Fastening device for fastening a saddle pad to a saddle

Abstract

The invention relates to a fastening device for attaching a saddle pad to a saddle. The saddle pad comprises at least one side part (1) designed and configured to extend along one side of a horse's back and to be connected to a saddle, the side part (1) having a top (11) and a bottom. The saddle comprises: two saddle cushions (3), two saddle flaps (5), and optionally two sweat flaps (6), each arranged between the saddle cushion (2) and the saddle flap (5), the saddle cushions (3) being arranged below the saddle flap (5) and designed to be placed on the horse's back.The fastening device comprises a connection with first and second connecting means (12, 22, 32) which provide the connection between the top (11) of the side part (11) and one of the saddle cushions (3), wherein the first connecting means (12) are formed on the top (11) of the side part (1) and are firmly connected to it, and wherein the second connecting means (22, 32) are connected directly or indirectly to the saddle cushion (3).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a fastening device for attaching a saddle pad to a saddle.

[0002] In equestrian sports, especially long-distance riding, where riders cover an average of 50 kilometers a day and up to 100 kilometers at peak times, durable and easy-to-use equipment is essential. This equipment must be designed for the specific purpose and capable of withstanding even the most adverse conditions and situations. For this extreme demands, riding breeches, boots, halters, reins, and other equipment have been developed. The most important piece of equipment is the saddle. It must fit the horse's back so that pressure points and injuries do not impair the horse's performance. Providing a saddle pad is a crucial aspect of this. Saddle pads are placed between the saddle and the horse's back while riding. Examples of saddle pads include saddle blankets, western pads, and saddle numnahs.

[0003] From WO 2020 / 074341 A1, a saddle pad for a horse is known in which a secure and non-slip connection between the saddle pad and the saddle is achieved by the saddle pad having a pocket on its upper surface that holds the saddle pad. However, this solution has a disadvantage in that the pocket must be adapted to the shape of the respective saddle pad, meaning that different saddle pads are required for different saddles and saddle pads.

[0004] The present invention is based on the objective of providing an improved fastening device for attaching a saddle pad to a saddle.

[0005] This problem is solved by a fastening device with the features of claim 1, a connecting part with the features of claim 14, and a method with the features of claim 15. Embodiments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

[0006] In a first aspect of the present invention, a fastening device for attaching a saddle pad to a saddle is provided. The saddle pad comprises at least one side part designed and configured to extend along one side of a horse's back and to be connected to a saddle, the side part having a top and a bottom surface. The saddle comprises two saddle cushions, two saddle flaps, and optionally two sweat flaps, each arranged between the saddle cushion and saddle flap, the saddle cushions being positioned below the saddle flap and designed to be placed on the horse's back.The fastening device comprises a connection with first and second connecting means that provide the connection between the top of the side part and one of the saddle cushions, wherein the first connecting means are formed on the top of the side part and are firmly connected to it, and wherein the second connecting means are connected directly or indirectly to the saddle cushion.

[0007] The underlying idea of ​​the invention is to provide the simplest possible connection between the saddle cushion and a side panel of a saddle pad. For this purpose, connectable connecting elements are provided on the side panel and on the saddle cushion.

[0008] In an advantageous embodiment, the connection under consideration is a hook-and-loop fastener, wherein the first connecting element is a first hook-and-loop fastener surface and the second connecting element is a second hook-and-loop fastener surface. Accordingly, the fastening device comprises a hook-and-loop fastener with a first and a second hook-and-loop fastener surface that provide the connection between the upper side of the side panel and one of the saddle pads, wherein the first hook-and-loop fastener surface is formed on the upper side of the side panel and is firmly attached to it, and wherein the second hook-and-loop fastener surface is directly or indirectly attached to the saddle pad.

[0009] The use of a hook-and-loop fastener allows a user to easily fit the saddle to a horse. Additionally, the hook-and-loop fastener makes it possible to change saddle pads without removing the rest of the saddle. With a conventional saddle, a user can simply lift the saddle panel, detach it from the hook-and-loop fastener on the top of the side piece, and remove the side piece. This can be helpful, for example, if a side piece is soaked with sweat and heavy, or if the side pieces need to be adjusted to the horse's anatomy.

[0010] Hook and loop fasteners generally have two interlocking parts: an adhesive part with small hooks and a loop part with small loops in which the hooks interlock. For the purposes of this application, the term "hook and loop surface" is used generically, as it is irrelevant which of the two surfaces forms the adhesive or the loop part.

