WO2017125756A1

WO2017125756A1 - Equine skin protector

Info

Publication number: WO2017125756A1
Application number: PCT/GB2017/050148
Authority: WO
Inventors: Louise BUTCHER; Matthew BUTCHER
Original assignee: Horse Ultra Sports Kit (Husk) Limited
Priority date: 2016-01-23
Filing date: 2017-01-20
Publication date: 2017-07-27
Also published as: GB2546575B; GB201601259D0; GB2546575A; GB2546734A; GB201601795D0; GB201616656D0

Abstract

An equine protection device (1) comprising two layers (3,5) of synthetic fabric, said first layer (5) to be placed in contact with the animals skin, and said second layer (3) located above said first layer, positioned away from said animal skin, wherein both layers have a permeable porous interior and surfaces, and the pores in said layer for contacting the animal skin are smaller than pores in said other layer. The device may be a saddle pad for use under a regular saddle, or may be used to protect the limbs of the animal.

Description

EQUINE SKIN PROTECTOR

Background

Riding equine animals (such as horses, donkeys, ponies etc..) may put the animals legs at risk of injury through impact during the ride and possible overstretching. Riding such equines also involves the use of a saddle, a semi-rigid device of leather and/or metal and/or synthetic fibres held in position using a girth, which is a strap of varying materials that goes around the trunk of the horse and secures to the saddle.

There is a concern amongst many equine riders and animal owners around injury in the field during turnout for the same reasons, rendering the equine not rideable for a period of time. Injuries such as abrasions, cuts, tendon and ligament sprain or tear, splints, and skin irritations to wet, muddy conditions are a few examples of the risks posed to equines' legs that will lead to them not being able to be ridden for some time, if at all. This may also in turn lead to discomfort for the animal, confinement in stables (leading to depression or erratic behaviour), huge vet bills, and at worst case scenario euthanasia. As a result leg protection in the form of leg protections and bandages of various materials are often applied to the canon and fetlock anatomy in particular to protect the equine from injury.

When performing a physical activity, equines produce a lot of heat, and in order to maintain the body temperature the animals cool via sweat evaporation. Equines are flight animals and have particular problems in dissipating heat efficiently during long periods of exercise. In order to thermo- regulate themselves, they produce large amounts of sweat by special glands distributed over the entire body surface. The evaporation of sweat subtracts heat from the skin and the capillary bed underneath. This mechanism is present in humans but very rare in other mammals, being almost exclusively found in the equine.

Equines can produce up to 40 mL/min/m² of sweat. Equine used in sports typically weigh on average 500 kg and have a body surface area of about 5 m². It has been calculated in the laboratory that approximately 8I of sweat is produced during a training session of medium intensity. Excessive sweating in a warm humid environment may cause serious physical problems since the sweat may disrupt the thermo-regulation mechanism when the sweat is not able to evaporate. In addition, excessive sweating in cold temperatures with restricted dissipation can also have negative effects on the equine through over cooling. It is common practice to use leg protection of various compositions and thickness to protect equines' legs. This "leg protection" can be in the form of leg protections and bandages; they have the following objectives: to protect the leg from impact, over stretching of tendons and ligaments, reduce risk of abrasions and cuts, protect from mud. This protection restricts dissipation of sweat and heat.

Sweat will also occur under the saddle during exercise, and so sweat and accumulated bacteria may, over time, damage the saddle due to repeated sweat absorption. Therefore it is common practice to use a pad to act as a barrier between the horse's back and the saddle. This "barrier" is often referred to as a "saddle pad", it has the following main functions: preventing the sweat from damaging the saddle, enabling impact protection between horse and saddle, and harmonizing unequal pressures between saddle and horse. This protection restricts dissipation of sweat and heat.

If the sweat that is produced between leg protection or saddle/saddle pad and the equine is unable to evaporate, bacteria will thrive. Most importantly, if the sweat does not evaporate it stifles the cooling effect, which can affect the equine's physical well-being, causing the breakdown of tendon tissue for example. Temperatures around 45°C (a few degrees higher than normal tendon temperature) have been recorded in the core of the superficial digital flexor tendon of the leg, even after strenuous exercise of short duration. Heat is generated by the stretch-recoil cycle in the tendons, yet bandage wraps reduce normal cooling of the legs by convection. Heat that develops in the central core of any tendon or muscle should be allowed to dissipate as quickly as possible following work to avoid tissue degeneration. Sweat and accumulated bacteria can also, over time, damage the leg protection/equine leg protection by repeated sweat absorption.

Equines naturally thermo-regulate using their thick coat of water repellent hairs, enabling air to flow freely between the hairs, and sweat and water to move away from the equine's skin. The sweat also produces a protein called "latherin" which is designed to assist the transportation of sweat along the hair, away from the skin, and into the atmosphere through evaporation. However the leg protection and saddle pads compress this soft layer of hair, and prevents this airflow. Also in the Winter, riders often shave their equines of their thick, thermo-regulating coat, and as a result destroy the thermo- regulating ability of the equine altogether. This causes risk of overheating and over cooling, and these variations in temperature can lead to extreme expanding and contracting of the equine's tissue, and weakening the structure as a result, leading to higher risk of injury.

