion 138A.

The main strap portion 138 extends through the upper D ring 40, and the subsidiary strap portion extends around the upper D ring 40.

The subsidiary strap portion 138A is attached to the main strap portion 138 attaching regions 140 on each side of the upper D ring 40 by stitching. Thus, the central region 38 of the support strap 32 cannot move through the upper D ring 40 beyond the attachment regions 140.

A modification to the cushioning arrangement 72 is shown in Figure 12, in which a cushioning assembly 172 is provided.

The cushioning assembly 172 comprises a pair of cushioning arrangements 72, which are mirror images of each other. Each of the cushioning arrangements 72 shown in Figure 12 is generally L shaped, having first and second arms 72A and 72 B. Each cushioning arrangement 72 comprises a respective cushioning member 73 (shown in broken lines) held within a respective cover 74.

Front and rear securing members 180 and 182 are provided at the front and rear of the cushioning assembly 172. Each of the front and rear securing members 180 and 182 extends from one of the cushioning arrangements 72 to the other.

The front and rear securing members 180, 182 are in the form of piping to enable the cushioning assembly 172 to be secured to the saddle body 12 by stitching.

The first and second cushioning arrangements 72 are attached to each other by bridging flaps 190, 192, as well as by the front and rear securing members 180, 182.

Each cushioning arrangement 72 includes a load spreading member 83 (shown in broken lines) held on the respective cushioning member by the cover 74. A raised portion 174 of the cover 74, or a pocket, is provided to receive and hold the load spreading member 83.

Each cushioning arrangement 72 also includes a flap 194 to further secure the cushioning assembly 172, e.g. by stitching.

Figures 13 and 14 show a further modification, comprising a pair of alternative cushioning arrangements 272. Figure 13 shows the pair of the cushioning arrangements 272 from below, and Figure 14 shows one of the alternative cushioning arrangements 272 from above. Each of the cushioning arrangements 272 comprises a cushioning member 273 comprising a plurality of layers 274 on an L shaped support 276, having two arms 276A and 276B.

The layers 274 are formed of a resilient material, such as a closed cell polyethylene foam material. A suitable such material is sold under the registered trade mark Plastazote.

In Figure 13, each cushioning member 272 is formed of first, second and third layers 274X, 274X, 274Z of the resilient material. The layers 274X, 274Y, 274Z have a corresponding shape to the support 276, but only partially cover the arm 276B.

The first layer 274X is provided directly on the support 276, the second layer 274Y is provided on the first layer 274X, and the third layer 2747 is provided on the second layer 274Y.

The second layer 274Y terminates further away from the free end of the arm 276B than the first layer 274X, and the third layer 2747 terminates further away from the free end of the arm 276B than the second layer 274Y. Thus, the cushioning member 273 is formed to taper outwardly away from the free end of the arm 276B.

The support 276 is formed of a suitably semi-rigid material, such as a synthetic felt material. The synthetic felt material may be formed of a polypropylene derivative.

A covering (not shown) extends over the layers 274, and abuts against substantially the whole edge of the support 276. The covering is affixed to the support 276 by a suitable adhesive. The covering may be formed of an elastomeric substance, such as latex.

The cushioning arrangements 272 are fastened to the underside of the saddle body 12 by stitching.

An elongate oval aperture 278 is formed in the support 276, and a load spreading member 280 is provided between the support 276 and the first layer 274X. The load spreading member 280 is generally the same size and shape as the oval aperture 278, and is aligned substantially directly therewith. Figure 14, The cushioning members 272 are arranged on the saddle body 12 in the same way as described above, such that the supports 276 face the saddle body 12, and the layers 274 face the torso of the horse to provide the cushioning effect.