[0011] The precise and simple attachment of the side panels using Velcro offers the advantage that different types of horses can be ridden with a single saddle thanks to the various adjustment options available for the side panels. This is particularly useful in competition stables where several horses are ridden by different riders. Here, the sports saddle can be optimally adjusted to each horse in just two steps by changing the side panels. Furthermore, the side panels can be detached from the saddle or replaced with just a few simple steps. This eliminates the need for the traditional looping of the side panels at the top of the saddle and, most importantly, the need to thread the girth through the side panel (blanket). This allows for easy saddle adjustment by the rider, enabling independent saddle and girth positioning.

[0012] The side panel can be easily removed after riding, either to dry it or to replace it with a different side panel, which can vary in shape and color. Changing it takes about one minute. Afterwards, the new side panel is just as securely attached to the saddle as the previous one.

[0013] The orientation information (inside, outside, above) in the following refers to a saddle position on the horse.

[0014] It should be noted that the first and second fasteners can alternatively be designed in a manner other than as hook-and-loop fastener surfaces. For example, one alternative is a snap fastener connection comprising several snap fasteners. In this case, the first fasteners are provided by the upper parts (cap and rivet) of the snap fasteners, and the second fasteners by the lower parts (socket and ball) of the snap fasteners, or vice versa.

[0015] Another alternative involves using a zipper connection. In this case, the first connection is formed by one side of the zipper teeth, and the second connection is formed by the other side of the zipper teeth.

[0016] Even with the aforementioned alternatives, the side panel can be quickly and securely attached to a saddle cushion.

[0017] In one embodiment of the invention, the second connecting means are integrated into the saddle pad or glued or sewn onto it. The second connecting means and the saddle pad form a single unit that can be directly connected to the first connecting means on the upper side of the side panel.

[0018] The second fastening element can be sewn to the underside of the saddle pad. Alternatively, it can be glued or riveted. The underside is the side facing the horse's back when the saddle is in place.

[0019] In a further embodiment of the invention, the second connecting means are firmly connected to the saddle cushion via a connecting element. The connecting element can be attached to the saddle cushion separately before the connection to the saddle pad is made.

[0020] The connecting element may be designed and configured to connect the upper side of the side panel to the saddle pad. The connecting element includes secondary connecting elements designed to connect to the primary connecting elements on the upper side of the side panel. The connecting element comprises a sheath with a first and a second end, the sheath being designed and configured to at least partially enclose the saddle pad in a cross-sectional plane.

[0021] The underlying idea behind this design is to provide a connecting piece for different types of saddles and saddle pads. This connecting piece securely holds the saddle pad while simultaneously allowing for a detachable yet secure connection to the side piece. When the connecting piece is firmly attached to the saddle pad, it can be easily connected to or detached from the side piece via the detachable connection (e.g., a removable Velcro fastener). This allows for easy handling, especially when saddling or unsaddling, as the side piece can be positioned independently of the saddle's position on the horse. A rider can also easily readjust the side piece.

[0022] The design of the side panel allows for the use of different types of saddle pads. Therefore, the side panel is universally applicable to dressage saddles, jumping saddles, and other saddle types. This universal applicability reduces manufacturing costs because the invention eliminates the need to sew side panels individually tailored to each saddle.

[0023] The first and second ends of the cover can be connected, and the cover is designed and constructed to completely enclose the saddle pad in its cross-sectional plane. In use, the connecting piece is first attached to the saddle pad. To do this, the cover is placed around the saddle pad, and the two ends are connected so that the saddle pad is completely enclosed. The cross-sectional plane of the saddle pad corresponds to a transverse plane to its longitudinal extent. When placed on a horse, this corresponds approximately to the horse's transverse plane. The horse's longitudinal direction is roughly parallel to its spine.

[0024] The connecting element can be a cuff that extends over a longitudinal section of the saddle pad and wraps around it along that section. This allows the saddle pad to be held and secured across its entire surface. This ensures that the saddle pad and the cuff are firmly connected and, in particular, prevents any rocking motion between the saddle pad and the cuff while riding. A full-surface hold is defined as the cuff encompassing a certain portion of the saddle pad's length. For example, the cuff might have a length of at least 5 cm, 10 cm, or 15 cm. It could also be made of a flexible material, such as fabric.

[0025] In a further embodiment, the connecting part includes a strap designed and configured to completely encircle a sweat flap in one longitudinal direction. This embodiment is specifically intended for saddle types where a sweat flap is firmly attached to the saddle panel. In this case, the saddle panel is only partially enclosed, and an additional strap is placed around the sweat flap so that the strap completely encircles the sweat flap in one longitudinal direction. The strap thus forms a loop that encircles the sweat flap longitudinally.

[0026] The first end of the sheathing can be firmly attached to the belt, and the second end of the sheathing can be designed and configured to be connected to a belt section on a side of the weld sheet opposite the first end.