There is also a risk of an accumulation of sweat, proteins and bacteria on the leg protection, saddle or saddle pad itself, and the hairs of the equine, increasing the risk of infection. The leg protection, saddle or saddle pads are at risk of being damaged by the sweat, breaking down the material, it also often results in a bad smell. Therefore everything is washed regularly - current leg protection, saddles and saddle pads are notorious for taking long periods of time to dry, encouraging riders and equine owners to often put damp leg protection, saddles or saddle pads back on the animal, which can lead to abrasion and discomfort for the equine. In winter the sweat of the equine still on the animal may freeze which can cause other health risks to the equine.

Currently the most regularly used leg protection or saddle pads are made using the following materials: cotton, cotton with natural or synthetic padding, wool, synthetic materials, pressed wool, neoprene, memory foam, plastic, carbon fiber, leather, or fur. In addition to this secondary pads maybe placed between saddle pad and saddle to harmonize the imbalance between horse and saddle, and/or prevent slippage of saddle, saddle pad or both. These secondary pads are often made of gels, or natural lambskin/fur.

These currently used materials used are disadvantageous; they restrict, absorb and retain sweat, bacteria, dust, hairs, sand, etc. They can often only be fully cleaned in a washing machine (which are often not available at livery yards) as opposed to being simply hosed down, and they take a long time to dry - particularly on a cold, damp day.

Despite the fact that leg protection devices, saddle pads use different materials to protect parts of the horses' body and limbs, as well as to absorb the sweat, it is still apparent that legs/body may over heat under such devices, and the sweat of the equine is prevented from evaporating. This will increase the risk of injury in particular.

The fact that current leg protection or saddle pads tend to hold the water from the equine's sweat, and water from the external environment causes many disadvantages; the weight of the leg protection or saddle pad is increased leading to discomfort and injury to the equine, the weight increase can also lead to slipping of the leg protection or saddle pad, the wet environment leads to growth of bacteria and fungus, as well as increase risk of abrasion, and whereby competition riders in particular with more than one equine to ride in a day; this becomes a very expensive operation as they need at least one set of leg protections per equine. Weight is also fundamental: naturally, the lighter the equipment on the equine, the more comfortable it is; weight is also fundamental in the field of equine racing, where every piece of equipment used is required to be as light as possible so not to handicap the equine and stifle its performance. Flexibility is also fundamental; too rigid a leg protection or saddle pad will cause discomfort to the equine and prevent the natural flexion and extension of the leg tendons, thus weakening them and putting them at higher risk of injury. Similarly, a rigid saddle pad will distort the fit of the saddle, which as explained earlier, can cause harm to the welfare of the horse. The fact that saddle pads use different materials to absorb the sweat or prevent the sweat of the horse from evaporating may cause disadvantages to competition riders, in particular with more than one horse to ride in a day; as they need at least one saddle pad per horse. Other disadvantages are the thickness of the saddle pad can be so thick with layers that they distort the fit of the saddle to the horse and cause tightness and pressure, which in turn can damage the horse's back. In addition, the lighter the equipment on the horse's back, the more comfortable it is.

WO2015/17311 describes a horse saddle pad, characterized in that it comprises a stiffening layer interposed between a temperature controlling layer of paraffin, in contact with the back of the horse, and a thermoplastic layer in contact with the lower surface of a saddle

WO-2014044605 describes a horse saddle pad with a layered structure which consists of several layers of elastic elements. Each elastic element has a passageway for air circulation and moisture dissipation.

JP-2012231995 shows a horse saddle pad comprising a laminated layer of soft vinyl material which allows excellent air permeability with a positive effect in response to impacts. GB-2474633 discloses a horse saddle pad comprising elastic memory foam with an air permeable fabric which allows heat and moisture to be dissipated.

DE102007006413 describes a leg protection device that has a multilevel structure with an outer carrier layer, a metallized layer and an inner fine hair skin i.e. sheep skin, where the layers and the fine hair skin are connected together. The layers extend holohedrally over the entire tendon leg protection surface. The metallized layer comprises powder mixture of two different elementary metals. The powder mixture comprises copper particle and aluminium particle. The hair skin is sewn together with the metallic layer and the carrier layer

US2004031246 describes a two-component protective equine leg wrap which is designed for application to the lower part of a equine's leg. The wrap includes a panel having a fetlock joint-receiving section which is adapted to be applied to the leg part and secured by means of connection straps. A separate reinforcing strap also forms a part of the wrap and is configured for attachment to the applied panel to provide additional fetlock joint support and protection. The panel preferably includes an inner laminate layer made up of a foam body having a plurality of phase change microcapsules embedded therein to lessen heat build-up, and an outer breathable laminate layer. EP 2210511 describes a breathable tendon leg protection distributed on a carrier layer and method for producing same. To achieve this, the layer has a plurality of fine channels on and the surface of the layer is irregularly formed. As a layer of foam material can conveniently be used which has both wicking for taking the drug, as well as slip resistance. By the choice of the elastic layer with a rough surface, this layer clings without significant pressure to each body shape directly. Local constrictions and vascular damage can be avoided so that the order can be delivered via any period of time The brace is equipped with closure means that can be configured as a zipper, Velcro closure, hook closure, or the like.

