WO2004074166A2

WO2004074166A2 - Rider support means and saddle tree

Info

Publication number: WO2004074166A2
Application number: PCT/GB2004/000559
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jacqueline Pountney
Original assignee: Jacqueline Pountney
Priority date: 2003-02-14
Filing date: 2004-02-13
Publication date: 2004-09-02
Also published as: GB0303433D0; WO2004074166A3

Abstract

A rider support means (10) is provided which comprises attachment means for selectively attaching the support means (10) to a saddle tree (42). The rider support means may comprise a front support (12), and a rear support (14) to support the front and rear of the rider respectively.

Description

RIDER SUPPORT MEANS AND SADDLE TREE

The present invention relates to rider support means and saddle trees, particularly but not exclusively, for supporting a disabled rider on an animal, such as a horse.

Conventional customised saddles for supporting disabled riders are expensive since a part of the saddle needs to be shaped to fit a particular horse and a part of the saddle needs to be shaped to fit the rider.

This is because riders with different disabilities require differently shaped saddles to provide support to different areas of the body and the dimensions of the bodies of different riders also vary.

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a rider support means, the support means comprising attachment means for selectively attaching the support means to a saddle tree.

In this way different rider support means, each adapted for use by a particular rider, may be attached to a particular saddle tree, which may be adapted for use with a particular animal. Therefore, a number of different riders, usually requiring customised saddles, may be able to ride the particular animal using only one basic saddle tree.

Preferably the rider support means includes a front support to support the front of the rider and preferably a rear support to support the rear of the rider.

Preferably the front support includes a front wall portion, most preferably located rearwardly of a front edge of the saddle tree, at which a pommel maybe provided. The height of the front wall is preferably dictated by a support requirement of the rider. Typically the front wall may be up to 60 centimetres high. The front wall is preferably up to 30 centimetres high.

Preferably the rear support comprises a rear wall portion, most preferably located in front of a rear edge of the saddle tree, at which a cantle may be provided. The height of the rear wall portion is preferably dictated by a support requirement of the rider. Typically the rear wall portion may be up to 90 centimetres high. Preferably the rear wall portion is up to 50 centimetres high.

Preferably a lateral spacing of the front and rear supports is determined by support requirements of the rider. For example, the front and rear wall supports may be required to contact parts of the rider's body such that only very limited movement is allowed to firmly support the rider and perhaps to prevent the rider falling from the saddle.

Retaining means maybe provided on the or each wall, preferably in the form of a strap arrangement, to completely close the side gaps between the front and rear wall portions. In this way the rider may be further supported, the rider's body being completely surrounded by the strap arrangement and front and rear wall portions.

The strap arrangement may be provided at a height suitable for the rider, for example around the waist or chest of the rider. The strap arrangement is preferably a hook and loop fastening strap arrangement.

The rider support means preferably includes a base portion for joining the front wall portion and the rear wall portion. Preferably the front wall portion, the rear wall portion and the base portion are formed unitarily.

Preferably the rider support means comprises an internal profile customised to the support requirements of the rider. The rider support means may be formed of wood, plastics, a synthetic material or any other suitable material, for example rubber or glass fibre.

Preferably the attachment means comprises male or female connections, such as a projection or recess, for connection to a corresponding female or male connection provided on the saddle tree. The attachment means may comprise a snap fit arrangement. The support means may then be easily and quickly attached to the saddle tree.

The attachment means may comprise a first bolt locatable within a first channel provided on the saddle tree. The attachment means preferably further comprises a spring to urge the first bolt into the first channel, ie into a position in which the rider support means is securely attached to the saddle tree.

Preferably the attachment means is provided at or adjacent the or each wall portion. Preferably four spring urged bolts are provided, two at each wall portion.

Release means may be provided to release the rider support means from the saddle tree. The release means may comprise a button, lever or other suitable means. The support means thus remains securely attached to the saddle tree until it is desired to separate the two. The release means may comprise means to draw the first bolt from the first channel against the action of the spring, such as finger loop.

Preferably the rider support means further comprises a covering, which may be of leather, perhaps of buffalo hide. Preferably the rider support means further comprises a resilient pad, for example of a foam material or any other cushioning material. More than one resilient pad may be provided. The or each resilient pad may be located underneath the covering or above the covering. The resilient pad may be located on the front wall portion. The resilient pad may be located on the rear wall portion. The resilient pad may be located on the base portion. The or each resilient pad may be an EVAC™ pad supplied by EVAC Ltd of Northcote Street, Walsall.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a saddle tree for a rider of an animal, the saddle tree comprising saddle tree attachment means for attachment of the saddle tree to a rider support means according to the foregoing first aspect of the invention herein set forth.