[0027] In this embodiment, the connecting part is attached to a saddle pad as follows. The first end of the covering is placed against an inner, lower side of the saddle pad. The strap is then guided around the sweat flap and secured. To fix the saddle pad, the second end of the covering is then guided over the saddle pad and connected to a section of the strap located on the outside of the sweat flap.

[0028] It may be designed and constructed so that the cover and the girth are intended to encircle the saddle pad and the saddle flap, respectively, in planes that are approximately perpendicular to each other. Thus, when fitted, the cover extends primarily in a transverse plane of the horse, and the girth primarily in a horizontal plane.

[0029] The strap may include a fastener designed and constructed to tighten the strap for a secure grip on the sweatband. This may be achieved, for example, with straps or hook-and-loop fasteners.

[0030] In one embodiment of the invention, the connection is a hook-and-loop fastener, and the first and second hook-and-loop fastener surfaces are designed and configured to adhere to each other over a flat area along a longitudinal direction of the saddle pad. Accordingly, the two hook-and-loop fastener surfaces do not make contact with each other at a single point, but are connected over a flat section. This ensures a flat contact area, which offers the advantage of increased stability, particularly in preventing rocking motions during riding.

[0031] The hook-and-loop fastener area of ​​the side panel can be designed to cover a large area. A large area is defined as an area that corresponds to at least 10%, preferably 15% or 20%, of the total surface area of ​​the side panel. In particular, the connection to the side panel can also be designed to cover a large area to provide a particularly robust connection. Alternatively, the area can be formed by many smaller areas that, in total, achieve the same level of durability, but occupy a smaller proportion of the total surface area. These smaller areas can be arranged in a row, like the black keys of a piano keyboard, or they can be staggered. Staggering the smaller areas can also achieve greater stability. In this case, the hook-and-loop fastener area is formed by many small areas.

[0032] In another example of the invention, it can be provided that a hook and loop fastener surface is arranged on the top of the side part along an upper edge.

[0033] The hook-and-loop fastener surface can be in the shape of a longitudinal strip. This allows for a particularly secure connection between the side panel and the saddle pad. In particular, this prevents forward and backward rocking. Alternatively, the hook-and-loop fastener surfaces can be divided into several smaller, preferably offset, hook-and-loop fastener surfaces, as described above.

[0034] In a further embodiment of the invention, the connecting element provides a pivotable connection between the saddle cushion and the upper side of the side panel. In particular, it is provided that a lateral pivoting movement outwards is permitted.

[0035] For example, when using a fastening with a longitudinally running Velcro strip, a lateral swiveling movement may be permitted while simultaneously preventing a rocking movement in the longitudinal direction.

[0036] In another embodiment, the side part has tabs through which straps or a fastening strap can be passed.

[0037] The loops on the lower part of the side panel can be arranged in various height and lateral positions to allow for maximum flexibility in positioning the girth straps and girths. It can also be designed so that a girth strap is threaded through the loops and accommodates a girth girth. The installation on the saddle panels and the flexible girth straps allow for easy attachment, where the girth position can be adjusted independently of the saddle's position.

[0038] In one embodiment, the side panel has an underside that is at least partially covered with fur.

[0039] In another design, the saddle pad has two side pieces. One side piece is designed and shaped to extend along one side of the horse's back, and the other side piece is designed and shaped to extend along the opposite side. Because the pad is two-part, with each part attached to the saddle panel, the saddle channel remains clear, allowing the horse's spine maximum freedom of movement. Conventional saddle pads placed directly on the horse's back put pressure on the spine, even when the spinal canals are clipped or held in place only by ligaments. As soon as the saddle is placed on the pad and the rider walks, trots, or canters, the saddle presses downwards, pulling the pad underneath onto the horse's withers and spine. The two side pieces can also be designed separately.

[0040] Furthermore, the side panel can have adjustment compartments into which adjustment pads are inserted. These can consist of wadding or other filling materials, for example, and serve to ensure an optimal fit of the saddle to the horse.

[0041] A further aspect of the invention relates to a connecting element for joining a side part of a saddle pad to a saddle cushion of a saddle. The connecting element comprises a covering designed and configured to completely enclose the saddle cushion in at least one cross-sectional plane, or alternatively, to partially enclose the saddle cushion and is connected to a strap designed and configured to completely enclose a sweatband connected to the saddle cushion in a longitudinal direction. In both cases, the covering has second connecting elements, in particular a second hook-and-loop fastener surface, designed and configured to be connected to first connecting elements on the upper side of the side part, in particular a first hook-and-loop fastener surface.

