GB2619732A

GB2619732A - A saddle for an equine

Info

Publication number: GB2619732A
Application number: GB2208720.9A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Sara Downing Amy
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2022-06-14
Filing date: 2022-06-14
Publication date: 2023-12-20
Also published as: GB202208720D0

Abstract

A saddle 100 for an equine such as horses comprising a weight- bearing structure arranged to transmit the weight of a rider to the equine. The weight- bearing structure comprises one or more cavities 116b, each cavity 116b containing a plurality of pellets 118a; 118b which may be formed from a polymetric material. The pellets 118a; 118b are movable within the cavity 116a; 116b so that the weight-bearing structure can change shape during use of the saddle 100. A method of manufacturing the saddle 100 is provided wherein the cushioning material is removed from the cavity of an existing saddle and is refilled with a plurality of pellets, the cavity is then resealed.

Description

A SADDLE FOR AN EQUINE

Technical field

The present application relates to a saddle for an equine, such as a saddle for a horse.

Background

When manufacturing equine saddles it is known to include padding material in order to aid comfort for the rider and/or the animal with which the saddle is used. As the saddle must comfortably support the weight of the rider, padding is used in weight-bearing parts of the saddle including the seat on which the rider sits so that it has a comfortable surface for the rider to sit on. Similar padding may be provided in the part of the saddle which rests on the back muscles of the equine and through which the I5 rider's weight is transmitted to provide a comfortable fit Conventional saddles for horses comprise a panel formed by one or more pads which form a padded area on the underside of the saddle that are directly in contact with the muscles of the horse's back when the saddle is in use. The panel transfers the weight of the rider to the horse, and so is typically stuffed with a padding material known as flocking to aid comfort. The most traditional and widely used material for the flocking is wool, which has been used in saddles for hundreds of years Over time wool flocking is known to lose its padding properties by balling up within the saddle to form hard lumps. The saddle can then no longer provide a comfortable fit for the horse and can cause rider imbalance. This is detrimental to animal welfare, and so wool flocking must be regularly removed and replaced with fresh material. This re-flocking is a skilled task, which adds to the expense of keeping a well-maintained saddle. Even a saddle which is regularly re-flocked will still experience a slow degradation of the flocking material overtime so that the initial fit is not maintained between re-flocking.

Several alternatives to wool flocking are known. For example, panels filled with foam may be used in place of wool flocking. Foam can however similarly lose its cushioning properties over time and need replacement.

Other alternatives to wool flocking include air-filled pockets or bags within the saddle panel. These can be inflated using a pump to provide an air-filled cushion which can be adjusted to suit the shape of the horse. In some cases, such air-filled panels are also partly filled with a foam material and can be non-adjustable. Air filled panels may however be complicated to make, and difficult to use, especially those that need to be re-inflated regularly.

In order to aid comfort for the rider it is also known to use various padding materials within the seat of the saddle, or to use a separate seat cover placed over the scat.

These may make the seat softer and more comfortable to sit on. Padding material such as wool or foam used within the saddle can however degrade over time in a similar way to that of the saddle panel and may need replacing. Moreover, scat covers or protectors may be inconvenient to use and must be manufactured separately. I5

A general problem to be addressed therefore is how to provide a saddle which maintains comfort, and which is easy to manufacture, use and maintain.

Summary

In a first aspect, the present application provides a saddle for an equine, comprising a weight-bearing structure arranged to transmit the weight of a rider to the equine, wherein: the weight-bearing structure comprises one or more cavities, each cavity containing a plurality of pellets, and the pellets are movable within the cavity so that the weight-bearing structure can change shape during use of the saddle.

The plurality of pellets may be used instead of prior art cushioning materials within the parts of the saddle through which the rider's weight is transferred to the back muscles of the equine. The pellets are advantageous over traditional cushioning material which is designed to compress during use as they can mould to a desired shape and are long lasting. The pellets are particularly advantageous over well-established wool flocking, which becomes compacted over time and must be replaced at regular intervals.

