Saddle

Abstract

A saddle is disclosed. The saddle comprises a saddle tree comprising a mounting element, and a flexible panel for contacting a horse’s back. A shock absorber pad is mountable between the saddle tree a

Description

Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a saddle, and in particular to a saddle for horse riding. The saddle comprises a saddle tree and a flexible panel that is mountable to the saddle tree. Background Saddles are used to ride horses in a variety of horse riding disciplines. A saddle typically comprises a saddle tree which provides a solid framework or support structure for the saddle. The saddle tree can, for example, comprise materials such as wood, metal, and / or composite materials such as fibreglass or carbon fibre. Padding material is typically provided on the saddle tree and covered with a covering material (e.g. leather or a suitable synthetic material) to form a seat for the rider. The saddle also typically includes a set of panels which are arranged to support the saddle on the horse’s back. The panels may include a cushioning material (e.g. wool), and are mounted on an underside of the saddle so as to contact the horse’s back and distribute the rider’s weight on the horse’s back. Typically the set of panels includes two panels which are arranged to contact the horse’s back on either side of the horse’s spine, e.g. a leftside panel and a right-side panel. Such a saddle may commonly be referred to as an English saddle. The present invention has been devised in light of the above considerations. Summary of the Invention At its most general, the present invention provides a saddle having a saddle tree, and a flexible panel which is removably connectable to the saddle tree via a fastener. The fastener passes through a shock absorber pad that is mounted between the saddle tree and the flexible panel. In this manner, the position of the panel relative to saddle tree is fixed by the fastener. Moreover, as the fastener passes through the shock absorber pad, the fastener holds the shock absorber pad in place between the saddle tree and the panel. This ensures the shock absorber pad is reliably held in place between the saddle tree and the panel, to provide consistent and reliable shock absorption performance of the saddle. In particular, the fastener can prevent a position of shock absorber pad from shifting overtime, which might otherwise occur due to repeated impacts on the saddle that occur during horse riding. Use of the fastener for securing the flexible panel, shock absorber pad, and saddle tree together further facilitates rapid and accurate assembly of the saddle. The fastener may be connectable to the saddle tree at a predetermined location, which can be chosen during manufacture of the saddle tree to provide a desired performance of the saddle. Thus, a user can readily assemble the saddle without having to rely on a saddle fitting specialist. The removable connection of the fastener to the saddle tree also facilitates replacement of the flexible panel and / or shock absorber pad. This allows, for instance, a rider to use different panels and / or shock absorber pads with different horse, as well as to replace the panel and / or shock absorber pad when they become worn, thus avoiding having to replace the whole saddle. For instance, this enables different sizes (e.g. thicknesses) of shock absorber pad to be used with the saddle, providing further flexibility in terms of fitting the saddle to the horse’s back. According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a saddle comprising: a saddle tree comprising a mounting element; a flexible panel for contacting a horse’s back; a shock absorber pad that is mountable between the saddle tree and the flexible panel, wherein a channel extends through the shock absorber pad; and a fastener that is engageable with the mounting element to secure the flexible panel relative to the saddle tree, the fastener being configured to extend from the flexible panel to the mounting element via the channel in the shock absorber pad. Any suitable type of tree saddle may be used with the saddle of the invention. The saddle of the invention may be an English saddle, such that the saddle tree may be adapted for use in an English saddle, the invention may also be applied to other saddle types, with the saddle tree being adapted accordingly. The saddle tree may comprise (or define) framework or support structure for the saddle. The saddle tree may thus define a shape of the saddle. The saddle tree may be adapted to fit a horse’s back, and may be shaped to form a seat for the rider. The saddle tree may comprise one or more rigid materials forming the framework or support structure. Examples of suitable materials for the saddle tree include wood, metal (e.g. steel), as well as composite materials such as carbon fibre or fibreglass. The saddle may comprise a padding material forming on (e.g. covering) the saddle tree, to form a seat on the saddle tree. The saddle may further comprise a cover material (or webbing) covering the saddle tree and / or padding material, to define a seating surface of the saddle. For example, the cover material may comprise leather or some suitable synthetic material. The flexible panel is arranged to contact the horse’s back. The flexible panel may constitute a main area of contact between the saddle and the horse’s back, and thus acts