Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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METHOD FOR CUSTOMIZING A SADDLE TO A HORSE
AND APPARATUSES THEREOF
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to the field of horseback riding. More
specifically, it relates to a method for customizing or adjusting a saddle on
a
horse and the apparatuses thereof.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Saddle fit, the relationship between horse and saddle, has perplexed
equestrians since the introduction of the rigid frame saddle, in the 4th
century
B.C. Horsemen have long understood the importance of a well fitting saddle but
did not have the tools to make an accurate determination of the saddle fit.
Just
as humans are not able to achieve their athletic potential in shoes that hurt,
horses cannot achieve theirs with a saddle that applies uneven pressure or
that
impinges. Improperly fitting saddles are the single-most cause of spasms that
lift
and pull the horse's shoulder back, which of course inhibits proper movement.
A
saddle that impinges can cause restricted blood flow and spasms in these and
other muscle groups. The horse's stride can become shortened which changes
the way its feet make contact with the ground. This can cause damage to the
suspensory ligament and superficial digital flexor tendon.
A practitioner who has involved herself with in-depth studies of saddles and
proper fit is Joyce C. Harman, DVM, MRCVS, of Harmany Equine Clinic, in
Washington, Va. Harman has presented papers and discussions on the subject,
including a presentation at the 1997 meeting of the Association of Equine
Sports
Medicine in San Antonio, Texas. She has also written extensively on the
subject,
including authorship of a book on saddles and proper fit. "Saddles are the
necessary evils of the competition horse," says Harman. "A saddle is a rigid
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structure that connects the dynamic structures of the horse with the rider.
The fit
and position of the saddle affect the movement of the horse and the ability of
the
rider to communicate his or her wishes to the horse. Saddles contribute in a
major way to the poor-performance syndrome and to the behaviour and
lameness problems seen in horses in every sport."
Fitting this basically rigid structure correctly to a horse's back can be
confusing
and frustrating, Harman says, because so many variables are involved. There
also is the matter of cost. "Few horse owners can afford to have a specially
designed saddle for each horse in the stable. Or, if they own only one horse,
it
often is not economically feasible for them to obtain a new saddle if the
current
horse is sold or traded and another one obtained.
Many riders attempt to correct a saddle fit problem with a pad. That rarely
works", says Harman: "Numerous saddle pads are on the market to try to solve
the fitting problem; however, the majority of them create more problems than
they solve. Putting a pad across the withers under a saddle that is already
too
narrow can be compared to putting on thick socks inside a pair of shoes that
are
already too small. The pressure actually increases and muscle atrophy is often
the result."
There have been prior approaches to solving the problem of saddle fit. Talley
Inc. of Romsey, England, developed a pad formed of air cells that are
connected
to a controller unit via thin flexible plastic tubes. Vistamed of Winnipeg,
Canada,
developed an array using force-sensitive resistors. Tekscan, a company in
Cambridge, Mass., developed an extensive array using a force-sensitive ink
printed on a polyester film. U.S. patent 5,315,397 discloses a sensor array
pad
for determining the pressure distribution under a saddle. The pressure sensed
by the sensors are input to the computer which generates a display of the
pressure distribution. Also known, there is a mechanical device, which allows
a
user to measure a horse's back and compare the findings on a saddle.
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All the prior approaches had various limitations, including but not limited
to; the
systems being too cumbersome, too expensive and in most cases too
technically demanding for the average equestrian. There is another major
shortcoming with the aforementioned systems. They are all designed to test
saddle fit on a static horse; a horse which is stationary. This is inherently
wrong
since it is believed that the relationship between a saddle and a horse can
only
be well understood when there is a person on the saddle and the horse is
actually moving.
Other examples of prior art related to this field are given in US patents
4,136, 506; 4,669,255; 5, 027, 589; 5, 058, 367; 5,119,618; 5,175, 986; 5,
375, 397;
5,577,372; 5,782,070; 5,787,692; 6,050,067; and WO 97/17281.
There is thus presently a need for a method and/or apparatuses to improve the
saddle fit of a horse.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a method and
apparatuses that satisfy that need.
More particularly, the present invention provides an impression pad for
revealing
a relief pattern of the pressure distribution of a saddle on the back of a
horse,
the saddle having an underside including two symmetrical bars of a definite
surface area adapted to be positioned on the horse's back. The impression pad
comprises:
- an envelope made of a flexible material and having a surface area at least
as
large as the surface area of the bars of a saddle; and
- a moldable putty material contained in the envelope.