At least one of the cavities containing a plurality of pellets may located within a portion of the saddle adapted to rest against the body of the equine.

By filling this part of the weight-bearing structure with a plurality of pellets it can mould to the shape of the body of the equine during use e.g. by the pellets moving around inside the cavity to change the outer shape of the surface against which the saddle rests on the animal's body.

The weight-bearing structure may comprise a saddle panel arranged on an underside of the saddle. The saddle panel may be arranged to transmit the weight of the rider to the body of the equine. The saddle panel may comprise at least one of the cavities containing a plurality of pellets.

IS The saddle panel may comprise a first pad and a second pad spaced apart by a channel running along a length of the saddle. The one of more cavities may be formed within one or both of the pads The saddle panel (e.g. one or both of the pads) may comprise an outer layer of material having an outer surface arranged to rest against the body of the equine. The outer layer of material may define a respective one of the one or more cavities in which the pellets are located. The pellets may therefore be separated from the body of the equine only by the outer layer of material forming the cavity within the saddle panel.

The saddle may comprise a seat. The seat may be arranged to support the weight of the rider. The seat may comprise at least one of the cavities containing a plurality of pellets.

By filling the scat with a plurality of pellets it can mould to the shape of the body of the rider during use e.g., by the pellets moving around inside the cavity to change the outer shape of the surface against which the rider sits. This can provide improved comfort. For example, the pellets may allow the seat to give the rider additional comfort of a "fresh" seat every time they sit in it by the pellets changing their configuration, and it would mould to different rider body shapes.

Cavities containing pellets may therefore be provided in one or both of a portion of the saddle adapted to rest against the body of the equine (e.g. the saddle panel) and/or the portion of the saddle on which the rider sits (e.g. the seat). This may provide a more comfortable fit for the equine and/or the rider respectively, and may provide a more durable alternative to prior art padding materials such as wool or foam.

The pellets may be formed from a non-deformable material such that they do not change in shape during use. The pellets therefore do not compress or change in size and/or shape when the load of the rider is placed on the saddle. This may help maintain durability of the pellets. It may also reduce the risk of them sticking together (by becoming interlocked with each other) during use and otherwise forming hard lumps within the weight bearing structure.

The pellets may be formed from a polymeric (i.e. plastics) material. The pellets may be formed from polyethylene. The use of a material such as this may provide a suitable weight and level of hardness for the pellets. If the pellets have insufficient weight the saddle may not sit comfortably on the back of the equine.

Each of the pellets may have a cross sectional size in a range between 0.5 mm and 10 mm, preferably between I mm and 3 mm. The pellets are therefore small enough in size to mould to the shape of the equine's or rider's body, but are not too difficult to manufacture or install into the saddle.

The weight-bearing structure may further comprise a padding material. The pellets may be arranged within the cavity to at least partly fill a region between a wall of the cavity arranged to contact the equine/rider, and the padding material. The padding material may reduce the amount of pellets needed to fill the body of the weight-bearing structure, and so reduce the overall weight of the saddle. The pellets may be located in a region of the saddle which is closer to the body of the equine or the rider compared to the padding material when the saddle is in use.

The pellets may form a first layer of the saddle and the padding material may form a second layer of the saddle. Any of the cavities of pellets provided may have an associated laver of padding material. The layer of padding material may be provided within the cavity or cavities of pellets, or separately therefrom. A ratio of the thickness of the first layer compared to the total thickness of the first and second layer may be between 0.25 and 0.75 The ratio of the thickness of the first layer compared to the total thickness of the first and second layer may less 0.25, and may be less than 0.1. The pellets may therefore form a thin layer compared to that of the padding material The padding material may comprise a compressible foam This may provide additional padding to ensure a comfortable fit.

The padding material may comprise an open celled foam.

The pellets of the present application may be retrofitted to an existing saddle which already has a different kind of cushioning material. I5

In a second aspect, the present application provides a method of manufacturing the saddle of the first aspect, the method comprising: removing a cushioning material from within a cavity of a eight-bearing structure of an existing saddle; and refilling the cavity with a plurality of pellets and resealing the cavity.

