A horseman-securing device is configured in order to prevent a horseman sitting on the back of a four-legged animal from falling off, or being able to fall off the animal. It comprises securing device by means of which the horseman, in use, is releasably secured to the animal. The securing device is configured to secure the horseman secured to the animal in such a way that the horseman retains the freedom of movement to hinge his knee joints.

A horseman-securing device is configured in order to prevent a horseman sitting on the back of a four-legged animal from falling off, or being able to fall off the animal. It comprises securing device by means of which the horseman, in use, is releasably secured to the animal. The securing device is configured to secure the horseman secured to the animal in such a way that the horseman retains the freedom of movement to hinge his knee joints.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.