to distribute the rider’s weight across the horse’s back. In this manner, the flexible panel is arranged to support at least part of the rider’s weight on the horse's back. For example, the flexible panel may be arranged to extend along a portion of the horse’s back. The flexible panel may be mountable on an underside of the saddle tree that faces towards the horse’s back in use. The flexible panel is arranged to flex (bend) in response to movement of the horse’s back. This contributes to improving support of the saddle as the flexible panel can remain in contact with the horse’s back as the horse’s back moves, in turn improving rider comfort. A material of the flexible panel may be chosen to provide a desired level of flexibility. In general, the flexible panel may be more flexible than the saddle tree. For instance, a material of the panel may be more flexible (less rigid) compared to a material of the saddle tree. In this manner, the flexible panel may more readily deform in response to movement of the horse’s back to support the saddle against the horse’s back, whilst the saddle tree forms a more rigid seat for holding the rider. The flexible panel may comprise any suitable flexible material which allows bending of the panel in response to movement of the horse’s back whilst providing a desire level of support. As an example, the flexible panel may comprise a flexible plastic panel or the like. The flexible panel may comprise a padding (e.g. cushioning) material. The padding material may be provided on a side of the flexible panel arranged to face towards the horse’s back. The flexible panel may be composed of multiple materials, e.g. the flexible panel may be a composite panel. For instance, the flexible panel may comprise a support (or insert) formed of a resilient support material, and a padding material. The padding material may be softer and more deformable than the support. As an example, the support may comprise a layer (or sheet) of resilient material, such as a flexible plastic material. A covering material may cover the support and padding material. The support may serve to define a shape of the panel and provide a desired level of flexibility and resilience, whilst the padding material may contribute to shock absorption and improving rider comfort. The padding material may be on a side of the flexible panel arranged to face towards the horse’s back, and the support may be on a side of the flexible panel arranged to face away from the horse’s back. The shock absorber (or damper) pad may comprise any suitable deformable material capable of shock absorption and / or damping. Mounting the shock absorber pad between the flexible panel and the saddle tree reduces transmission of shocks (impacts) from the horse’s back to the saddle tree, thus improving rider comfort and stability. As an example, the shock absorber pad may be formed of an elastomer or rubber material, silicone, foam material, felt, or other suitable shock absorbing material. As a specific example, the shock absorber pad may comprise a (e.g. synthetic) urethane elastomer, such as Sorbothane®. Sorbothane® may be particularly advantageous, due to its high level of shock absorption. Whilst the shock absorber pad is mountable between the saddle tree and the flexible panel, the shock absorber pad may not necessarily be in direct contact with the saddle tree and the flexible panel, e.g. there may be one or more intervening components. For example, as noted above, the saddle tree may be covered with padding material and a cover, such that the shock absorber pad may not directly contact the saddle tree. The channel in the shock absorber pad may extend through a thickness of the shock absorber pad, i.e. from one side of the shock absorber pad to the other. In other words, the channel may be in the form of a through-hole through the shock absorber pad. In this manner the fastener can be inserted through the channel in the shock absorber pad. The channel may be shaped (dimensioned) to receive the fastener. In some cases, the channel may be arranged to form an interference fit with the fastener, e.g. to avoid or reduce movement of the shock absorber pad relative to the fastener. The channel may be arranged such that it is surrounded by material of the shock absorber pad in a plane normal to a longitudinal axis of the channel. In this manner, when the fastener is received in the channel, a portion of the fastener may be surrounded by material of the shock absorber pad. This may avoid the shock absorber pad falling off the fastener. The fastener may comprise any suitable type of fastener for (removably) engaging the mounting element on the saddle tree. Thus, the fastener may be adapted to the type of mounting element used in the saddle tree. Engagement between the fastener and the mounting element acts to secure the flexible panel relative to the saddle tree. For example, a position of the flexible panel may be fixed relative to the saddle tree when the fastener is engaged with the mounting element. The fastener may comprise a shaft that is arranged to extend from the flexible panel, through the channel in the shock absorber pad, to engage the mounting element in the saddle tree. A distal end of the fastener, e.g. a distal end of the shaft of the fastener, may be engageable with the mounting element. Advantageously, the shaft can accommodate shock absorber pads having different