Other less relevant recent inventions include: EP670704 which describes a heat conserving bandage, EP1629711B1 which describes a gaiter for animals, DE2655188A1 which concerns a rubber garment to be worn next to the skin, DE6602307U, DE20114377U1, GB2051543A and US20080190381

Limitations of current inventions

The solutions proposed so far have not proved to be capable of carrying out simultaneously and/or thoroughly the following tasks: keeping an ambient temperature of the equine's leg during exercise and turnout; preventing sweat from accumulating on legs, leg protection, saddle area, saddle pads or saddles; keeping the equine's leg area or saddle area dry by allowing complete and uninterrupted free flow and escape of heat; enabling this free flow of air and water whilst providing suppleness and therefore good fit to the equine's leg or the saddle area/horses back; preventing the build-up of bacteria, and other negative particles accumulating on the leg protection and equine's leg, saddle pad, saddle, and horse's back; remaining flexible to enable strengthening of leg tendons through allowing natural movement without over extension, and be supremely lightweight; prevention of overheating of saddle area through exercise causing higher risk of injury; easy wash with a hose, and quick dry; leg protection that doesn't slip; saddle pad that doesn't slip under saddle, or cause the saddle to slip on top of it; mimic the equine's natural method of thermoregulation via its coat of waterproof hairs; focus on simplicity of the materials used to minimize any allergic reaction from the equine, yet maximize the beneficial effect provided; remain rip stop and durable in all conditions; spread force when subjected to impact, remaining flexible, lightweight, and not of a thickness that may distort the fit of the saddle.

Objective of Invention The objective of this invention of the equine saddle pad/leg protection innovation is to provide all of the above simultaneously, whilst being aesthetically pleasing, and of simple construction.

Moreover the greatest objective is to ensure the maximum wellbeing of the horse when in exercise and minimize heat build-up during exercise and turnout.

According to the invention there is provided an equine protection device comprising a first and second layer of synthetic fabric, wherein both layers have a permeable porous interior and inner and outer surfaces, and the pores in said first layer are smaller than pores in said second layer, wherein in use said first layer is placed in contact with the animals skin, and said second layer is located above said first layer, positioned away from said animals skin.

The objective of this application is the use of a combination of varying thicknesses of man-made nylon spacer fabric, either bound together by cotton or soft plastic binding in the form of leg protection or saddle pads for equines, or being held together using strips of hook and loop fastener in the form of leg protection for equines, and in turn to provide all of the above requirements simultaneously, whilst being aesthetically pleasing, affordable to all riders and equine owners, and a very simple construction

Preferably, said synthetic fabric is technical spacer fabric. Preferably, the first and second layers have at least one surface where the pores are arranged in a honeycomb pattern. In a preferred embodiment of the invention said first layer is 2mm in thickness, and said second layer is 6mm in thickness. Preferably, the inner and exterior surfaces of the second layer have pores that are arranged in a honeycomb pattern. In some embodiments of the invention the honeycomb pattern extends over the whole of the surface(s) of the first or second layer, but in other embodiments it may only extend over part of the surface of the layer. Preferably, when the device is in use, the porous honeycomb surface of the first layer is the surface in contact with the animal skin.

Further preferably, the device also comprises a third layer for releasably connecting said first and second layers together. Preferably said third layer is a Velcro layer, to allow the layers to be easily separated. Alternatively, the layers may be permanently fixed together. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, said device is a saddle pad for placing on the back of a horse under a saddle. In some cases the saddle pad is provided with piping along the edges of said pad that sit alongside the side of the animal. The saddle may also or alternatively be provided with a spine region along the centre of the pad to assist in placement of the pad on the animal.

Preferably, said piping and /or said central spine of formed of plastic. Alternatively, said piping and /or said central spine may be formed of fabric.

In an alternative embodiment of the invention said device is a leg protection device for placing around the limb of an animal.

Preferably, said leg protection device may further comprise straps for affixing the device to an animal's limb. Said device may also further comprise a securing regions for holding said straps in position on the limb. Preferably, said leg protection device may further comprise one or more additional cushioning regions on said device, wherein said cushioning region comprises one or more soft shell regions.

Preferably, said soft shell regions are formed of plastic, in some embodiments of the invention the shell regions may have a fabric interior. Preferably, said fabric interior comprises spacer fabric. This invention comprises of two simple layers of technical spacer fabric of different thickness with honeycomb exterior bound together by either cotton or soft plastic trim, with a soft spine binding of again either cotton or soft plastic to secure the materials in place. The underside spacer layer fabric of the saddle pad, which is the part that is in contact with the horse's back is 2mm in thickness, and has a smoother, softer exterior to ensure the horse's comfort by reducing abrasion due to the holed texture of the fabric, almost like a honeycomb. The topside layer of the apace fabric is 6mm in thickness with a more rigid exterior comprising of larger holes to enable maximum dissipation of heat and evaporation of water from the horse. This is more durable to provide a rip stop quality.

The combination of the two thicknesses of spacer fabric provides ultimate airflow opportunity to mimic the thermoregulation of the horse's hair when not compressed by a saddle/leg protection or shaved. The result is that the horse's back/leg is at less of a risk of overheating, and in turn injury, and the saddle/leg protection is at less of a risk of being ruined by the contact with the horse's sweat.

