GB2331223A

GB2331223A - Saddle pad

Info

Publication number: GB2331223A
Application number: GB9825164A
Authority: GB
Inventors: James Hepburn
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1997-11-18
Filing date: 1998-11-18
Publication date: 1999-05-19
Also published as: GB9825164D0; GB9724409D0; GB2331223A9

Abstract

A saddle pad 10 for location between a saddle and the back of a horse comprises a pad of resilient foam eg polyurethane having an uneven lower surface 14 whereby, in use, air may circulate beneath the pad.

Description

1 SADDLE PAD 2331223 This invention relates to a saddle pad, that is a pad

for location between a saddle and the back of a horse.

In horse riding, the saddle may be placed d4rect-ly on the back of the horse, but in many situations a rectangular pad of fabric, known as a numna pad,, is placed below the saddle.

It is among the objectives of embodiments of the present invention to provide an improved saddle pad.

According to the present invention there is provided a saddle pad comprising a pad of resilient material having an uneven lower surface whereby, in use, air may circulate beneath the pad.

The saddle pad of the present invention provides greater comfort for the horse, as air may circulate beneath the pad and minimises or prevents the accumulation of perspiration beneath the pad; with a conventional fabric pad, the pad will quickly become damp with perspiration. The resilient nature of the pad increases the comfort of both the rider and the horse, and reduces problems from pressure rubbing. Further, the resilient pad allows a rider to use the same saddle on more than one horse, as the pad will accommodate differences in shape.

Preferably, the saddle pad is saddle-shaped, that is the pad is of a rounded T-shape. Conventional pads are rectangular and extend well beyond the saddle, particularly 1---\ 2 to the front and sides and are thus readily visible.

Preferably also, the pad is normally of a generally planar configuration but is flexible to conform to the shape of the back of Preferably also, a polyurethane foam, is a horse.

the pad is of foam, most preferably such as Grade HLB30 as supplied by Kay-Metzeler. The foam is typically 20 - 60 mm thick.

The unevenness of the lower surface may be provided by any suitable means, including slots, intersecting slots, random or patterned peaks or high points, and mostpreferably the lower surface is provided with rounded peaks in a rectangular pattern, with rounded recesses therebetween.

This and other aspects of the present invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawing, which is a perspective view from the rear of a saddle pad in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

The drawing illustrates a saddle pad 10 in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The pad is formed of polyurethane foam having a smooth but nonslip upper surface 12 and a lower surface 14 which defines a large number of rounded peaks 16 in a rectangular pattern and separated by rounded hollows 18. The foam is cut to define a saddleshape, that is the pad is a rounded Tshape. The foam is normally planar, but is illustrated in the drawing in a curved configuration which the pad assumes to conform with the horsers back and the underside of the 1 3 saddle.

In use, the pad 10 is placed between the saddle and the horse's back, with the uneven surface 14 downwards, in contact with the horse's back. Following extensive testing it has been found that, compared to conventional fabric pads, saddle pads in accordance with the present invention provide greater comfort for both horse and rider, are less likely to slip, and reduce or obviate problems with pressure rubbing and sweating under the saddle. The cads 10 are also easily cleaned and disinfected and wear well. The pads 10 have proved suitable for flat horses, National Hunt horses, equestrian and all types of leisure and competition horses.

It is believed that many of the advantages mentioned above are gained by the provision of a pad which is flexible and resilient, and will therefore deform to fit the horse's back and the saddle, even where the saddle has been used extensively on another horse and has become shaped to suit the other horse. Further, it is believed that the provision of the uneven lower surface of the pad facilitates airflow beneath the pad, such that sweat does not gather beneath the pad and cause discomfort. In addition, the use of a single piece of foam to form the pad 10 reduces manufacturing costs and, using the form of foam described above, also results in the pad being both lightweight and flexible, so that it may be easily transported and stored.

4

Claims

1. A saddle pad comprising a pad of resilient material having an uneven lower surface whereby, in use, air may circulate beneath the pad.

2. A saddle pad according to claim 1 wherein the saddle pad is saddleshaped.

3. A saddle pad according to claim 1 wherein the saddle pad is a rounded T-shape.

4. A saddle pad according to any of claims 1, 2 or 3 wherein the pad is flexible and is normally of a generally planar configuration.

5. A saddle pad according to any preceding claim wherein the resilient material is foam.

6. A saddle pad according to claim 5 wherein the foam a polyurethane foam.

is

7. A saddle pad according to any preceding claim wherein the uneven lower surface comprises rounded peaks in a rectangular pattern, with rounded recesses therebetween.

8.

A saddle pad substantially as described herein.