[0042] Alternatively, the second and first connecting elements can be formed, for example, by snap fastener elements or zipper parts.

[0043] The above-described embodiments of the fastening device apply accordingly to the connecting part.

[0044] Another aspect of the invention relates to a method for saddling a horse, comprising the following process steps: Attaching a connecting part with a covering according to claim 14 to a saddle pad, wherein the covering is completely placed around the saddle pad in a cross-sectional plane, or wherein the covering is partially placed around the saddle pad and is connected to a strap with which a welding sheet is completely enclosed in a longitudinal direction, attaching a side part of a saddle pad to the covering via first connecting means on the upper side of the side part, in particular a first hook and loop fastener surface, and the second connecting means of the connecting part, in particular a second hook and loop fastener surface, wherein the attachment takes place before or after the saddle is placed on a horse's back.

[0045] The embodiments described above in the context of the saddle pad apply accordingly to this aspect of the invention.

[0046] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the figures in the drawing, using several exemplary embodiments. The figures show: Figure 1 shows a saddle in a bottom view, comprising a saddle tree, a saddle pad, a sweat flap, and a saddle flap, with only one half of the saddle visible in the view shown; Figure 2 shows a top view of the upper side of the right side of a saddle pad, the side being designed for a dressage saddle and having a hook-and-loop fastener area for attachment to a saddle pad and loops for passing girth straps; Figure 3 shows an enlarged view of the loops of the Figure 2 Figure 4: an enlarged view of the tabs of the Figure 2 , wherein an additional strap for a waist belt is passed through the loops; Figure 5 one of the Figure 2corresponding top view of the upper surface of a right side panel, wherein the side panel is designed for use with a jumping saddle; Figure 6 an enlarged view of the tabs of the Figure 5 with a strap section threaded through the loops for a waist belt; Figure 7, a representation according to the Figure 1 , wherein a second Velcro surface is incorporated directly into the saddle cushion for connecting the side part to the saddle cushion; Figure 8A a top view of a connecting part for connecting a side part to a saddle cushion, wherein the connecting part is designed as a cuff; Figure 8Legs top view of another alternative for a connecting part designed as a cuff; Figure 9 a view of the connecting part designed as a cuff of the Figure 8B, which encloses a saddle cushion, from opposite directions; Figure 10 a cross-sectional view of the connection of a saddle cushion to a side part by a connecting part according to the Figures 8 and 9 Figure 11 shows a top view of a connecting part for connecting the side part to a saddle cushion, wherein the connecting part is designed for a saddle in which the sweat flap is connected to the saddle cushion, so that the saddle cushion cannot be completely enclosed by the connecting part; Figure 12 shows a three-dimensional view of the connecting part 2 of the Figure 11 , wherein a strap for enclosing a sweat flap is closed with a fastening buckle and one end of the connecting part for enclosing the saddle cushion is connected to a strap section; Figure 13 a bottom view of a saddle in which the connecting part of the Figures 11 and 12is connected to the saddle cushion; and Figure 14 shows a further view from below of a saddle, in which the connecting part of the Figures 11 and 12 is connected to the saddle cushion.

[0047] Traditionally, a saddle pad is placed beneath the saddle, forming a base for the saddle on the horse. In the following examples, the saddle pad is made of two parts, with a side panel on each side of the horse's spine.

[0048] The saddle is attached to the side piece. A saddle consists of a saddle tree, two saddle panels, two saddle flaps, and optionally a sweat flap. Directional terms such as top, bottom, front, back, vertical, horizontal, inside, or outside refer, in the following, to the saddle's position on the horse.

[0049] According to the Figure 1A saddle has a saddle tree 4 as its supporting internal structure. Alternatively, the saddle can also be treeless. A saddle pad 3 and a saddle flap 5 are attached to both sides of the saddle tree 4. In the illustrated embodiment, but not necessarily, there is another layer of material between the saddle pad 3 and the saddle flap 5, forming a so-called sweat flap 6. The saddle flap 5 forms the outer surface of the saddle against which the rider's thigh rests. The saddle pad 3 is located below the saddle flap 5 and is designed to be placed on the horse's back. It cushions the saddle tree 4 and the saddle as a whole against the horse's back.

[0050] The saddle pad 3 is approximately rectangular in shape, generally having a longitudinal extent that follows the longitudinal orientation of the horse. Therefore, the saddle pad is longer than it is wide. It can be a single, uniform shape or, as in the illustrated embodiment, structured into different areas, for example, having a flatter area 320.

[0051] Along its upper edge, the saddle pad 3 is not continuously connected to the saddle tree 4. Rather, there is a gap 41 between the upper edge of the saddle pad 3 and the saddle tree 4, through which, for example, fastening straps can be inserted.