The objective of this application is the use of a combination of specific thicknesses of man-made nylon spacer fabric of 2mm and 6mm. By definition, each layer of spacer fabric comprises of a first fabric layer, a second fabric layer, and a plurality of interconnecting filaments extending between the said first fabric layer and the second fabric layer. The first and second fabric layers are in the form of a honeycomb effect to facilitate airflow. The two thicknesses of spacer fabric are bound together by either cotton or soft plastic trim in the form of saddle pads/leg protection, or hook and loop material in the form of leg protection for equines. The main objective, to provide temperature regulating leg protection/saddle pads, amongst other functions detailed in the description, whilst being aesthetically pleasing, affordable to all riders and equine owners, and a very simple construction. To note, the greatest objective and success of this invention is ensuring the maximum wellbeing of the equine when in exercise, and minimize heat build-up during exercise and turnout.

The invention will now be further and more particularly described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1(a) shows the first design of leg protection/equine leg that protects the canon bone and the full fetlock joint of the equine;

Figure 1(b) shows the equine leg protection device in position on a leg; Figure 2 shows a cross section of the leg protection/equine leg protection in Figure 1 from a cross sectional view at point 1-11;

Figure 3(a) shows an alternative design of leg protection/equine leg protection;

Figures 3(b) and 3(c) show alternate views of the equine leg protection device in position on a leg;

Figure 4 shows a cross section of the leg protection/equine leg protection in Figure 3 from a cross sectional view at point 1-11;

Fig 5 is a top view of one of the layers in the device;

Fig 6 is a top view of one of the layers in the device; Fig 7 is a cross sectional view of an example of spacer fabric;

Figure 8 shows a cross-sectional view of a saddle pad;

Figure 9 (a) shows a thermal image obtained under a particular condition

Figure 9(b) shows the visible light image corresponding to figure 9(a)

Figure 9(c) is a graph showing temperature and thermal emissivity for difference place markers on the animal;

Figure 10(a) shows a thermal image obtained under a particular condition

Figure 10(b) shows the visible light image corresponding to figure 9(a)

Figure 10(c) ) is a graph showing temperature and thermal emissivity for difference place markers on the animal; Figure 11 (a) shows a thermal image obtained under a particular condition

Figure 11(b) shows the visible light image corresponding to figure 9(a)

Figure 11(c) ) is a graph showing temperature and thermal emissivity for difference place markers on the animal; Figure 12(a) shows a thermal image obtained under a particular condition Figure 12(b) shows the visible light image corresponding to figure 9(a)

Figure 12(c) is a graph showing temperature and thermal emissivity for difference place markers on the animal;

Figure 13(a) shows a thermal image obtained under a particular condition Figure 13(b) shows the visible light image corresponding to figure 9(a)

Figure 13(c) is a graph showing temperature and thermal emissivity for difference place markers on the animal;

Figure 14(a) shows a thermal image obtained under a particular condition Figure 14(b) shows the visible light image corresponding to figure 9(a)

Figure 14(c) is a graph showing temperature and thermal emissivity for difference place markers on the animal;

Figure 15(a) shows a thermal image obtained under a particular condition Figure 15(b) shows the visible light image corresponding to figure 9(a)

Figure 15(c) is a graph showing temperature and thermal emissivity for difference place markers on the animal;

Figure 16(a) shows a thermal image obtained under a particular condition Figure 16(b) shows the visible light image corresponding to figure 9(a)

Figure 16(c) is a graph showing temperature and thermal emissivity for difference place markers on the animal;

Figure 17 (a) shows a thermal image obtained under a particular condition Figure 17(b) shows the visible light image corresponding to figure 9(a) Figure 17(c) is a graph showing temperature and thermal emissivity for difference place markers on the animal;

Figure 18(a) shows a thermal image obtained under a particular condition Figure 18(b) shows the visible light image corresponding to figure 9(a)

Figure 18(c) is a graph showing temperature and thermal emissivity for difference place markers on the animal;

Figure 19(a) shows a thermal image obtained under a particular condition Figure 19(b) shows the visible light image corresponding to figure 9(a)

Figure 19(c) is a graph showing temperature and thermal emissivity for difference place markers on the animal;

Figure 20 (a) shows a thermal image obtained under a particular condition Figure 20(b) shows the visible light image corresponding to figure 9(a)

Figure 20(c) is a graph showing temperature and thermal emissivity for difference place markers on the animal;

Figure 21(a) shows a thermal image obtained under a particular condition Figure 21(b) shows the visible light image corresponding to figure 9(a)

Figure 21(c) is a graph showing temperature and thermal emissivity for difference place markers on the animal;

Figure 22 shows a photograph of a horse

Figure 23 shows a photograph of a horse

Description of Invention Construction and Function

This invention comprises of a two simple layers of technical spacer fabric of different thickness to create leg or saddle protection for equines in the form of two varieties of leg protection as detailed in Figures 1-7 and 8. By definition, a spacer fabric comprises of a first fabric layer, a second fabric layer, and a plurality of interconnecting filaments extending between the said first fabric layer and the second fabric layer. The first and second fabric layers are in the form of a honeycomb effect to facilitate airflow.

Figure 1(a) shows the first design of leg protection/equine leg protection 1 using the said combination of spacer fabrics that protects the canon bone and the full fetlock joint of the equine. As shown, the protector 1 has a main body 20, and straps 21. In this embodiment of the invention four straps 21 extend vertically from one side of the main body 20. In use (and as illustrated below in figure 1(b), the main body 20 is wrapped around the horse leg and secured with straps 21.