The skilled person will appreciate that except where mutually exclusive, a feature described in relation to any one of the above aspects or embodiments may be applied to any other aspect or embodiment.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings: Figure 1 shows a side view of a saddle according to one embodiment; Figure 2 shows a view of the underside of a saddle according to another embodiment; Figure 3 shows a schematic illustration of a cross section through part of the saddle shown in Figure 2 when not in use; Figure 4 shows the cross section of Figure 2 when the saddle is in use resting on the back of an equine; Figure 5 shows a cutaway sideview of a saddle according to another embodiment; and Figure 6 shows a cross section through the saddle of Figure 5,

Detailed Description

Saddles 1, la according to embodiments of the present invention are illustrated in Figures I and 2. The saddles I, la are suitable for use with an equine such as a horse or any other member of the equine family. The present invention may also be used in saddles suitable for other similar animals. The saddle la is shown from the underside IS in Figure 2 such that the side that would be closest to the body of the equine during use is visible. The saddle 1 of Figure 1 has a similar underside to that of the saddle in Figure 2.

The saddles 1, la generally comprises a seat 2 on which a rider sits, a pommel 4, a cantle 6, side flaps 8, 10 and a panel (or saddle panel) 12. The seat 2 forms the upper surface of the saddle on which the rider sits, and so is not visible in Figure 2. The saddles I, la are generally of known construction apart from the panel 12 (and in particular the material contained with it) as will be described below. The saddles I. la may be made primarily from leather, along with other materials, as is known in the art.

The panel 12 forms part of the weight-bearing structure of the saddle I, la through which the weight of the rider is transmitted into the back of the equine during use. The panel 12 is located on the underside of the saddle 1, la opposite to the side having the scat 2. The panel 12 thus forms a layer of the saddle I, la between the back of the equine and the seat 2 to provide a comfortable fit. The comfort of the fit of the panel 12 is important in reducing discomfort and potential injury to the equine's back.

In the presently described embodiment, the panel 12 comprises a pair of pads (a first pad 12a and a second pad 12b) which extend along a length of the saddle 1, la (e.g. in a direction along the spine of the equine when the saddle 1, la is fitted). The pads 12a, 12b are spaced apart by a channel 14 (which may be referred to as a gullet) which may provide airflow and space to accommodate the equine's back when the saddle 1, la is in use. The channel may protect the equine's spine by allowing the weight of the rider to be carried solely on muscle. Other panel configurations known in the art may be used, with Figure 2 illustrating only one example of a panel 12 with which the present invention may be used. In other embodiments, the pads 12a, 126 may be joined at one end to form a single unitary pad. Various other shapes, numbers and configurations of pads may also be used to form the panel 12.

A cross section through the first of the pads 12a along the dotted line C marked in Figure 2 is illustrated in Figures 3 and 4. In these figures, the pad 12a is shown separately from the saddle 1, la for ease of illustration. The pad 12a is however connected to the underside of the saddle 1, la at its upper surface 13, or may be IS integrally formed with the rest of the saddle I. la. Although only a cross section through the first pad 12a is shown, the second pad 12b in the present embodiment has the same construction. Anything disclosed in connection with the first pad may therefore apply equally to the second pad. In other embodiments, the pads may however have different constructions, for example depending on where they contact the equine's body.

As can be seen in Figures 3 and 4, each of the pads 12a, 12b forming the panel 12 comprises an inner cavity 16. Each of the pads I2a, 12b comprises a sleeve of material 15 (e.g. a leather sheet) which forms the wall of the cavity 16 of the respective pad. In the present embodiment each pad comprises a single, continuous cavity which extends throughout the body of the pad. In other embodiments, partitions may be provided so that more than one cavity is provided in each pad, or the cavity or cavities provided may take up only part of the body of a respective pad.