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The invention also provides a method for obtaining a relief pattern of the
pressure distribution of a saddle on the back of a horse, comprising the steps
of:
a) providing and levelling an impression pad as defined above;
b) positioning between the saddle and the horse's back the flattened
impression pad of step a); and
c) riding the horse for a time sufficient to imprint on the impression pad
the relief pattern of the pressure distribution of the saddle on the back of
the
horse.
The present invention further provides a method for customising the fit of a
saddle to a horse, comprising the steps of:
a) providing and levelling an impression pad as defined above,
b) positioning between the saddle and the horse's back the flattened
impression
pad of step a);
c) riding the horse for a time sufficient to imprint on the impression pad the
relief
pattern of the pressure distribution of the saddle on the back of the horse;
d) shaping a corrective cushion pad having a relief pattern conforming to the
relief pattern obtained in step c), and
e) positioning between the saddle and the back of the horse the corrective
cushion pad obtained in step d).
The corrective cushion pad preferably consists of two individual and
symmetrical
cushion pads which are respectively positioned in step e) under a
corresponding
bar of the saddle. Also preferably, step d) of shaping a corrective cushion
pad
comprises, for each individual cushion pad, the steps of:
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- providing a base panel and a set of cushion spacers of varying
thickness, each cushion spacer having a face removably securable to a face of
the base panel; and
- securing cushions spacers to the base panel in such a fashion as to
replicate the relief pattern of the impression pad obtained in step c).
Also preferably, step d) comprises the step of:
- attaching the base panel of each individual cushion pad to a
corresponding side of the impression pad of step c) prior to securing the
cushion
spacers thereto.
In a still preferred version of the method, step e) of positioning the
impression
pad between the saddle and the back of the horse comprises the steps of:
- providing a saddle blanket having a built-in pocket for receiving the
individual cushion pads;
- inserting the individual cushion pads into the pocket of the saddle
blanket; and
- positioning the saddle blanket between the saddle and the horse's back.
Also preferably, the method may comprise, between steps d) and e), the step
of:
- verifying the accuracy of the corrective cushion pad shaped in step d),
which could be done by;
i) levelling the impression pad and positioning it on the horse's back;
ii) positioning the corrective cushion pad obtained in step d) between the
impression pad and the saddle;
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iii) riding the horse for approximately the same time as in step c) to
imprint a relief pattern of the pressure distribution of the saddle on the
back of
the horse;
iv) checking the relief pattern of the impression pad revealed in step iii)
and, if it is not flat, rectifying the relief pattern of the corrective
cushion pad to
conform to the relief pattern of the impression pad; and
v) repeating steps ii) to iv) until the impression pad obtained in step iii)
is
even.
The present invention is also directed to a kit for shaping a corrective
cushion
pad as described above, the kit comprising:
- a pair of symmetrical base panels each having a first face opposite a
second face and a contour substantially conforming to a contour of the bars of
a
saddle; and
- a set of cushion spacers of varying thickness and of varying length,
each having a face removably securable to the first face of each base panel.
The invention is further directed to a kit for customizing the fit of a saddle
to the
back of a horse, the kit comprising:
- an impression pad as defined above; and
- a kit for shaping a corrective cushion pad as defined above.
What makes the present method and apparatuses so exemplary, is that once an
impression is obtained with the impression pad, a user is able to customize
the
corrective cushion pad to compensate for any uneven distribution of saddle
pressure. Whenever required, the saddle can be retested and further
adjustments can be made to the corrective cushion pad.
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BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The present invention and its advantages will be more easily understood after
reading the following non-restrictive description of a preferred embodiment
thereof, made with reference to the following drawings wherein:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of an impression pad according to a preferred
embodiment of the invention disposed on a horse's back, and ready to receive
the saddle;
Figure 2A is a cross-sectional front view of the impression pad of Fig. 1,
before
disposing a saddle thereon;
Figure 2B is the same view as in Fig. 2A showing a saddle disposed on the
impression pad, and after the horse has been mounted and ridden;
Figure 3A is a cross-sectional side view of the impression pad without the
saddle on as in Fig. 2A;
Figure 3B is the same view as in Fig. 3A with a saddle, as in Fig. 2B;
Figure 4 is a perspective view of one side section of the impression pad of
FIG. 1 with the relief pattern imprinted thereon and serving as a model to
shape
a corrective cushion pad according to the invention;
Figure 5 is a perspective view of a saddle blanket adapted to receive the
corrective cushion pad shown in figure 4.