Figure 2 shows a cross section of the leg protection/equine leg protection in Figure 1(a) along line 1-11. The leg protection/equine leg protection 1 comprises a first fabric space layer 5, with top surface 2 and bottom surface 6, and second fabric layer 3, with top surface 7 and bottom surface 8. In use, surface 2 will be in contact with the animal's leg.

Both layers 5 and 3 are formed of technical spacer fabric which typically has a porous interior formed by monofilament yarns 4 extending between the top and bottom surfaces of each layer. In this embodiment of the invention the surface of each layer is porous, with many holes over the surface of the fabric. Preferably, layer 5 is 2mm in depth, and layer 3 is 6mm in depth. Layer 3 is the more rigid of the layers, to provide durability and to maximize heat dissipation and sweat evaporation through the layer of fabric. In use, this will face away from the animals leg, or form the topmost surface of the saddle pad to contact the underside of the saddle.

Figure 2 also shows a connecting layer 9 between the layers 5 and 3. Typically, this is a Velcro (hook and eye) layer to connect the other two layers together, but also to allow them to be easily and quickly detached. This will allow the layers to be easily separated for cleaning, and also to allow one of the layers to be replaced if required to avoid any further bacterial build up,

Figure 3(a) shows an alternative design of leg protection/equine leg protection 1 using the combination of spacer fabrics that protects the canon bone and the medial and proximal sides of the fetlock joint of the equine. As shown, the leg protector 1 has a main body 20, straps 21, and securing portion 25. In this embodiment of the invention straps 21 extend vertically from one side of the main body 20. In use (and as illustrated below in figure 3(b) and 3(c), the main body 20 is wrapped around the horse leg and secured with straps 21 on securing portion 25. Typically the straps 21 and securing portion 25 will be Velcro so the straps can be easily secured and removed from the horses leg. Figures 3(b) and (c) show the leg protector 1 in position on an animal's leg. The device 1 is wrapped around the leg and secured with straps 21 and securing portion 25. The device covers the canon bone of the equine and the medial and proximal aspects of the fetlock joint of the equine, and the two layers 5,3 of the device 1 are bound together by either cotton or soft plastic binding. The purpose of this version is to provide ultimate stability when performing more athletic work with the equine.

Thus said, the application is to protect the use of the defined combination of spacer fabrics 5 and 3 bound together with layer 9 which may be either cotton, soft plastic, or hook and loop material, such as Velcro. The two thicknesses of spacer fabric are bound together by either cotton or soft plastic trim, or hook and loop material. The underside of the leg protection/equine leg protection, which is the part that is in contact with the equine's leg uses a spacer fabric of 2mm in thickness, and has a smoother, softer exterior to ensure the equine's comfort by reducing abrasion due to the holed texture of the fabric. The topside that of the spacer fabric is 6mm in thickness with a more rigid exterior comprising of larger holes to enable maximum dissipation of heat and evaporation of water from the equine. This is more durable to provide a rip stop quality.

The combination of the two layers of spacer fabric 5,3 allows the airflow to mimic the thermoregulation of the equine's hair when not compressed by a leg protection or shaved. The result is that the equine's leg is at less of a risk of overheating, and in turn injury, and the leg protection/equine leg protection is at less of a risk of being ruined by the prolonged contact with the equine's sweat.

The materials combined are not too thick or rigid, therefore minimising the distortion of the fit of the leg protection/equine leg protection, and contouring the equine's leg naturally as it sits around it. This fabric is lightweight, simple in construction, impact protecting, quick wash, quick dry, and by preventing the build-up of heat and sweat under the leg protection/equine leg protection, in turn limits the build-up of bacteria. This is similar for the saddle pad to be described later.

The plurality of interconnecting filaments 4 extending between the surface of the first and second fabric layers 5 and 3 create a bounce to the material, to provide cushioning and pressure dispersement - The interconnecting filaments 4 in the spacer fabrics 3 and 5 create gaps and enable fluid airflow, thus ensuring that the level of temperature regulation is in accordance with the equine's exertion, replicating the natural effect of an unshaved equine's natural coat.

Figure 4 shows a cross section of the leg protection/equine leg protection in Figure 3 from a cross sectional view at point 1-11. The leg protection/equine leg protection 1 includes a spacer fabric layer 2 to be in contact with the equine's leg, this has a top surface 5 for contact with the equine skin , and second surface 6, where the surfaces are connected by monofilaments 4. Spacer layer 3 has a first surface 7, and second surface 8, and in this embodiment of the invention the layers are directly connected via surfaces 6 and 7. As for figure 2, the first layer 2 is approx. 2mm in depth, and the layer 3 is approx. 6mm in depth. Again, layer 3 has a more rigid exterior for durability, and larger holes to maximize heat dissipation and sweat evaporation. This device also has a strike pad 10, formed of a soft plastic shell, with spacer fabric 11 inside the shell to provide a spongy protective effect. Fig 5 illustrates a top view of the exterior surface 2 of first layer 5 that will be in contact with the equine's leg - this layer is flexible, soft, breathable, temperature regulating.