Within the cavity 16 of each pad 12a, 12b is located or contained a plurality of pellets 18. The pellets 18 are formed from small individual pieces of material as shown schematically in the Figures. The pellets 18 are arranged to fill at least part of the volume of the interior of the cavity 16. The cavity is sealed or completely surrounded by its outer wall 15 to contain the pellets within it. The pellets 18 are movable within the respective cavity 16 such that they can adopt different configurations. This is shown in Figure 3, which shows the pad of the saddle I, la not in use. and Figure 4 shows it resting on the back 20 of an equine (e.g. a horse). As can be seen in the Figures, by being able to move around within the respective cavity 16, the pellets allow the pads 12a, 12b to change shape. This allows the pads 12a, 12b to adjust in shape when the saddle 1, la is placed on the back of an equine to fit the contours of the animal's back. As the equine moves, the pads 12a. 12b can continuously change in shape accordingly as the back of the equine changes shape and position relative to the saddle 1, la. The pellets 18 thus allow the pads 12a, 12b to effectively mould in shape to match the shape of the back 20 of the equine. This provides a comfortable fit and reduces the risk of injury.

The inventors have found that the pellets 18 of the present invention are advantageous over known types of saddle cushioning material, in particular wool flocking which is traditionally used as a cushioning material. The pellets 18 have been found to provide IS a comfortable fit between the saddle 1, la and the back 20 of the equine, especially when it is moving. The pellets 18 also provide a durable cushioning material, and do not need replacing after a period of use as is the case for wool flocking. The pellets do not, for example, ball-up in the same way as wool flocking, and can maintain a comfortable fit over a longer period of use.

The pellets 18 in the present embodiment are separated from the body of the equine by only the pad wall material 15 when the saddle 1, la is in use. The pellets 18 may form a layer of each of the pads I2a, 12b which is located directly behind the layer of material which forms the outer surface of the pad to allow a comfortable fit. This may allow the pellets to better mould to the shape of the equine's body, and may help provide a comfortable fit. In other embodiments, an additional layer of material (e.g. further padding) may be located between the pellets 18 and the wall material 15.

The pellets 18 may be formed from a non-deformable material such that they do not change in shape during use. The individual pellets may be formed from a sufficiently hard material such that they do not compress or otherwise deform under the load of the rider when the saddle 1, la is in use. This contrasts with the use of relatively soft compressible padding such as wool or foam. The hardness of the pellets 18 may help to prevent them from becoming interlocked with each other, which would otherwise inhibit their ability to move around within the cavity 18 and mould the pad to the desired shape. This may therefore reduce the risk of hard lumps being formed by the pellets becoming clumped together. The relative hardness may also help to make the panel 12 more durable.

In the presently described embodiment, the pellets 18 are formed from a polymeric material (i.e. a plastics material). In particular, the pellets 18 may be formed from polyethylene. By using a material such as this, the pellets 18 have a suitable weight and hardness to provide a suitable level of moulding to the shape of the equine and good durability, while not making the saddle too heavy. In other embodiments, other materials may however be used The size of the individual pellets 18 may be chosen such that they can sufficiently mould the shape of the pads 12a, 12b to the back 20 of the equine. The size (or average size) of each of the pellets 18 may be in a range between 0.5 and 10 mm, and preferably between 1 mm and 3 mm. By "size" we mean the greatest cross-sectional size that can be measured across each of the pellets 18. The pellets 18 are shown schematically in Figures 3 and 4, and so are not drawn to scale in comparison to the size of the cavity 16 in which they are contained to aid illustration. The pellets 18 in the present embodiments are each small, rounded pieces of material. They may however be any suitable shape. The shape and/or size may vary between pellets (rather than each pellet being the same shape and size as shown in the Figures).

In addition to the pellets 18, the cavities 16 of the pads 12a, 12b may further contain a padding material 22. The padding material 22 forms a layer of the respective pad 12a, 12b in addition to the layer of pellets 18. In the present embodiment, the padding material 22 is located within the cavity 16 in addition to the pellets 18. The padding material forms part of each respective pad such that the pallets 18 are located between the padding material and the wall of the pad which contacts the equine during use. The pellets 18 are therefore located behind the material forming the surface of the pad which makes contact with the equine's body.

