Disclosed is a horse riding saddle including a saddle tree disposed in a cover, the saddle tree including an arch that forms a pommel. The saddle includes at least one sensor positioned in the saddle, close to the pommel, and connected to the saddle tree (20) by way of a complete connection.

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 saddle may be manufactured through the injection molding of a core. The core may then be reinforced by the application of a pliable reinforcement layer, such as pre-impregnated epoxy glass, which may then be hardened. A finishing layer may then be applied to the reinforcement layer to complete the saddle.

Disclosed is a Global Positioning System (GPS) location tracking system for equine saddles with battery charging means and/or charging protocols and, optionally, a saddle leasing method that takes advantage of the saddle tracking system. The tracking system may be an equine saddle having a tree, a cantle, a horn, a side, an underside and a saddle covering, a battery powered GPS location tracking module, and battery charging means attached to the structure of the saddle. The module will be adapted to communicate with a remote receiver/monitor, such as one located in a rental agency.

Specialized saddles and components for specialized saddles. In some embodiments, the saddles may include one or more saddle horns that may be placed nearer one side of the saddle than the other. In certain embodiments, the saddle horn may be detachable, allowing different saddle horns to be used with a single saddle assembly or for multiple positions on a single saddle assembly where the saddle horn may be located for use.

A saddle may be manufactured through the injection molding of a core. The core may then be reinforced by the application of a pliable reinforcement layer, such as pre-impregnated epoxy glass, which may then be hardened. A finishing layer may then be applied to the reinforcement layer to complete the saddle.

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.

A method of changing the angle of the seat of a saddle used for riding horses. This invention requires a removable or detachable seat cover under which is a flexible seat, front of which may be raised or lowered for maximum rider comfort. This is achieved by using spacers under the front of the seat structure, which is called a ground seat, in saddle making nomenclature. This invention allows saddle seat configuration to be optimized for different riding conditions or disciplines, which traditionally use saddles that have differing seat angles, to optimize rider position and comfort for that discipline.

A saddle and use of said saddle are provided for seating a rider on an animal, in particular on a horse. The saddle includes a frame for mounting a girth and/or stirrups. The frame includes a front member that defines a pommel side of the saddle, a rear member that defines a cantle side of the saddle and a central member interconnecting the front member and the rear member. The central member is arranged to extend in a longitudinal direction above the spine of the animal. The saddle further comprises cushion members arranged for resting directly on the back of the animal on opposite sides of the central member. The saddle is provided with a connecting element crossing the central member and interconnecting the cushion members, and the connecting element is freely movable or loose with respect to the central member.

An saddletree with controlled flexing is disclosed using multiple pairs of wave depressions. One group of wave depressions extends from the edge of the tree toward the central channel. Other waves are on the pommel and within the central channel. The pommel wave positioned along the centerline of the tree contains an ellipse and a pair of slots on either side to control flex. The interior of the central channel is scalloped along a portion of the periphery and a recess is cut into the edge of the pommel. An engineered rail and secondary rail are formed into the underside. The underside of the saddletree is covered with bidirectional carbon weave that extends from the underside to the top surface to overlap on a portion of the top surface.