Claims

Claims 1. A cushioning arrangement comprising a generally L shaped cushioning member, and securing means comprising discrete front and rear securing members projecting relative to front and rear edges of the cushioning member, wherein the securing members can secure the cushioning arrangement to a saddle body.
2. A cushioning arrangement according to Claim 1, comprising first and second cushioning members mountable on respective first and second body portions of the saddle body.
3. A cushioning arrangement according to Claim 2, wherein the, or each, cushioning member is generally L shaped, having a pair of arms extending transverse to each other.
4. A cushioning arrangement according to Claim 2 or 3, wherein the, or each, cushioning member is formed of a foam material.
5. A cushioning arrangement according to any preceding Claim, wherein each of the front and rear securing members comprises piping, and the front and rear securing members are provided at the front and rear edges to enable the cushioning member to be secured to a respective body portion of the saddle body.
6. A cushioning arrangement according to any preceding Claim, wherein the cushioning arrangement includes a side securing member on the, or each, cushioning member, the, or each, side securing member comprising a flap.
7. A cushioning arrangement according to any preceding Claim, wherein tastening means is provided to hold the cushioning member on the saddle body, the fastening means comprising stitching.
8. A cushioning arrangement according to any preceding Claim, including a load spreading member to spread the load on the saddle body.
9. A cushioning arrangement according to Claim 8, wherein the load spreading member is arranged within the cushioning member so that, when the cushioning member is secured to a saddle, the load spreading member extends from a front region of the saddle to a rear region of the saddle.
10. A cushioning arrangement according to Claim 9, wherein the saddle includes a girth carrier having a front and a rear, and the load spreading member extends from the front of the girth carrier to the rear of the girth carrier.
11. A cushioning arrangement according to Claim 23, 24 or 25, wherein the load spreading member is formed of a plastics material.
12. A cushioning arrangement according to any of Claims 16 or 17, wherein the, or each, cushioning member comprises a plurality of layers of a resilient material, the layers being arranged on a support, and wherein a covering extends over the layers, and abuts the edge of the support.
13. A cushioning arrangement according to Claim 27, wherein the layers are formed of a foam material, the support being formed of a semi rigid material, and the covering being formed of an elastomeric material.
14. A cushioning arrangement according to any of Claims 1 to 7, 12 or 13, wherein a load spreading member is provided on the, or each, cushioning member, the load spreading member being provided between the support and the plurality of layers.
15. A cushioning arrangement according to Claim 14, wherein the load spreading member is generally oval in configuration, and extends over a minor portion of the length of one arm of the cushioning member.
16. A cushioning arrangement according to Claim 15, wherein the support defines an aperture, and the load spreading member is aligned with the aperture.
17. A cushioning arrangement according to Claim 16, wherein the aperture is substantially oval in shape, and wherein the load spreading member and the aperture are substantially the same size and shape as each other.
18. A cushioning arrangement according to any preceding Claim, comprising a cushioning assembly comprising a pair of said cushioning members, wherein attaching means is provided to attach the cushioning members to each other.
19. A cushioning arrangement according to Claim 18, wherein the attaching means comprise bridging elements extending between the cushioning members.
20. A cushioning arrangement according to Claim 19, wherein each bridging element comprises a bridging strap.
21. A cushioning arrangement according to Claim 19 or 20, wherein the, or each, cushioning member is covered by a cover, and the attaching means is provided on the cover, the attaching means extending from the cover on one cushioning member to the cover on the other.
22. A saddle incorporating a cushioning arrangement as claimed in any preceding Claim.
23. A saddle according to any preceding claim, incorporating a stirrup hanger assembly comprising a base, and a stirrup carrier arrangement on the base, the stirrup carrier arrangement comprising a stirrup holding member and first and second securing members on the base to secure the stirrup holding member to the base.
24. A stirrup hanger assembly according to Claim 23, wherein the first and second securing members are elongate, and extend to one another to provide an apex.
25. A stirrup hanger assembly according to Claim 24, wherein the first and second securing members are arranged at an acute angle to each other, and the stirrup holding member is provided at the apex of the first and second securing members.
26. A saddle according to Claim 25, wherein the first and second securing members are a single securing element folded to provide the first and second securing members, whereby the fold provides the foresaid apex, the stirrup holding member being secured to the securing element at the told thereof.
27. A saddle according to any of Claims 23 to 26, wherein the base is tormed of a generally flat, flexible material.
28. A saddle according to any of Claims 23 to 27, wherein the stirrup hanger assembly comprises two of the aforesaid stirrup carrier arrangements on the base, the stirrup carrier arrangements being arranged in general reflective symmetry relative to each other.
29. A saddle according to Claim 28, wherein the first and second securing members of one of the stirrup carrier arrangements are arranged at an obtuse angle to the respective first and second securing members of the other stirrup arrangement.
30. A saddle according to any of Claims 23 to 29, wherein each of the securing members is formed of a generally flat flexible material, and is secured to the base by stitching through the securing member.
31. A saddle according to any of Claims 23 to 30, wherein the base is formed of a single piece upon which the, or each, stirrup carrier arrangement is secured.
32. A saddle according to any of Claims 23 to 30, wherein the base may be formed of two pieces, and the, or a respective, stirrup carrying arrangement is secured to each piece of the base.
33. A saddle according to any of Claims 23 to 32, wherein a stop member is provided on the base in front of the stirrup holding member, the stop member comprising an elongate formation projecting from the base.
34. A saddle according to any of claims 22 to 33 incorporating a seat comprising a one piece seat member having a pommel and a cantle, an underside configured to conform to the shape of the saddle body, and an upper side configured to the form of a seat for a saddle.
35. A saddle according to Claim 34 formed of a cushioning material, for example a foam material.
36. A saddle substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
37. A cushioning arrangement substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.