Fig 6 illustrates the top view of the exterior surface 8 of layer 3- this layer is thicker (6mm vs 2mm) to provide impact protection and free airflow, with holes of larger diameter for maximum heat and sweat expulsion, the layer is also durable and rip stop. It is to note that there are no barriers to air movement by use of different materials in between the spacer fabrics; the leg protection/equine leg protection provides complete and consistent airflow.

Fig 7 shows a perspective view of an example of spacer fabric layer 5, according to the present invention, and demonstrates the way that the air and water flows between the bottom surface that will be adjacent to the equine skin, through the fabric via monofilament yarns 4, and out via the top surface of the layer. Heat passes from the animal through the bottom surface 2, and through the permeable layer of the spacer fabric 5. Arrows 40 indicate heat transfer through the layer 5. Arrows 42 indicate airflow through the interior of layer 5, through the monofilament fibres 4 that create space within the layer 5 to allow the airflow and thus create an ambient temperature. Water and sweat from the animal also pass through from the horse through the permeable layer of the spacer fabric 5, to evaporate into the air through the top surface 6 of layer 5.

Figure 8 shows a cross sectional view of the saddle pad 51 from the front of the saddle. The saddle pad 51 is formed of fabric spacer layers 5 and 3. The layer 5 has bottom surface 2, which will be in contact with the animals back, and top surface 6, which is connected to the bottom surface 7 of the other space layer 5. In use, the top surface 8 of layer 3 is directly under the saddle in use. Layer 3 is more rigid than layer 5 for durability, and has larger holes, to maximise heat dissipation/sweat evaporation from the animal. As before, layers 3 and 5 have monofilament yarns 4 internally to connect their surfaces, and to provide a bounce effect that assists in dispersion of pressure. As before, layer 5 is 2mm think and layer 3 is 6mm thick.

The ends of saddle pad 51 are provided with piping 30, made of cotton or soft plastic for example to provide a neat finish to the pad. Central spine 19 of the saddle pad is bound by either cotton or soft plastic and this helps in the placement of the saddle pad, and also to stabilize the saddle pad in position on the animal. Materials may also be stitched together in a ribbed effect to enhance grip to horse's back and saddle.

Spacer fabric layer 2 which is contact with the horse's back (2), has smooth exterior surface (5,6) provides with many small holes, layer 3 includes a spacer fabric layer of 6mm thick, this is in contact with the saddle and the air, and has more rigid exterior surfaces (7,8) for durability and larger holes to maximize dissipation of heat and evaporation of sweat.

The monofilament yarns 4 of the spacer fabric3,5 are bound to the face and back of the fabric which is of a honeycomb texture to maximize dissipation of heat and water

The spaces between the monofilament yarns and honeycomb effect of the face and back of the fabric maximizes movement of air between the yarns to regulate temperatures, and dissipation of heat and water. The spaces between the monofilament yarns support the spread of pressure and load

The combination of two thicknesses of spacer fabric with differing face and back material textures provide softness and comfort against the horse's back, and rigidity and durability against the saddle, whilst still maintaining a level of flexibility to ensure that the saddle pad contours the horse's back effectively

Real Life Case Studies Using Invention Prototype

Currently there are no substantiated methods to measure and verify the amount of sweat produced, especially in the areas covered by the harness/saddle, and there seem to be indeed no scientific studies on saddle pads to refer to. As a result we used real life case studies with a variety of horses and riders, performing a variety of exercises from gallops, to jumping, and dressage of times averaging 45 min to 60 min. The invention saddle pad 51 was used.

We have provided some images to demonstrate the remarkable effect below. In figure 22 the horse pictured has not has its coat shaved, In figure 23 horse pictured has had its coat shaved. The horse in figure 22 used to suffer from sweat bumps on her back after being under saddle with a contemporary cotton saddle pad, where her sweat glands became blocked and irritated. It is suffice to say that when trialling the prototype invention saddle pad, this horse did not suffer this condition. Saddle pad 51 was tested in Summer conditions in the UK with a temperature of approximately

25°C and in winter conditions with a temperature of approximately 5°C. Results:

The horses' backs were completely dry - contrasted to where the girth (belt across trunk of horse to secure saddle to horse) had been which was wet (demonstrated in figures 22 and 23). No foam was present either. Saddle pad 51 also was still dry, and if it was dirty, could easily be washed, and subsequently dried within 30 minutes. In addition, the material is durable so the pads 51remain in good condition even after several periods of use, and looked aesthetically pleasing. The same pad can be used sequentially on multiple horses. No further sweating occurred due to the fact that the horse's skin was allowed to consistently breathe throughout the exercises, preventing build-up of latent heat The saddle pad still remained lightweight suggesting that very little water/sweat was being held by the pad, it passed straight through the permeable layers . Horses suffered no allergic reaction to the saddle pad. Riders were pleased that the saddle pad fitted to the contours of the horses back with no

movement/slipping of either saddle pad or saddle. Riders were pleased that the saddle pad did not distort the fit of their saddle due to being overly thick. The cushioning effect of the spacer fabric absorbs and disperses pressure, providing comfort for horse and rider, and minimizes risk of injury.

In conclusion this innovation benefitted the health and wellbeing of the horse, and protected the saddle from deterioration, as well as convenient and cost effective for the rider. The double layer of spacer fabric is also advantageous as it absorbs the impact and compression given by the rider to the horse with his/her weight. This in turn will better protect the horse from back injury.

