A locking headplate of the configuration of the saddle tree of a riding saddle comprises two rigid headplate arms, each suitable for being fixed to a respective lateral front portion of the saddle tree. The two headplate arms have mutual connection end portions which form a headplate hinge for a rotation of one headplate arm with respect to the other about an axis of rotation. The end portions are further fitted with facing blocking surfaces shaped in a complementary manner so as to block, when placed in mutual contact, the rotation of the headplate arms. The headplate is further provided with arm translation means operable to translate one arm with respect to the other along the axis of rotation so as to cause the engagement and disengagement of said blocking surfaces, said arm translation means being accessible through a front access opening coaxial to the axis of rotation.

The improved saddle structure of the invention comprises first and second opposed side panels, a plurality of resilient transverse arched rib members connecting the first and second opposed side panels, and a spine member extending longitudinally between the first and second side panels. The spine member is connected to each rib member at a central crown portion of the rib member. The spine member can comprise one or more elongate members or a plurality of connecting members joining the rib members at their crown portions, and the spine member is of sufficient flexibility to flex with the flexure of the spine of an animal on which the saddle structure is fitted. A saddle seat is secured to the spine member and/or rib members. The saddle structure of the invention provides a saddle structure for use on the back of an animal whereby localised load pressure points are reduced while allowing flexure of the animal's spine, and whereby load is distributed more evenly along the length of the saddle structure.

A comfort bridge for use with an English saddle. The bridge is formed of sole bend leather of a particular size, shape, and thickness positioned between a tree point and the back of the saddle tree. The bridge is placed on each side of the saddle and either placed within a panel or attached thereto. The bridge increases the structural support area by carrying the rider's weight over a larger area under the rider's leg. Each bridge is tapered around the edges to provide a smooth connection to the saddle panel, and provide for the comfort of the rider by avoiding the large material stuffing mass that has been traditionally used in the saddle panels of early designs.

An EM structure to emit a low frequency oscillating electromagnetic energy field has a nonpolar substrate, carbon fiber and an epoxy mixture to adhere the carbon fiber to a substrate, such as Kydex. The polarity changes from nonpolar to polar upon application of direct heat When the EM structure is configured with two opposing sides that have the same flex modulus, the EM structure is reactive to external materials. The electromagnetic field changes the structure, or energy level, of the unprocessed material to a positive, reinforcing energy while processed foods remain in a negative, draining state.

A saddle tree comprising a back engaging element (3) for engaging and sitting on the back of an animal and a seat forming element (4) resiliently coupled to the back engaging element (3) adjacent the pommel (5) by a pair of resilient mounting members (8). A limit strap (17) is anchored to the back engaging element (3) and is adjustably coupled to the seat forming element (4) by a ratchet mechanism (20). The limit strap (17) terminates in a grippable element (32) which is releasably grippable by the ratchet mechanism (20). By urging the grippable element (32) in the direction of the arrow A through the ratchet mechanism (20), the limit of upward travel of the seat forming element (4) relative to the back engaging element (3) is reduced, thereby effectively hardening the saddle.

In some examples, a saddle tree having a longitudinal axis, a proximal end and a distal end, the saddle tree includes a proximal-most segment, a distal-most segment, at least one intermediate segment disposed between the proximal-most segment and the distal-most segment, a first articulation mechanism coupling each of the at least one intermediate segment to proximal ones, and a second articulation mechanism coupling each of the at least one intermediate segment to distal ones.

A riding saddle having a saddle tree, a seat surface arranged thereon, and on each side of the saddle a stirrup holder fixed to the saddle, and which riding saddle is characterized in that a damping device is attached between the saddle and each stirrup holder. During the landing of a horse at the end of a jump, the damping device distributes the load by the mass of the rider applied to the stirrup holders over a period of time.

A saddle having a pair of rockrail edges along each lateral side of the saddle, where the rockrail edges serve as fulcrums, that bear on multiple, rigid load bearing arms that teeter totter with the horse in motion, instantly morphing to match the horse's back in order to better distribute the weight of a rider. A saddle pad having multiple, rigid load bearing arms that teeter totter about a fulcrum with a conventional saddle, instantly morphing to the horse's back in order to better distribute the weight of a rider and reduce peak loads.

Saddle with passively morphing interface panels and method of use, wherein passively morphing interface panels morphs in surface profile to be reshaped upon contact with a supporting surface of a horse's dynamic back and of horses of varying sizes and shapes, so that a direct load path is created from the riders concentrated downward weight on a Chassis through a pair of symmetrically opposed Line of Contact edges, aligned with tilted sagittal plane sections through the horse's back surface, and making contact with the midline area of opposed pair of elements made of rigid materials that are caused to tip out of plane until moment forces are balanced, which occurs when the Element's entire length makes contact with the supporting horse's back causing the elements Interface's surface profile to be reshaped, without directed input, to momentarily match the varying supporting surface profiles of a horse's dynamic back.

An equestrian saddle includes a tree made of a substantially rigid material and defining a substantially vertical longitudinal center plane, a seating surface for the user, which is associated to the tree, and a pair of flaps arranged on opposite sides from the vertical plane and connected to the tree in a connection area proximate to the seating surface. Each flap includes at least one edge element having an outer surface with a relatively high friction coefficient for providing a grip on the user's leg. Each of the edge elements at least partially extends toward the connection area and is made of a material having a greater stiffness than the flaps for locally increasing resistance to wear caused by the user's leg rubbing thereon.