thicknesses. In this manner, shock absorber pads with different thicknesses can be used, e.g. to optimise a fit of the saddle on the horse’s back and / or to adjust shock absorption properties of the saddle. A length of the shaft may be adapted to accommodate a range of shock absorber pad thicknesses. In other words, the length of the shaft may be adapted to pass through the channels of shock absorber pads having a range of different thicknesses. In some cases, fasteners of different length may be used for shock absorber pads of different thickness. A length of the shaft of the fastener may, for example, be between 30 mm and 50 mm. This may ensure the fastener has sufficient length to accommodate a shock absorber pad of a suitable thickness, without extending too far beyond the saddle tree. As an example, a thicker shock absorber pad may be used to raise the saddle tree relative to the horse’s back and / or to widen the saddle. On the other hand, a thinner shock absorber pad may be used to lower the saddle tree and / or made the saddle less wide. The fastener may be formed of a rigid (e.g. hard) material. This may ensure that the flexible panel is held in place relative to the saddle tree during horse riding. For example, the fastener may be made of metal, such as aluminium or steel. The fastener may experience large forces due to the repeated impacts on the saddle during horse riding. Making the fastener of a deformable (bendable) material such as metal may therefore be advantageous, as this may avoid breaking of the fastener. If the fastener become bent overtime, it can easily be replaced. The fastener may be engaged or engageable with the flexible panel, so that engagement of the fastener with the mounting element secures the flexible panel to the saddle tree. For example, a proximal end of the fastener (opposite its distal end) may be engageable with the flexible panel. In other words, the fastener may be a separate part of the flexible panel, which is engageable at one end with the flexible panel and at another end with the mounting element. Alternatively, the fastener may be provided as part of the flexible panel. The mounting element is fixed to the saddle tree. In line with the above, the mounting element is adapted for engagement with (e.g. the distal end of) the fastener. The mounting element may be integrated within a structure of the saddle tree, or otherwise attached (secured) to the saddle tree. Where the saddle comprises a padding material and / or a covering material on the saddle tree, the saddle may comprise an opening in the padding material and / or the covering material to provide access to the mounting element on the saddle tree. In this manner, the fastener may extend through the opening in the padding material and / or covering material to engage the mounting element. So far, only a single fastener has been described. However, in practice, the flexible panel may be secured to the saddle tree by multiple (e.g. two or more) fasteners. Each fastener may be arranged to extend from the flexible panel to a respective mounting element in the saddle tree, via a channel in a respective shock absorber pad. Features described in relation to the fastener, shock absorber pad, and mounting element are applicable for each of the multiple fasteners. For example, the saddle may comprise: a front fastener that is engageable with a front mounting element in the saddle tree to secure a front region of the flexible panel to a front region of the saddle tree, the front fastener being configured to extend from the flexible panel to the front mounting element via a channel in a front shock absorber pad; and a rear fastener that is engageable with a rear mounting element in the saddle tree to secure a rear region of the flexible panel to a rear region of the saddle tree, the rear fastener being configured to extend from the flexible panel to the rear mounting element via a channel in a rear shock absorber pad. In some embodiments, the front shock absorber pad and the rear shock absorber pad may have a different thickness. Providing front and rear shock absorber pads with different thicknesses may enable a fit and balance of the saddle to be adjusted and optimised. For example, a balance of the saddle may be adjusted by selecting different thicknesses for the front and rear shock absorber pads. For instance, a thicker front shock absorber pad may be used to raise the front of the saddle tree, whilst a thinner front shock absorber pad may be used to lower the front of the saddle tree. Likewise, the thickness of the front and rear shock absorber pads may be selected to adjust a width at the front and rear of the saddle. Herein, a thickness of a shock absorber pad refers to a thickness in a direction along the channel through the shock absorber pad. The channel may extend between opposing faces of the shock absorber pad. Accordingly, the thickness may refer to a distance between the opposing faces of the shock absorber pad. The fastener may comprise a threaded shaft that is engageable with a threaded surface on the mounting element. This may facilitate securing the flexible panel to the saddle tree. As an example, the fastener may comprise a bolt or a screw. The mounting element may then comprise a nut that is fixed to the saddle tree, or a threaded hole provided in the saddle tree. Advantageously, a bolt or screw may provide a rigid connection between