The saddle tree attachment means may comprise a second bolt locatable within a second channel provided on the rider support means. The saddle tree attachment means preferably further comprises a spring to urge the second bolt into the second channel, i.e. into a position in which the saddle tree is securely attached to the rider support means.

Preferably the saddle tree attachment means is provided at or adjacent to each wall portion of the rider support means in use. Preferably four spring urged bolts are provided, two at, or adjacent, each wall portion in use.

Means may be provided to draw the second bolt from the second channel against the action of the spring, such as a handle or finger loop.

According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a method of providing customised support saddles for a plurality of riders of an animal comprising the steps of, attaching a first support member, adapted to support a first rider, to a saddle tree member adapted to fit the animal to produce a support saddle for the first rider, removing the first support member and attaching a second support member, adapted to support a second rider, to the saddle tree member to produce a support saddle for the second rider when riding the animal.

Using this method a plurality of riders requiring support saddles may ride the same animal using the same saddle tree member which is adapted to the shape of the animal.

An embodiment of the present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which :-

Figure 1 is a schematic representation of a rider support means according to the invention, and

Figure 2 is a schematic representation of a saddle tree according to the invention.

Referring to Figure 1, a rider support means (10) is shown. The rider support means (10) comprises a front wall portion (12) and a rear wall portion (14). The front and rear wall portions are connected by a base portion (16). The front wall, rear wall and base portions (12, 14, 16) are formed integrally of a rigid synthetic material. Resilient pads (18), formed of a foam material, are provided on each of the front wall, rear wall and base portions (12, 14, 16) .

Internal surfaces (20, 22, 24) of the front wall, rear wall and base portions (12, 14, 16) respectively provide a smooth profile custom formed for the rider to provide support in required regions for different parts of the body. The lateral spacing of the internal surface (20) of the front wall (12) and the internal surface (22) of the rear wall (14) is such that the rider is held firmly within the rider support means without enabling any forward or rearward movement of the rider, whilst the rider is seated in the rider support means (10) . Retaining means in the form of retaining straps (26) are provided on the front and rear wall portions (12, 14). A strap (26) extends from each side of each wall portion at a height such that, in use, the straps extend around the waist region of the rider. The retaining straps (26) extending from the rear wall portion (14) include hook regions (28) corresponding to loop regions (30) on the retaining straps (26) extending from the front wall portion (12) for fastening. Any other suitable fastening mechanism may be provided. The fastening means may be adjustable in length.

Attachment means are provided near the base portion (16) of the rider support means (10) at the front wall and rear wall portions (12, 14) . The attachment means comprises a rigid connector (32) extending from the front wall portion (12) and a cylindrical channel (34) formed in the rear wall portion (14). The connector (32) includes a projection (36) having a hook (38) extending from its end. The hook (38) is shown as being upwardly extending but may be provided in any suitable orientation.

Referring to Figure 2, a saddle tree (42) is shown. The saddle tree (42) is of a conventional overall shape and is profiled to fit a particular horse in a known manner. The saddle tree (42) includes a pommel (44) at its front edge and a cantle (46) at its rear edge. Between the pommel (44) and the cantle (46) , an upper surface (48) of the saddle tree (42) has mounting means for the rider support means (10) thereupon. The mounting means comprises a staple shaped member (50) towards the pommel (44) end of the saddle tree (42). The staple (50) is suitable for engagement with the hook (38) of the connector (32) provided on the rider support means (10) . The staple (50) forms a rigid loop with the upper surface (48) of the saddle tree (42) within which the hook (38) is able to locate. Towards the cantle (46) end of the saddle tree(42) a resilient bolt member (52) is located. The resilient bolt member (52) comprises a cylindrical bolt (54) of corresponding dimensions to the cylindrical channel (34) formed in the rider support means (10) such that location of the bolt (54) in the channel (34) provides secure engagement between the saddle tree (42) and the rider support means (10). Lateral spacing of the staple (50) and the resilient bolt member (52) corresponds to the lateral spacing of the connectors (32, 40) . The resilient bolt member (52) further comprises a spring to urge the bolt (54) towards the pommel (44) end of the saddle tree (42). A finger pull (56) is provided for a user to easily move the bolt against the action of the spring manually.