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DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Impression pad
With reference to Figures 1 to 4, an impression pad (10) according to a
preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated. The impression pad (10)
is
used for revealing the relief pattern of the pressure distribution of a saddle
(12)
on the back of a horse (1 ). It comprises an envelope (16) made of a flexible
material filled with a moldable putty-like material (18), preferably a non
hardening material. As well known in the art and as shown in figure 1, a
saddle
(12) typically comprises an underside including two symmetrical bars (also
called panels) (14) adapted to be positioned on the horse's back to support
the
weight of a rider on the horse (1). Only one of these symmetrical bars (14)
can
be viewed in figure 1. Among all the components of a saddle (12), it is these
bars (14) which exert all of the pressure on the horse's back. Therefore, and
as
can be appreciated from figures 1, 2B or 3B, the envelope (16) has a surface
area at least as large as the surface area of the bars (14) of the saddle
(12),
whereby the pressure exerted by the side bars (14) is transmitted to the
impression pad (10) when it is positioned between the saddle (12) and the
horse's back. More preferably, it is larger so to make sure that all the
pressure
exerted is transmitted to the impression pad (10). The impression pad (10)
preferably has a design similar to existing saddle pads, such as the ones used
in
English Riding or Western riding.
The envelope (16) is preferably made of plastic, more preferably it is
constructed
from clear flexible vinyl. The gauge of the vinyl is preferably approximately
#20.
However, it has to be noted that the envelope could be made of any other
flexible material such as textile, as long as it allows the putty material
contained
therein to be easily deformed. The putty-like material (18) could be made from
any dough recipe, most preferably it could be made from a flour, salt, mineral
oil,
Water and cream of tartar recipe.
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As shown in figures 1, 2A and 2B, the impression pad (10) preferably comprises
a centrally located channel area (20) devised to cover the spine (2) of the
horse
from the withers area (4) to the back area (6) of the horse. The impression
pad
(10) further comprises two side sections (22) each extending laterally from a
side of the channel area (20). Each of the side sections (22) includes a front
portion (24), devised to cover the shoulder area (8) of the horse, and a back
portion (26), devised to cover the back (6) of the horse. The front portion
(24) is
wider than the back portion (26) so to conform with the shape of the horse.
In the preferred embodiment shown, the two side sections (22) of the envelope
(16) consist of two individual side envelopes each having an inner edge (28)
removably connectable to the inner edge (28) of the other side section (22) so
to
form the centrally located channel area (20) of the pad (10) once connected. A
VELCRO~ type fastening, such as VELCRO~ straps (30) can be used to
connect the inner edges (28) of the side sections (22) of the envelope ( 16)
together. Only one of the two side sections (22) is illustrated in figure 4.
Referring to figure 4, the envelope (16) may advantageously comprise a
closable outlet (32) to release the air that may be trapped in the envelope
(16).
In another embodiment of the invention not illustrated, the envelope could
advantageously be a one piece envelope wherein the two side sections would
be permanently connected to the centrally located channel area.
Method of obtainin4 the relief pattern of the pressure distribution under a
saddle
The pressure distribution of the saddle (12) on the back of a horse (1 ) in
movement and carrying a rider can be obtained or revealed by first a)
levelling
an impression pad (10) as described above. This can be performed by placing
the impression pad (10) on a flat surface and levelling it with the use of a
(baker's) rolling pin so that the putty material (18) inside the impression
pad (10)
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is of a consistent thickness, as in figures 2A and 3A. As apparent to any
person
skilled in the art, the impression pad (10) could be levelled by any other
way.
Then, as shown in figures 2A, 2B, 3A and 3B, the levelled impression pad (10),
is b) placed on the back of a horse (1 ), its location being the same as a
normal
saddle pad. The VELCRO~ straps (30) are adjusted so that the impression pad
(10) lies flat against the contours of the horse's back.
A saddle (12) is then placed on the impression pad (10). It will be understood
that the present invention contemplates employing saddles of different shapes
and types, preferably English and Western saddles. The saddle (16) is
10 harnessed in the normal fashion.
Then, c), a rider mounts the horse (1 ) and puts him through a series of
manoeuvres for a time sufficient to imprint, on the impression pad (10), the
relief
pattern of the pressure distribution under the saddle (12), as shown in
figures 2B
and 3B. The time required is generally approximately 30 minutes. In fact, the
time sufficient to create an impression varies with the temperature of the
putty
material (18), the weight of the rider and how poorly the saddle fits.
The rider then dismounts and removes the saddle (12). The impression pad (10)
is examined. The pressure distribution under the saddle (12) becomes evident
based on how the putty material (18) in the envelope (16) has been moulded, as
in figures 2B, 3B and 4. The areas where the saddle (12) impinges or applies
the most pressure; the putty material (18) may be displaced to the extent,
that
the hair on the horse's back will be visible through the impression pad (10).