the flexible panel and the saddle tree, to ensure that the flexible panel is reliably held in place relative to the saddle tree. As an example, a diameter of the shaft of the fastener may be 3 mm or greater. This may provide the fastener with a suitable strength for withstanding impacts experienced during horse riding. The fastener may have a head configured to receive a hex key (Allen key). This may facilitate tightening of the fastener. Of course, other types of fastener head may also be used. The flexible panel may comprise a through-hole, the fastener being arranged to extend through the through-hole in the panel to secure the panel to the saddle tree. Thus, the fastener can pass through the through-hole in the flexible panel and the channel in the shock absorber pad to engage the mounting element on the saddle tree. For example, the shaft of the fastener can be inserted through the through-hole and channel. Where the fastener includes a bolt or screw, a head of the bolt or screw may engage a surface on the flexible panel, e.g. a surface around the through-hole. In this manner, when the screw or bolt is tightened, the head engages the surface on the flexible panel. Where the flexible panel comprises a support, the through-hole may extend through the support. The flexible panel may comprise a recess for receiving a head of the fastener when the fastener extends through the through-hole. For example, the through-hole in the flexible panel may be countersunk to receive the head of the fastener. In this manner, the head of the fastener (e.g. screw or bolt) may be recessed in the flexible panel when the saddle is in use. This may avoid the head of the fastener protruding beyond a surface of the flexible panel, to avoid the head of the fastener coming into contact with the horse’s back. For example, the recess may be provided in a surface of the flexible panel that is arranged to contact the horse’s back. A depth of the recess may be greater than a thickness of the head of the fastener, such that the head of the fastener is set back from an outer surface of the flexible panel. For example, the depth of the recess may be greater than half of a thickness of the flexible panel. In this manner, a depth of the head of the fastener in the flexible panel may be greater than half of the thickness of the flexible panel. The flexible panel may comprise a padding material, and the recess may be formed in the padding material. In this manner, the head of the fastener may be received (e.g. embedded) within the padding material of the flexible panel when the fastener is engaged with the mounting element. This enables the padding material to absorb impacts from the horse’s back, thus improving shock absorption performance of the flexible panel. In line with the discussion above, the padding material may be on a side of the flexible panel arranged to face towards (or contact) the horse’s back. As discussed above, the flexible panel may comprise the padding material, and a support (e.g. made of a resilient material). The padding material may be on a side of the flexible panel arranged to face towards the horse’s back, and the support may be on a side of the flexible panel arranged to face away from the horse’s back. The recess may extend through a thickness of the padding material, such that the head of the fastener abuts (contacts, engages) the support when the fastener engages the mounting element. For example, the recess may be formed as a channel extending through the thickness of the padding material. In this manner, the head of the fastener may be held against the more rigid support, whilst the surrounding padding material protects the horse’s back from the head of the fastener. This may provide a strong connection between the flexible panel and the saddle tree, whilst ensuring effective shock absorption of the flexible panel. The head of the fastener may be arranged to compress a portion of the padding material when the fastener extends through the through-hole. This allows the padding material to be compressed by the head of the fastener when the fastener is engaged with the mounting element. For example, when the fastener (e.g. bolt or screw) is tightened, this increases a compression of the padding material. This provides a strong connection between the fastener and the flexible panel, and increases a depth at which the head of the fastener is located in the flexible panel, thus reducing a chance of the head of the fastener coming into contact with the horse’s back. In line with the above, the padding material can include any suitable cushioning (e.g. compressible) material. The flexible panel may further comprise a plug (or bung) for plugging the through-hole following insertion of the fastener into the through-hole. In this manner, the plug may cover the head of the fastener, to prevent contact between the head of the fastener and the horse’s back. The plug may cover the recess in which the head of the fastener is located. The plug may be made of the same material as the padding material. The shock absorber pad may be arranged to be compressed between the flexible panel and the saddle tree when the fastener secures the flexible panel to the saddle tree. This many ensure good coupling of the shock absorber pad between the flexible panel and the saddle tree, to provide effective absorption (or damping) of shocks and vibrations. This may also prevent