[0052] There are various saddle designs with different connection options for the sweat flap 5 and the saddle pad 3. For example, the saddle pad 3 may be sewn directly to the sweat flap 5, if present, or alternatively, not sewn to it. With a sewn connection, it is impossible to completely encompass the saddle pad 3 in the cross-sectional plane. This has corresponding consequences for the attachment of connecting parts, as described below.

[0053] Additionally, in the Figure 1 A longitudinal direction 101 and a cross-sectional plane 100 of the saddle cushion 3 are shown. The direction designations also apply to subsequent illustrations in which the longitudinal direction 101 and the cross-sectional plane 100 are not explicitly shown.

[0054] The Figure 2Figure 1 shows a top view of one side part 1 of a saddle pad, which consists of two separate side parts 1 that are not directly connected to each other. A connection exists only indirectly when both side parts 1 are connected to a saddle. The figure 1 represents the Figure 2 This is a side piece specifically designed for dressage saddles. However, the side piece can also be used for any other type of saddle, for example, for all-purpose, jumping, leisure, trail, and endurance saddles.

[0055] The side panel 1 is designed to be positioned on the right side of a horse's back. It has a main layer, which can be made of any material. For example, the main layer could be a quilted fabric. The side panel 1 comprises a top 11, a bottom (not visible in the view), a front edge 16, a back edge 17, an upper edge 14, and a lower edge 15. The underside can be covered with fur.

[0056] A first hook-and-loop fastener surface 12 is attached, glued, or sewn onto the upper surface 11. This first hook-and-loop fastener surface 12 forms a horizontal strip extending below the upper edge 14. The first hook-and-loop fastener surface 12 of the side panel 1 is large and covers, for example, at least 15% of the total surface area of ​​the upper surface 12.

[0057] In examples not shown, the saddle pad has correction compartments into which correction pads can be inserted to achieve additional adaptation to the horse's anatomy.

[0058] Above the lower edge 15, a plurality of tabs 13 are sewn onto the upper surface 12 of the side panel 1, as shown in the following Figure 3 shown.

[0059] The Figure 3 Figure 1 shows an enlarged section of the lower part of the side panel 1 with the sewn-on tabs 13. Immediately above the lower edge 15, a plurality of vertical tabs 132 extend from top to bottom in an approximately horizontal row, running parallel to the lower edge 15. The tabs 132 are designed to allow a strap 133 to be passed horizontally through them, which is guided by the Figures 5 and 6 will be explained in more detail.

[0060] Above the vertical tabs 132, a series of further tabs 131 extends, these tabs 131 extending largely in a horizontal direction so that a belt strap can be passed through them vertically. In other embodiments not shown, any other arrangement of the tabs 13 on the side part 1 can also be provided.

[0061] The Figure 4 Figure 133 shows how a webbing piece 133 is guided horizontally through three vertically extending loops 131. The webbing piece 133 can thus form a loop of any desired size, which serves to hold a girth strap placed around the horse's belly and connect it to the side piece 1.

[0062] The Figure 5 represents a side panel 1 according to the Figure 2This is a side panel 1 for a jumping saddle. However, the side panel can also be used for any other type of saddle, for example, for all-purpose, dressage, leisure, trail, and endurance saddles. Accordingly, the first Velcro fastening surface 12 is located at the upper edge 14. In contrast to the one in Figure 2 In the illustrated embodiment, the side part 1 has a more elongated shape overall in the longitudinal direction. Furthermore, instead of horizontal tabs 131, in the Figure 2 two rows of vertically running tabs arranged one above the other above the lower edge 15.

[0063] The Figure 6 presents itself in a corresponding manner to Figure 4 Figure 132 shows an enlarged representation of the vertically extending tabs. Here too, the tabs are arranged in different height and lateral positions on a lower area of ​​the side panel 1 to enable optimal fastening.

[0064] The Figure 7 This relates to a variant embodiment in which a second hook-and-loop fastener surface 32 is incorporated directly into the saddle pad 3 to connect the side panel 1 to the saddle pad 3 and is attached to the first hook-and-loop fastener surface 12 on the side panel 1 by means of a hook-and-loop fastener. For example, the second hook-and-loop fastener surface 32 can be sewn or glued directly into the saddle pad 3, so that the saddle pad 3 and the second hook-and-loop fastener surface 32 form a single, integral part. In this embodiment, the second hook-and-loop fastener surface is thus an integral part of the saddle pad. The side panel comes into direct contact with the saddle pad 3 when the saddle is placed on the saddle cover and the two hook-and-loop fastener surfaces 12 and 32 come into contact. Side panels of any shape can be used.