The rider support means (10) is customised to the individual rider. Different rider support means (not shown) for different riders may be differently profiled but retain the features of the connector (32) and the channel (34) including the same lateral spacing as previously mentioned in order to accommodate the different rider support means on the same saddle tree (42) . A particular advantage of this system may be for use at a disabled riding school for example where a large number of riders would require customised saddles. In this case, riders requiring customised saddles may bring along their own customised rider support means for use with saddle trees provided by the disabled riding school which are already adapted to fit particular horses. In this situation it is not necessary for a disabled rider to have an expensive customised saddle made to fit both themselves and a particular horse. Since the rider support means is customised, it may be used by any rider requiring extra support, not only disabled riders, for example young children. The rider support means (10) may also be used as a training aid. In use, the rider attaches the rider support means (10) to the saddle tree (42) by first locating the hook (38) and projection (36) within the loop formed by the staple (50) and upper surface (48) on the saddle tree (42). Once the front of the rider support means (10) is hooked around the staple (50), the finger loop (56) is used to draw back the bolt (54) against the action of the spring. The rider support means (10) may then be placed on the upper surface (48) of the saddle tree (42) . The bolt (54) is then released and allowed to slide into the channel (34) formed in the rear wall portion (14) of the rider support means (10) to securely engage the rider support means (10) with the saddle tree (42) . In this position the rider support means (10) is not able to move relative to the saddle tree (42) . The rider then mounts the rider support means (10) which is profiled to prevent any movement of the rider and provide support for the front and rear of the rider. The resilient pads (18) are provided for the comfort of the rider. The resilient pads (18) may be EN AC™ pads (supplied by ENAC Ltd of Νorthcote Street, Walsall). Once the rider is in position on the ENAC™ pads, the pads are deflated to conform to the shape of the rider to provide comfort.

Once the rider is comfortable, the retaining straps (26) are placed around the waist region of the rider and fastened by engaging the hook regions (28) with the loop regions (30) . Other forms of harness may be provided if additional support is required, for example around the chest region of the rider or with more rigid strap means.

When it is desired to remove the rider support means (10) from the saddle tree (42) , the bolt (54) is withdrawn from the channel (34) using the finger loop (56) . Next the hook (38) is disengaged from the staple (50) on the saddle tree (42) and the rider support means (10) is thus removed from the saddle tree (42) . The saddle tree (42) is then able to receive a different rider support means having similar connectors (32, 34). In this way a number of riders may ride the same horse using the same saddle tree (42) . The invention also allows the same rider to ride a number of different horses having saddle trees provided with means to engage the rider support means of the invention. This significantly reduces the expense of providing saddles customised to both the rider and each individual horse. A customised saddle is effectively formed by attaching the rider-customised rider support means to the animal-customised saddle tree. The invention also reduces the time required to re-saddle a horse between different riders.

Various modifications may be made to the present invention without departing from its scope. For example, any suitable form of engagement means may be used to secure the rider support means to the saddle tree. For example, a snap fit arrangement may be provided at either connector or different standard engagement means may be provided at the or each connector. A different number of connectors may be provided, perhaps only one or perhaps more than two. For example, the rider support means may be slid onto rails provided on the saddle tree. Any known shape of saddle tree may be adapted to combine with the rider support means.

Claims

1. A rider support means, the support means comprising attachment means for selectively attaching the support means to a saddle tree.

2. A rider support means according to claim 1, including a front support to support the front of the rider.

3. A rider support means according to claim 1 or claim 2, including a rear support to support the rear of the rider.

4. A rider support means according to claim 2 or claim 3, in which the front support includes a front wall portion.

5. A rider support means according to claim 4, in which the front wall portion is located rearwardly of a front edge of the saddle tree.

6. A rider support means according to claim 4 or claim 5, in which a pommel is provided at the front wall portion.

7. A rider support means according to any of claims 4 to 6, in which the height of the front wall is dictated by a support requirement of the rider.

8. A rider support means according to claim 7, in which the front wall is up to 60 centimetres high.

9. A rider support means according to claim 8, in which the front wall is up to 30 centimetres high.

10. A rider support means according to any of claims 3 to 9, in which the rear support comprises a rear wall portion.

11. A rider support means according to claim 10, in which the rear wall portion is located in front of a rear edge of the saddle tree.

12. A rider support means according to claim 10 or claim 11, in which a cantle is provided at the rear wall portion.

13. A rider support means according to any of claims 10 to 12, in which the height of the rear wall portion is dictated by a support requirement of the rider.

14. A rider support means according to claim 13, in which the rear wall portion is up to 90 centimetres high.

15. A rider support means according to claim 14, in which the rear wall portion is up to 50 centimetres high.

16. A rider support means according to any of claims 3 to 15, in which a lateral spacing of the front and rear supports is determined by support requirements of the rider.

17. A rider support means according to any of claims 10 to 16, in which retaining means is provided on the or each wall to completely close the side gaps between the front and rear wall portions.

