GB842693A - Improvements in or relating to horse-riding saddles - Google Patents

Abstract

842,693. Saddles. FRESHFIELD, E. H. July 11, 1956 [Aug. 23, 1955], No. 24242/55. Class 62. A self-adjusting saddle framework suitable for a variety of horses comprises two supporting pad members C, Figs. 1 and 4, carrying the stirrup bars C<SP>6</SP>, the pad members being pivotally attached in the region of their centre of gravity to a U-shaped member B by ball and socket joints B<SP>1</SP>, C<SP>1</SP>. By fitting underpadding felt j as shown in Fig. 5, the arrangement may be used as a felt practice riding saddle, a fitted felt saddle (not shown) built up on the underpadding and the U- shaped member B yeilding sufficiently to permit movement of the pad members. Alternatively the framework may form part of a saddle tree comprising a seat frame A<SP>1</SP>, Fig. 2, of wood or light alloy and a bracket A<SP>3</SP> carrying a gullet plate A<SP>2</SP>, the bracket having slots A<SP>4</SP> permitting limited movement of the U-shaped member B. In this arrangement the frame A<SP>1</SP> may have projecting limbs A<SP>5</SP> each formed with spherical ends A<SP>6</SP> which provide additional pivotal support for the pad members by engaging ball sockets C<SP>5</SP>. The saddle leatherwork c is secured to the rear end of the seat frame and to the gullet plate, while the underpadding d is in the form of two strips each secured between the underside of a pad member and the rear of the seat frame, the strips being sufficiently narrow as to permit movement of the pad members. It is suggested that the gullet plate may be omitted, in which case the U-shaped member rests on the upper face of the bracket A<SP>3</SP>. An alternative embodiment comprises an H-shaped framework, Figs. 6 and 7, formed of cranked spring-steel rods or bars D<SP>1</SP> joined by a cross-piece D<SP>2</SP>, the rods or bars having spherical ends D<SP>3</SP>. The pad members and further pads E of oval shape are pivoted by sockets E<SP>1</SP> to respective ends of the frame, the pads on each side being joined by a strip of thick rubber F cemented to the undersides. Alternatively the oval pads may be fixures, or all the pads may have pivots permitting only restricted movement, the strips F being omitted in the latter case.