[0065] The Figure 8AFigure 2 shows a connecting part 2 for saddles, which is firmly attached to the saddle flap and has a second hook-and-loop fastener surface 22 for connection to the first hook-and-loop fastener surface 12 of the side panel. The second hook-and-loop fastener surface 32 is therefore not located directly on the saddle pad, but on a part that is firmly attached to the saddle pad. This figure represents the saddle variant in which the saddle pad 3 is not sewn to a sweat flap. In this case, the connecting part 2 is designed as a cuff that completely encloses the saddle pad 3 in the cross-sectional plane and thus forms a covering 20 for the saddle pad 3.

[0066] In the following, the term covering 20 is always understood to mean at least a partial enclosure of the saddle cushion 3 in the cross-sectional plane of the saddle cushion 3.

[0067] The covering 20 has an inner side 202 facing the saddle pad 3, an outer side 201 facing away from the saddle pad 3, and a first end 24 and a second end 25. Both ends 24 and 25 each have additional hook-and-loop fastener surfaces 241 and 251, by which the two ends 24 and 25 can be connected to each other. The second hook-and-loop fastener surface 22 is located on the outer side 201. Retaining tabs 252 are arranged at the second end.

[0068] The cuff has a width of at least 5 cm to completely encircle and secure the saddle pad 3. This ensures that the saddle pad 3 and the cuff are firmly connected and that no relative movement occurs between the saddle pad 3 and the connecting part 2 during riding. The cuff is made of a flexible yet durable material. Examples of materials used include: rubber, latex, nylon webbing, and thin, flexible metal plates, which are either sewn onto or attached to the aforementioned materials.

[0069] To accommodate the saddle pad 3, the covering 20 is placed around the saddle pad 3 (with the gap 41 according to the Figure 1(is pushed) and enclosed by means of the additional hook and loop fasteners 241, 251 at the respective two ends 24, 25. The connecting part 2 and the saddle pad 3 now form a unit which can be connected to the side part 1 via the first hook and loop fastener 12 using the second hook and loop fastener 22 on the outside 201 of the connecting part 2.

[0070] In the Figure 8B Another alternative connecting part 2 is shown in two views, with the structure corresponding to connecting part 2 of the Fig. 8A This corresponds to the fact that one end 25 does not form two retaining tabs, but is straight. The upper illustration shows the inner side 202, which is designed to lie against the saddle pad. The lower illustration shows a top view of the outer side 201. The second hook-and-loop fastener surface 22 is visible here.

[0071] The Figure 9Figure 1 shows a three-dimensional representation of the connecting part 2, designed as a cuff, which encloses a saddle cushion 3. The two ends 24, 25 of the covering 20 are shown according to the figure 1. Figure 8B The two ends 24, 25 of the sheathing 20 are connected to each other at the corresponding additional hook-and-loop fastener surfaces 241, 251. The upper illustration shows a view that, when the sheathing is attached to a horse, corresponds to a side view of the horse. In this respect, the connection of the two ends 24, 25 of the sheathing 20 to the two corresponding additional hook-and-loop fastener surfaces 241, 251 is visible.

[0072] The lower illustration shows a view in which the side of the saddle pad 3 and the connecting part 20 is visible, which, when fitted, faces the horse and is not visible from the outside. Accordingly, the second Velcro fastener surface 22 is visible in this view, with which the unit consisting of saddle pad 3 and connecting part 2 can be connected to the first Velcro fastener surface of a side panel.

[0073] The cuff 20 is thus tightly placed around the saddle cushion 3 by means of the hook and loop fastener surfaces 241, 251 and thereby forms the second hook and loop fastener surface 22 for connection with the hook and loop fastener surface 12 of the side part 1, wherein the hook and loop fastener surfaces 12, 22 form a fastening device for connecting side part 1 and saddle cushion 3.

[0074] The Figure 10 Figure 1 shows in a cross-sectional view the connection of the saddle cushion 3 to the side part 1 by a connecting part according to the Figures 8 and9 The representation plane runs in the cross-sectional plane 100 of the saddle cushion 3.

[0075] The connecting part 2 is placed around the saddle pad 3 shown in cross-section. The first and second ends 24, 25 of the connecting part 2 are connected to each other via the corresponding hook-and-loop fastener surfaces 241, 251 such that the connecting part 2 firmly grips the saddle pad 3. The second hook-and-loop fastener surface 22 is located on the underside of the outer surface 201 of the connecting part 2, i.e., on the side facing the horse's back. The second hook-and-loop fastener surface 22 is connected to the first hook-and-loop fastener surface 12, which is located on the upper side of the side part 1. The side part 1 also has the tabs 13.