The padding material 22 acts to take up space within the respective pad such that fewer pellets 18 are required for the cavity to be filled to the desired amount. This may help to reduce the weight of each pad I2a, 12b compared to if they were filled only with pellets 18 (i.e. the padding material 22 is made from a material having a lower density compared to the pellets 18, such that space in the cavity 16 is taken up by a relatively lighter material). This may provide a suitable number of pellets to provide a comfortable fit, while not making the pads la, 12b too heavy.

The thickness of the layer of padding material 22 may be chosen compared to the thickness of the layer of pellets 18 to give the pads 12a, 12b a good fit to the body of the equine, while not making the saddle too heavy. The pellets 18 may form a first layer of the weight-bearing structure having a thickness 'A'. The padding material may form a second layer of the weight bearing structure. The first and second layers have a total thickness 13' as shown in Figure 3. In some embodiments, a ratio of the thickness of the first layer compared to the total thickness of the first and second layers may be between 0.25 and 0.75 (i.e. the ratio A/B is within this range). in some embodiments, the ratio A/B may less 0.25, and may be less than 0.1. The pellets may therefore form a thin layer compared to that of the padding material.

Where the thickness of each layer varies across the pad (as is the case in Figure 3), the thickness (e.g. thicknesses A and B) may be measured at the point of greatest thickness. A minimum thickness of the layer of pellets may be required to provide the desired comfortable fit. In some embodiments, the thickness 'A' of the layer of pellets may be no less than 2 cm, or no less than 5 cm In the present embodiment, the padding material 22 comprises a compressible foam. More specifically, the padding material may comprise an open celled foam. The padding material may be a polyethylene foam. The use of foam materials such as this may allow the padding layer to be lightweight and provide a suitable level of cushioning The padding material may be provided throughout the pads 12a, 12b so that it forms a backing layer behind all of the regions of the pads 12a, 12b which contain pellets. In other embodiments, only some regions of the pads 12a, 12b may include a layer of the padding material 22, such that some cross sections through the pads do not include the padding material at all, but only the pellets. in other embodiments, the padding material may be absent from the pads 12a, 12b entirely.

In the embodiment shown in Figures 3 and 4, the padding material 22 is contained within the cavity 16 in addition to the pellets 18 so that they form two separate layers within the pads 12a, 12b. In other embodiments, the cavity 16 may contain only the pellets 18, with an additional separate layer of the pad 12a, 12b being made from the padding material 22. For example, an additional cavity may be formed in which the padding material 22 is contained separately to the pellets 18, or the cavity 16 may be divided into two compartments.

In the presently described embodiments, the pellets 18 are provided in the pads 12a, 12b which form the panel 12 of the saddle 1, la. More generally, the pellets 18 may be included in any part of a saddle 1,1a which forms a weight-bearing structure having a surface which is adapted to rest against the body of an equine during use and through which the rider's weight is transmitted. The presently described pellet filled cavities of the present application may therefore be provided as part of any weight-bearing structure. They may also be located in any region of the saddle which will form a contact with the body of the equine.

In the embodiments described above, one or more cavities containing pellets are provided in the part of the saddle which contacts the back of the equine during use and through which the weight of the rider is supported. in other embodiments, one or more similar cavities containing pellets may be provided within the part of the saddle arranged to support the weight of the rider (e.g. the seat). Both of these structures (the saddle seat and the saddle panel) may be considered to be the weight bearing structure of the saddle (or part of it).