Thermal Imaging Testing and Results to Demonstrate Effectiveness

Thermal imaging tests were carried out to research the effectiveness of the leg protection device, particularly focusing on temperature of the equine's legs before and after 0.25mile walk. In particular the test monitored the temperature of an equine's leg during and post exercise.

For all images described below the camera details are as follows:

The equine leg temperature was measured and thermal images taken using a thermal imaging camera before exercise without invention leg protection on, to give control temperature readings. The initial images are shown in figures 9(a)-(c) and 10(a)-(c) (for the animal without the protection device on their legs), and the measurement data for these figures are in tables 1.1, 1.2, 2.1 and 2.2 below. For all of the figures 9-21, figure (a) shows the thermal images of the animals leg, figure (b) shows a visible light image of the horses leg (taken at the same time as the image in corresponding figure (a), and figure (c) is a graph of temperature vs position on horses leg (place marker) vs emissivity. For ease of presentation, only the axes of figure 9(c) are labelled in full, but the axes for the graphs in figure 10(c)-20(c) are the same.

Table 1.1 Image Info-Figure 9a-c Table 1.2 Main Image Markers for Figure 9a-c

Table 2.2 Main Image Markers figure 10(a)-(c)

The leg protection was then applied and thermal images were obtained before the animal was exercised. These images are shown in figures ll(l)-(c) and 12(a)-(c). The measurement data for these figures is shown below in tables 3.1-4.2 Table 3.1 Image Info figure ll(a)-(c) Table 3.2 Main Image Markers for figure ll(a)-(c)

Table 4.1 Image Info Figure 12(a)-(c) Table 4.2 Main Image Markers for figure 12(a)-(c)

The animal was exercised by a short walk for 0.25 mile. Immediately on the return from exercise, the equine's leg temperature was measured and thermal images taken. These are shown in figures 13(a)-(c) and 14(a)-(c). The measurement data for these figures is shown below in tables 5.1-6.2 Table 5.1 Image Info figure 13(a)-(C) Table 5.2 Main Image Markers

Table 6.1 Image Info Figure 14(a)-(c) Table 6.2 Main Image Markers

The leg temperature and images were taken at various intervals for up to 40min post exercise, series of final temperature and images taken without invention leg protection at approx. 40min post exercise. These are shown in figures 15(a)-(c) -21(a)-(c) The measurement data for these figures is shown below in tables 7.1-13.2. The time of each image is shown in the tables so the time progression can be easily seen. Table 7.1 Image Info Figure 15(a)-(c) Table 7.2 Main Image Markers

Table 8.2 Main Image Markers

Table 9.1 Image Info Figure 17(a)-(C) Table 9.2 Main Image Markers

Background 8.0°C Nam Temperature Emtisivity Backg ound temperature P0 19.2°C 0.95 8.0°C

Emissivity 0.95 PI 21.9°C 0.95 8.0°C

Average Temperature 8.5°C P2 12.4°C 0.95 8.0°C

Image Range 5.6°C to P3 11.6°C 0.95 8.0°C

25.3°C P4 15.1°C 0.95 8.0°C

Image Time 1/30/2016 P5 10.8°C 0.95 8.0°C

9:02:19 AM P6 9.8°C 0.95 8.0°C

Calibration Range -10.0°C to P7 9.4°C 0.95 8.0°C

250.0°C P8 17.2°C 0.95 8.0°C Table 10.1 Image Info Figure 18(a)-(c) Table 10.2 Main Image Markers

Background 8.0°C

temperature

Emissivity 0.95

Average Temperature 8.2°C

Image Range 4.6°C to

23.8°C

Image Time 1/30/2016

9:02:40 AM

Calibration Range -10.0°C to

250.0°C

Table 11.1 Image Info Figure 19(a)-(c) Table 11.2 Main Image Markers

Background 8.0°C

temperature

Emissivity 0.95

Average Temperature 8.7°C

Image Range 4.1°C to

25.4°C

Image Time 1/30/2016

9:03:12 AM

Calibration Range -10.0°C to

250.0°C

Table 12.1 Image Info figure 20(a)-(c) Table 12.2 Main Image Markers

Background 8.0°C

temperature

Emissivity 0.95

Average Temperature 10.4°C

Image Range 5.5°C to

26.0°C

Image Time 1/30/2016

9:03:30 AM

Calibration Range -10.0°C to

250.0°C Table 13.1 Image Info Figure 21(a)-(c) Table 13.2 Main Image Markers

Prior to exercise with no leg protection - at temp 13.1 degrees centigrade

Directly after 0.25mile exercise at 8.20am with leg protection invention - av temp 9.1 degrees centigrade

Directly after 0.25mile exercise at 8.21am with leg protection invention - av temp 8.6 degrees centigrade

After 0.25mile exercise at 9.01am with leg protection invention - av temp 8.2 degrees centigrade

After 0.25mile exercise at 9.03am without leg protection invention - av temp 8.7 degrees centigrade Conclusion: It appears that the leg protection invention actually reduces the equine leg temperature during and post exercise, therefore having an even more beneficial effect on the equine's wellbeing than expected ! Test to Demonstrate Weight Change in Water and Drying Ability of Leg Protection Innovation

3 Leg protection models were tested:

Objective: To compare the dry weight of the three types of leg protection, including the leg protection innovation, and their drying ability. Method: This was a blinded study. Leg protections were submerged in a bowl of water for 5 min until totally wet, and weighed. The leg protections were then placed in an ambient, dry location and weighed at time intervals of 3min, 20min, 45min, and 90min post submergence, and weights were recorded.