18. A rider support means according to claim 17, in which the retaining means comprises a strap arrangement.

19. A rider support means according to claim 18, in which the strap arrangement is provided at a height suitable for the rider.

20. A rider support means according to claim 19, in which the strap arrangement is provided around the waist of the rider.

21. A rider support means according to claim 19 or claim 20, in which the strap arrangement is provided around the chest of the rider.

22. A rider support means according to any of claims 18 to 21, in which the strap arrangement is a hook and loop fastening strap arrangement.

23. A rider support means according to any of claims 10 to 22, further comprising a base portion for joining the front wall portion and the rear wall portion.

24. A rider support means according to claim 23, in which the front wall portion, the rear wall portion and the base portion are formed unitarily.

25. A rider support means according to any preceding claim, which comprises an internal profile customised to the support requirements of the rider.

26. A rider support means according to any preceding claim, formed of wood, plastics, a synthetic material or any other suitable material.

27. A rider support means according to any preceding claim, in which the attachment means comprises male or female connections for connection to a corresponding female or male connection provided on the saddle tree.

28. A rider support means according to claim 27, in which the connection is a projection or a recess.

29. A rider support means according to claim 27 or claim 28, in which the attachment means comprises a snap fit arrangement.

30. A rider support means according to any of claims 27 to 29, in which the attachment means comprises a first bolt locatable within a first channel provided on the saddle tree.

31. A rider support means according to claim 30, in which the attachment means further comprises a spring to urge the first bolt into the first channel into a position in which the rider support means is securely attached to the saddle tree.

32. A rider support means according to any of claims 4 to 31, in which the attachment means is provided at or adjacent the or each wall portion.

33. A rider support means according to claim 32, in which four spring urged bolts are provided, two at each wall portion.

34. A rider support means according to any preceding claim, in which release means is provided to release the rider support means from the saddle tree.

35. A rider support means according to claim 34, in which the release means comprises a button, lever or other suitable means.

36. A rider support means according to claim 34 when dependent upon any of claims 31 to 33 or claim 35, in which the release means comprises means to draw the first bolt from the first channel against the action of the spring.

37. A rider support means according to claim 36, in which the release means comprises a finger loop.

38. A rider support means according to any preceding claim, which further comprises a covering.

39. A rider support means according to any preceding claim, which further comprises a resilient pad.

40. A rider support means according to claim 39, in which the resilient pad comprises a foam material.

41. A rider support means according to claim 39 or claim 40, in which more than one resilient pad is provided.

42. A rider support means according to claim 39 when dependent on claim 38 or claim 40 or claim 41, in which the or each resilient pad is located underneath the covering.

43. A rider support means according to claim 39 when dependent on claim 38 or any of claims 40 to 42, in which the or each resilient pad is located above the covering.

44. A rider support means according to any of claims 39 to 43 when dependent on any of claims 4 to 38, in which the resilient pad is located on the front wall portion.

45. A rider support means according to any of claims 39 to 44 when dependent on any of claims 10 to 38, in which the resilient pad is located on the rear wall portion.

46. A rider support means according to any of claims 39 to 45 when dependent on any of claims 23 to 38, in which the resilient pad is located on the base portion.

47. A saddle tree for a rider of an animal, the saddle tree comprising saddle tree attachment means for attachment of the saddle tree to a rider support means according to any of claims 1 to 46.

48. A saddle tree according to claim 47, in which the saddle tree attachment means comprises a second bolt locatable within a second channel provided on the rider support means.

49. A saddle tree according to claim 48, in which the saddle tree attachment means further comprises a spring to urge the second bolt into the second channel into a position in which the saddle tree is securely attached to the rider ₍support means.

50. A saddle tree according to any of claims 47 to 49, in which the saddle tree attachment means is provided at or adjacent to each wall portion of the rider support means in use.

51. A saddle tree according to claim 50, in which four spring urged bolts are provided, two at, or adjacent, each wall portion in use.

52. A saddle tree according to claim 51, in which means is provided to draw the second bolt from the second channel against the action of the spring.

53. A saddle tree according to claim 52, in which said means comprises a handle or finger loop.

54. A method of providing customised support saddles for a plurality of riders of an animal comprising the steps of, attaching a first support member, adapted to support a first rider, to a saddle tree member adapted to fit the animal to produce a support saddle for the first rider, removing the first support member and attaching a second support member, adapted to support a second rider, to the saddle tree member to produce a support saddle for the second rider when riding the animal.

55. Rider support means or a saddle tree or a method of providing customised support saddles substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.