Method for customising the fit of a saddle to a horse
Then, to customise the fit of the saddle (12) to the horse (1 ), the method
further
comprises the steps of d) shaping a corrective cushion pad (34) having a
relief
pattern conforming to the relief pattern obtained in step c) above, as shown
in
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figure 4; and e) positioning between the saddle (12) and the back of the horse
(1 ) the corrective cushion pad (34) obtained in step d). The corrective
cushion
pad (34) preferably consists of two individual and symmetrical cushion pads,
only one of which is illustrated in figure 4.
The shaping of each of the individual corrective cushion pads (34) preferably
consists of temporarily attaching a base panel (36), preferably made of
leather,
to each portion of the impression pad (10) in a predesignated area with
VELCRO~ attachments (38). This step could also be performed by placing the
imprinted impression (10) and the base panel (36) of the cushion pad (34) side
by side, as in figure 4. These panels (36) are preferably made from 7-8 oz,
polyurethane coated leather, although any other relatively resistant and
somewhat flexible material could be used. Preferably, they are approximately
21
inches in length and have a contoured shape with a maximum width of
approximately 7 inches, to conform with the shape of most types of horses. The
polyurethane coated leather is employed because it doesn't allow for
absorption
of perspiration from the horse, the leather will not change shape.
Then, cushion spacers (40), preferably closed-cell foam rubber spacers, are
attached to the leather panels (36) with VELCRO~ attachments (41 ), for
example, or any other type of removable attachment could be used. The cushion
spacers (40) may preferably have a closed-cell construction, each cell
encapsulating a bubble of air. The cushion spacers (40) will preferably not
absorb moisture and will remain lofty even under extreme pressure. The cushion
spacers (40) are made in the same design as the base leather panels (40) but
cut into sections. Each section is approximately 2 inches in width, the length
being determined by the contour of the panel design. The cushion spacers (40)
are available in varying thickness, which could include 1/8 inch, 1 /4 inch,
1/2
inch and 3/4 inch. The positioning of the foam rubber spacers (40) on the
leather
panels (36) is determined by the relief pattern of the impression pad (10).
The
foam rubber spacers (40) are placed in such a fashion as to replicate the
relief
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pattern of the impression pad (10), as shown in figure 4. The highest spacers
are placed where there has been the least amount of saddle pressure.
The impression pad (10) is placed again and the two corrective cushion pads
(34) are installed thereon.
The saddle (12) is again placed on the impression pad (10), which is now
equipped with two corrective cushion pads (34). The saddle (12) is harnessed
in
the normal fashion.
A rider mounts the horse (1 ) and again puts him through a series of
manoeuvres.
The saddle (12) is removed. If the impression pad (10) indicates that there
has
been an equalization of saddle pressure, the leather panels (36) with foam
rubber spacers (40) are removed from the impression pad (10). Sometimes,
minor adjustments are required to the location of the spacers (40), the rider
can
simply reposition the adjusted cushion pad (34) on the impression pad (10),
ride
the horse and check the relief pattern of the impression, and repeat these
steps
until the equalization of the impression pad (10).
Once the impression pad (10) is equalized (in other words, even), it is
removed
from the horse's back and replaced with a saddle blanket (42). Referring to
figure 5, the saddle blanket (42) could be similar to existing designs but it
has at
least one built-in pocket (44) to receive the corrective cushion pads (34). In
the
preferred embodiment illustrated in figure 5, the saddle blanket (42)
comprises
one centrally located built-in pocket with an opening in the front end.
However,
in another embodiment, not illustrated, the saddle blanket (42) may include
two
lateral built-in pockets (44) or one centrally located built-in pocket with a
rear
opening. The fabric for the saddle blanket (42) is advantageously made from
natural and man-made fibres. Fabrics such as Fleece, Sherpa, woven and flat
knit could be used.
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The corrective cushion pads (34) are finally inserted in the pocket (44) of
the
saddle blanket (42). A customized saddle pad has been created. Any time a
horse changes shape or a rider changes horse, the saddle pad can be modified.
In this regard, it has to be noted that a saddle that fits a certain horse at
the
beginning of a competitive season may not fit that horse by the end of the
season. Horses in competition generally change shape three times during the
competitive season. After a winter's layover, they start out heavy and wide.
As
training progresses, they will lose weight and gain muscle tone. This will
result in
a narrower body with more muscle development in the front and rear quarters.
By the end of the season, the horse will be at its thinnest, with even more
muscle bulk.
The present invention thus advantageously provides a simple and inexpensive
method and apparatuses for customizing the fit of a saddle to a horse, even
when the characteristics of the horse change.
Although a preferred embodiment of the present invention have been described
in detail herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, it is to be
understood that the invention is not limited to this precise embodiment and
that
various changes and modifications may be effected therein without departing
from the scope or spirit of the present invention.