Results: Dry

Immediately after submergence in water:

Invention leg protection 400g

Leather leg protection 280g

Felt leg protection 1180g

3min after submergence:

Invention leg protection 275g

Leather leg protection 275g

Felt leg protection 750g 20min after submergence:

Conclusion: It is evident that the invention leg protections are lightweight, and more importantly have a superior drying ability over the comparison leg protections of leather, neoprene, and felt.

In conclusion the evidence suggested that this innovation benefits the health and wellbeing of the equine, and protecting the equine's legs and saddle area from overheating, and therefore preventing the equine's leg/saddle area tissue from deterioration. The innovation reduced equine leg temperature on application during exercise and post exercise by 2.6°C. The leg protection innovation mimics the equine's natural method of thermoregulation via its coat of waterproof hairs. The simplicity of the materials used and lack of the presence of sweat minimizes risk of allergic reaction from the equine. The structure of the material used for the leg protection innovation spreads force when subjected to impact, this in turn will better protect the equine from leg injury. By reducing the temperature of the equine's legs, in turn the leg protection innovation prevents sweat from

accumulating on leg. The leg protection innovation keeps the equine's leg area dry by allowing complete and uninterrupted free flow and escape of heat and water. The material used provides protection as well as a degree of suppleness and therefore good fit to the equine's leg

Preventing the build-up of bacteria, and other negative particles accumulating on the leg protection and equine's leg due to the lack of sweat build up. The leg protection innovation is structured, yet flexible to enable strengthening of leg tendons through allowing natural movement without over extension, and be supremely lightweight. The leg protection that doesn't slip due to the holding of water as with standard leg protection made of felt and foam. The material used is tough and durable, ensuring risk of ripping/tearing low, which in turn adds extra protection to the equine's legs.

Other variations and modifications will be apparent to the skilled person. Such variations and modifications may involve equivalent and other features that are already known and which may be used instead of, or in addition to, features described herein. Features that are described in the context of separate embodiments may be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, features that are described in the context of a single embodiment may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination.

It should be noted that the term "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, the term "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality, a single feature may fulfil the functions of several features recited in the claims and reference signs in the claims shall not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims. It should also be noted that the Figures are not necessarily to scale; emphasis instead generally being placed upon illustrating the principles of the present invention.

Claims

1. An equine protection device comprising a first and second layer of synthetic fabric, wherein both layers have a permeable porous interior and porous inner and outer surfaces, and the pores in said first layer are smaller than pores in said second layer, wherein in use said first layer is placed in contact with the animals skin, and said second layer is located above said first layer, positioned away from said animals skin.

2. An equine protection device according to claim 1 wherein said synthetic fabric is technical spacer fabric.

3. An equine protection device according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein said first and second layer have at least one surface with pores arranged in a honeycomb pattern.

4. An equine protection device according to any preceding claim wherein said first layer is 2mm in thickness.

5. An equine protection device according to claim 3 or 4 wherein, in use, the porous honeycomb surface of said first layer is in contact with the animal skin.

6. An equine protection layer according to any preceding claim wherein said second layer is 6mm in thickness.

7. An equine protection device according to claim 6 wherein the inner and exterior surfaces of said second layer have pores arranged in a honeycomb pattern.

8. An equine protection device according to any preceding claim further comprising a third layer for releasably connecting said first and second layers together.

9. An equine protection device according to claim 8 wherein said third layer is a Velcro layer, to allow the first and second layers to be easily separated.

10. An equine protection device according to any of claims 1 to 7 wherein said first and second layers are permanently fixed together.

11. An equine protection device according to any preceding claim wherein said device is a saddle pad for placing on the back of a horse under a saddle.

12. An equine protection device according to claim 11 wherein the saddle pad is provided with piping along the edges of said pad that sit alongside the side of the animal.

13. An equine protection device according to claim 11 or claim 12 wherein said saddle pad is provided with a spine region along the centre of the pad to assist in placement of the pad on the animal.

14. An equine protection device according to any of claims 12 or 13 wherein said piping and /or said central spine are formed of plastic.

15. An equine protection device according to any of claims 12 or 13 wherein said piping and /or said central spine are formed of fabric.

16. An equine protection device according to any of claims 1 to 10 wherein said device is a leg protection device for placing around the limb of an animal.

17. An equine protection device according to claim 16 wherein said leg protection device further comprises straps for affixing the device to an animal's limb.

18. An equine protection device according to claim 17 wherein said device further comprising securing regions for holding said straps in position on the limb.

19. An equine protection device according to any of claims 11 to 18 further comprising one or more additional cushioning regions on said device.

20. An equine protection device according to claim 19 wherein said cushioning region comprises one or more soft shell regions.

21. An equine protection device according to claim 20 wherein said soft shell regions are formed of plastic.

22. An equine protection device according to any of claims 20 or 21 wherein said shell regions have a fabric interior.

23. An equine protection device according to claim 22 wherein said fabric interior comprises spacer fabric.