[0076] The Figure 11This represents another variant of a connecting part 2. This variant is designed for the case where the saddle pad 3 is connected to the fixed sweat plate 6, so that the saddle pad 3 cannot be completely enclosed in the cross-sectional plane. Instead, a strap is additionally used, which is placed longitudinally around the sweat plate.

[0077] Similar to the cuff variant, this embodiment also has an inner surface 202 and an outer surface 201 with a second hook-and-loop fastener surface 22 arranged thereon. Furthermore, the embodiment includes a covering 20 designed to partially enclose a saddle pad 3 in the cross-sectional plane. The covering 20 also has a first end 24 and a second end 25.

[0078] A strap 26 and a fastening buckle 27 are attached to the second end 25. Two matching hook and loop fastener surfaces 242 are formed at the first end 24.

[0079] The Figure 12 shows in a perspective view how the fastening of connecting part 2 of the Figure 11 with a saddle pad 3 or a sweat sheet 6 connected to it.

[0080] The second end 25 of the covering 20 is located below and on the inside of the saddle pad 3. The strap 26 is then guided around the sweat flap 6 and connected to the fastening clamp 27, forming a fixed loop that completely encircles the sweat flap 6 longitudinally. Opposite this, a strap section 261 extends on the outside of the sweat flap 6, designed to be encompassed by the first end 24 of the covering 20.

[0081] To attach the cover to the saddle pad 3, the first end 24 of the cover 20 is guided from the inside over the saddle pad 3 to the outside of the strap section 261 located on the outside of the sweat flap 6 and connected to it. For this purpose, the two hook-and-loop fastener surfaces 242 are placed together so that the strap section 261 is received by the first end 24 and a secure connection is formed.

[0082] The Figure 13 Figure 1 shows a bottom view of a saddle in which a connecting part 2 corresponding to Figures 11 and 12 is connected to the saddle cushion 3. The saddle has a saddle tree 4, two saddle cushions 3 and two sweat flaps 2.

[0083] On the outer side 201 of the connecting part 2, on the side facing the horse's back (not shown), the second hook-and-loop fastener surface 22 is arranged for connection with a side part 1 (not shown). The strap 26 extends from the second end 25 and encompasses the sweat flap 6, which is hidden in this view. The first end 24, which is connected to the strap section 261, is also hidden by the saddle pad 3.

[0084] It can be seen that the covering 20 and the strap 26 extend in planes approximately perpendicular to each other in order to encircle the saddle cushion 3 and the saddle flap 5 respectively.

[0085] The Figure 14This shows another view of the same embodiment, but from a different perspective. It can be seen that the second hook-and-loop fastener surface 22 is formed by an elongated hook-and-loop strip that extends mostly in a longitudinal direction. In conjunction with the features described in the Figures 2 to 6 In the illustrated embodiments of side parts, where the first hook and loop fastener surface 12 also has the form of longitudinal strips, a large-area hook and loop connection with strong adhesion is achieved, which prevents the saddle cushion 3 and side part 1 from pivoting about an axis transverse to the orientation of the horse (transverse axis).

[0086] At the same time, the longitudinal Velcro connection still allows for pivoting, whereby the longitudinal Velcro connection represents a pivot axis that, when the saddle is fitted, is approximately parallel to a central axis of the horse and allows pivoting outwards.

[0087] The saddling process using a connecting part is carried out in such a way that the covering of the connecting part is completely placed around the saddle pad in a cross-sectional plane ( Figures 9 and 10 ), or that the covering is partially placed around the saddle pad and connected with a strap that completely encircles a sweat flap in one longitudinal direction ( Figures 11 to 14 A side panel of a saddle pad is attached to the cover using a first Velcro fastener on the top of the side panel and a second Velcro fastener on the connecting piece. This attachment can be done before or after placing the saddle on the horse's back.

[0088] It is understood that the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and that various modifications and improvements can be made without deviating from the concepts described herein. It is further noted that any of the described features can be used separately or in combination with any other features, provided they are not mutually exclusive. The disclosure extends to and includes all combinations and subcombinations of one or more features described herein. Where ranges are defined, these include all values ​​within those ranges as well as all sub-ranges that fall within a range.