Figure 5 shows a cutaway side view of a saddle 100 according to another embodiment. A cross section along line E through the saddle 100 is shown in Figure 6. in this embodiment the saddle 100 includes corresponding components to those of Figures 1 and 2. The saddle shown in Figures 5 and 6 comprises a seat 102 on which a rider sits, a pommel 104, a cantle 106, side flaps 108, 110 a skirt 111 and a panel (or saddle panel) 112. The saddle 100 in this embodiment is generally of known construction apart from the seat 102 and the panel 112 (and in particular the material contained within them) as will be described below. The saddle 100 further comprises a saddle tree 101, which provides the saddle with structural stability. The saddle tree may be made from wood or plastic, and may be of known construction. Although not shown in Figures I and 2, the saddle of those embodiments may &so include a saddle tree. The saddle 100 further comprises webs 124a, 124b shown in Figure 6 which are arranged to connect the side flaps 108, 110 to the saddle tree 101. The webs 124a, 124b may be used as part of the seat construction, for example where the saddle tree 101 is made from wood.

The seat 102 comprises an inner cavity 116a in which a plurality of pellets 118a is contained. The pellets 1 I8a are formed by small individual pieces of material as shown schematically in the figures, and may for example, be the same as those described above provided in the saddle panel 12. The pellets 118a are movable within the cavity 116a similarly as described above to allow the seat to mould in shape to fit the rider as the saddle moves during use. The pellets 1 I8a have similar advantages to those described above, but with improved comfort primarily for the rider being provided instead. The pellets 118a may aid comfort for the rider (i.e. the user) in a similar way to including pellets in the saddle panel improves comfort for the equine e.g. by moulding to the shape of the rider's body. The pellets 118a may also provide a more durable form of padding material for the scat compared to prior art materials.

The pellets 118a in the present embodiment are separated from the body of the rider by only' the seat outer wall material 115a (e.g. the outer layer of the seat 102) when the saddle 100 is in use. The pellets 118a may form a layer of the seat 102 which is located directly' behind the layer of material which forms the outer surface of the seat 102 to allow it to effectively shape to the rider's body. in other embodiments, one or more additional lavers of material (e.g. further padding) may be located between the pellets 118a and the wall material 115a.

The cavity of pellets II 6a provided in the seat 102 may be similar to those described above provided in the saddle panel 12. Any of the features described above in connection with pellets being provided in the saddle panel, or other parts of the saddle, may apply equally to embodiments in which pellets are provided in the saddle seat. For example, the pellets 118a may be any of the shapes and sizes defined herein. The seat 102 may &so comprise additional materials such as an additional padding material e.g. a foam material as described above. In the present embodiment, the saddle 100 comprises a padding material 122a. The padding material 122a forms a layer of the seat 102, and extends underneath the laver of pellets 118a. The pellets 118a may therefore be arranged to form a layer of the seat 102 between an additional padding material layer and the outer wall 115a of the scat. The thickness of the layer of pellets 118a (and padding material 122a, or the ratio of the pellet layer thickness (A) to the total thickness of the pellets and padding material (B)), provided in the seat 102 may be the same as any other embodiment described herein with respect to the saddle panel 12. The padding layer may be formed from similar material as those described above in connection with the padding material provided in the saddle panel 12. The padding material 1 I2a may, for example, be a compressible foam. More specifically, the padding material 112a may comprise an open celled foam. The padding material 112a may be a polyethylene foam. Other materials may however be used. In the embodiment shown in Figure 5, the padding material 122a is provided separately from the cavity 116a in which the pellets are located. in other embodiments, padding material may alternatively or additionally be provided in the cavity 116a similarly to as described above in connection with the saddle panel 12.

Anything described above in connection with the pellets and padding material in Figures 1 to 4 may apply equally to the embodiment of Figures 5 and 6.

The cavity 116a containing pellets shown in Figures 5 and 6 is to be understood as an example only, with any number, shape or size of cavities of pellets being provided according to the size and shape of the seat.

in the embodiment shown in Figures 5 and 6, the saddle 102 further comprises a saddle panel 112 having pellet filled cavities corresponding to those described above in connection with Figures 1 to 4. As can be seen in Figures 5 and 6, the saddle panel 112 comprises cavities 116b each having a plurality of pellets 118b contained therein.

As can be seen in Figure 6, the panel 112 comprises two pads 112a, 112b corresponding to those described above. A pellet filled cavity 116b is provided in each of the pads 112a, 112b as shown in Figure 6. Each of cavities are bounded by an outer wall material layer 115b as described above. Each of the cavities 116b of the panel 112 further contain a padding material layer 122b. The padding material 122b may be made from the same materials as the padding material 122a in the scat.