Claims

1. Fastening device for attaching a saddle pad to a saddle, - wherein the saddle pad comprises: o at least one side part (1) designed and configured to extend along one side of a horse's back and to be connected to a saddle, the side part (1) having a top (11) and a bottom, - wherein the saddle comprises: ∘ two saddle pads (3), ∘ two saddle flaps (5), and ∘ optionally two sweat flaps (6), each arranged between the saddle pad (2) and the saddle flap (5), ∘ wherein the saddle pads (3) are each arranged below the saddle flap (5) and are designed to be placed on the horse's back, - wherein the fastening device comprises a connection with first and second connecting means (12, 22, 32) that provide the connection between the top (11) of the side part (11) and one of the saddle pads (3),- wherein the first connecting means (12) are formed on the upper surface (11) of the side part (1) and are firmly connected to it, and - wherein the second connecting means (22, 32) are directly or indirectly connected to the saddle cushion (3).

2. Fastening device according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the connection is a hook and loop connection, the first connecting element is a first hook and loop fastener surface (12) and the second connecting element is a second hook and loop fastener surface (22, 32).

3. Fastening device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by the fact that the second connecting means (32) are integrated into the saddle cushion (3) or glued or sewn onto it.

4. Fastening device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by the fact that the second connecting means (22) are indirectly connected to the saddle cushion (3) via a connecting part (2).

5. Fastening device according to claim 4, characterized by the fact thatthe connecting part (2) is provided and designed to connect the top (11) of the side part (1) to the saddle cushion (2), wherein - the connecting part (2) has the second connecting means (22) designed to connect to the first connecting means (12), - the connecting part (2) comprises a sheath (20) with a first end (24) and a second end (25), and - the sheath (20) is provided and designed to encompass the saddle cushion (2) at least partially in a cross-sectional plane (100).

6. Fastening device according to claim 5, characterized by the fact that the first end (24) of the covering (20) and the second end (25) of the covering (20) can be connected to each other and the covering (20) is designed and constructed to completely enclose the saddle cushion (3) in the cross-sectional plane (100).

7. Fastening device according to claim 6, characterized by the fact thatthe connecting part (2) is a cuff that extends over a longitudinal section of the saddle cushion and wraps around the saddle cushion (3) in this longitudinal section.

8. Fastening device according to claim 5, characterized by the fact that the connecting part (2) does not completely enclose the saddle cushion, but includes a strap (26) which is designed and formed to completely enclose a welding sheet (6) in a longitudinal direction (101).

9. Fastening device according to claim 8, characterized by the fact that the first end (24) of the sheathing (20) is firmly connected to the belt (26) and the second end (25) of the sheathing (20) is designed and configured to be connected to a belt section (261) on a side of the weld sheet (6) opposite the first end (24).

10. Fastening device according to claim 8 or 9, characterized by the fact thatThe covering (20) and the strap (26) are designed and constructed to encircle the saddle cushion (2) and the saddle flap (5) respectively in planes approximately perpendicular to each other.

11. Fastening device according to one of the preceding claims, insofar as it relates back to claim 2, characterized by the fact that The first and second Velcro fastening surfaces (12, 22, 32) are designed and constructed to adhere to each other over a surface along a longitudinal direction (101) of the saddle cushion (3).

12. Fastening device according to one of the preceding claims, insofar as it relates back to claim 2, characterized by the fact that the first hook and loop fastener surface (12) of the side part (1) is large and extends over at least 15% of the area of ​​the entire top surface (11) of the side part (1).

13. Fastening device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact thatthe side part (1) has tabs (13, 131, 132) through which straps or a fastening strap can be passed, wherein the tabs (13, 131, 132) are arranged at different height and lateral positions on a lower area of ​​the side part (1).

14. Connecting part (2) for connecting a side part (1) of a saddle pad to a saddle cushion (3) of a saddle, wherein the connecting part (2) comprises a covering (20) which is designed and configured to: - completely enclose the saddle cushion (3) in at least one cross-sectional plane (100), or - partially enclose the saddle cushion (3) and is connected to a strap (26) which is designed and configured to completely enclose a sweat flap (6) connected to the saddle cushion (3) in a longitudinal direction, - wherein the covering (20) has second connecting means (22), in particular a second hook-and-loop fastener surface (22), which are designed and configured to be connected to first connecting means (12) on the upper side (11) of the side part (1), in particular a first hook-and-loop fastener surface (12).

15. Method for saddling a horse comprising the following process steps: - Attaching a connecting part (2) with a covering (20) according to claim 14 to a saddle pad (3), o wherein the covering (20) is completely placed around the saddle pad (3) in a cross-sectional plane (100), or o wherein the covering (20) is partially placed around the saddle pad (3) and is connected to a strap (26) with which a welding sheet (6) is completely enclosed in a longitudinal direction, - Attaching a side part (1) of a saddle pad to the covering via first connecting means (12) on the upper side (11) of the side part (1) and the second connecting means (22) of the connecting part (2), - wherein the attachment takes place before or after placing the saddle on a horse's back.

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