Any of the features described above in connection with the saddle panel 12 may also apply to the saddle panel 112 of Figures 5 and 6.

Although Figures 5 and 6 illustrate an embodiment in which cavities of pellets are provided in both the scat 102 and the saddle panel 112 this may not necessarily be the case. In some embodiments, cavities of pellets may be provided in only one of the seat 102 or the panel 112.

The pellets 18, 118 of the present application may be retrofitted to existing (already manufactured) saddles which already have a different cushioning material. For example, a cushioning material such as wool or foam may be replaced with the pellets of the present application when the saddle is re-flocked. In another aspect, the present application therefore provides a method of manufacturing the saddle 1 described above, the method comprising: removing a cushioning material from within a cavity of a weight-bearing structure of an existing saddle; and refilling the cavity with the plurality of pellets and resealing the cavity.

IS Various modifications will be apparent to the skilled person without departing form the scope of the claims. The embodiments described above should be understood as exemplary only. Any feature of any of the aspects or embodiments of the disclosure may be employed separately or in combination with any other feature of the same or different aspect or embodiment of the disclosure and the disclosure includes any feature or combination of features disclosed herein.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A saddle for an equine, comprising a weight-bearing structure arranged to transmit the weight of a rider to the equine, wherein: the weight-bearing structure comprises one or more cavities, each cavity containing a plurality of pellets, and the pellets are movable within the cavity so that the weight-bearing structure can change shape during use of the saddle.
2. A saddle according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the cavities containing a plurality of pellets is located within a portion of the saddle adapted to rest against the body of the equine.
3 A saddle according to claim 2, wherein the weight-bearing structure comprises a saddle panel arranged on an underside of the saddle, the saddle panel saddle comprising at least one of the cavities containing a plurality of pellets.
4. A saddle according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the saddle panel comprises a first pad and a second pad spaced apart by a channel running along a length of the saddle, wherein the one of more cavities are formed within at least one of the pads.
5. A saddle according to claim 4, wherein saddle panel comprises an outer layer of material having an outer surface arranged to rest against the body of the equine, the outer laver of material defining a respective one of the one or more cavities in which the pellets are located.
6. A saddle according to any preceding claim, the saddle comprising a seat, the seat comprising at least one of the cavities containing a plurality of pellets.
7. A saddle according to any preceding claim, wherein the pellets are formed from a non-deformable material such that they do not change shape during use.
8. A saddle according to any preceding claim, wherein the pellets are formed from a polymeric material.
9. A saddle according to claim 8, wherein the pellets are formed from polyethylene.
10. A saddle according to any preceding claim, wherein each of the pellets has a cross sectional size in a range between 0.5 mm and 10 mm, preferably between 1 mm and 3 mm.
11. A saddle according to any preceding claim, wherein: the weight-bearing structure further comprises a padding material; and the pellets are arranged within the cavity to at least partly fill a region between a wall of the cavity arranged to contact the equine or the rider, and the padding material.
12. A saddle according to claim 11, wherein the pellets form a first layer of the saddle and the padding material forms a second layer of the saddle, wherein a ratio of the thickness of the first layer compared to the total thickness of the first and second layers is between 0.25 and 0.75.
13. A saddle according to claim 11, wherein pellets form a first layer of the saddle and the padding material forms a second layer of the saddle, wherein a ratio of the thickness of the first layer compared to the total thickness of the first and second layers is less than 0.25, or more preferably less than 0.1.
14. A saddle according to any of claims 11 to 13, wherein the padding material comprises a compressible foam.
15. A saddle according to claim 14, wherein the padding material comprises an open celled foam.
16. A method of manufacturing the saddle of any of the preceding claims the method comprising: removing a cushioning material from within a cavity of a weight-bearing structure of an existing saddle; and refilling the cavity with a plurality of pellets and resealing the cavity.