the shock absorber pad from shifting position or slipping during use. For example, a surface of the flexible panel may be arranged to contact the shock absorber pad, and to press the shock absorber pad towards the saddle tree when the fastener is tightened, thereby compressing the shock absorber pad. A level of compression of the shock absorber pad may be adjusted, by adjusting engagement of the fastener in the mounting element, which may allow fortuning of shock absorption properties of the shock absorber pad. The saddle tree may comprise a plurality of (e.g. two or more) mounting elements, each mounting element being at a respective position on the saddle tree, and each mounting element being (individually) engageable by the fastener. In this manner, a position of the flexible panel relative to the saddle tree may be adjusted, by engaging the fastener with a different one of the mounting elements. This allows the position of the flexible panel to be adjusted for different horses, for example based on a shape of the horse’s back. The plurality of mounting elements may be arranged at locations which are adapted to different sizes and shapes of horses, to allow the user to adapt the position of the flexible panel to their horse. Accordingly, when assembling the saddle, a user may select one of the mounting elements corresponding to a desired position of the flexible panel, and engage the fastener with the selected mounting element to secure the flexible panel at the desired position. Each of the plurality of mounting elements may be as described above. The plurality of mounting elements may be arranged along a lateral direction of the saddle tree, such that the plurality of mounting elements are located at different heights on the horse’s back. Put another way, the plurality of mounting elements are arranged along the lateral direction such that they are at different (respective) distances from a centreline of the saddle tree. In this manner, the flexible panel may be mounted at different heights on the horse’s back. This may enable the position of flexible panel to be adapted to a width of the horse’s back. For example, mounting the flexible panel at a lower position on the horse’s back may be preferable for a horse having a wider back, whilst mounting the flexible panel at a higher position on the horse’s back may be preferable for a horse having a narrower back. The plurality of mounting elements may be spaced, or aligned, along the lateral direction of the saddle tree. For example, the plurality of mounting elements may be arranged in a row along the lateral direction. Here, the lateral direction is a direction that extends away (outwards) relative to a direction of the horse’s spine. Thus, the lateral direction may extend in a left-hand direction relative to the horse’s spine, or in a right-hand direction relative to the horse spine. The centreline of the saddle tree is aligned with the horse’s spine when in use. The plurality of mounting elements may be located on a point of the saddle tree. The point of the saddle tree extends laterally outwards from the centreline of the saddle tree, and so provides a location for the plurality of mounting elements to be arranged along the lateral direction. Moreover, the point of the saddle tree is located towards a front of the saddle tree, such that providing the mounting elements on the point of the saddle tree enables connection of the flexible panel to the front of the saddle tree. The saddle tree point is typically a lowest point of the saddle tree, such that arranging the mounting elements on the point can contribute to increasing a range of heights at which the flexible panel can be secured to the saddle tree. The saddle tree may comprise a left point and a right point, which are located on either side of a front arch of the saddle tree. The saddle tree points may extend downwards on either side of the front arch. The plurality of mounting elements may be located in a front region of the saddle tree; a rear region of the saddle tree may comprise a rear mounting element; and the saddle may further comprise: a rear shock absorber pad that is mountable between the saddle tree and the flexible panel, wherein a channel extends through the rear shock absorber pad; and a rear fastener that is engageable with the rear mounting element to secure a rear region of the flexible panel to the rear region of the saddle tree, the rear fastener being configured to extend from the flexible panel to the rear mounting element via the channel in the rear shock absorber pad. In this manner, the fastener described above may correspond to a front fastener, which can be engaged with any one of the plurality of mounting elements in the front region of the saddle tree to secure the front region of the flexible panel to the front region of the saddle tree. The flexible panel can thus be secured to the saddle tree in the front and rear regions via the front and rear fasteners. This may provide reliable connection between the saddle tree and the flexible panel along a length of the flexible panel. Moreover, such an arrangement provides shock absorber pads towards the front and rear of the saddle tree, the improving balance and shock absorption performance of the saddle. This may also improve weight distribution of the rider’s weight across the flexible panel, reducing concentration of pressure points on the horse’s back. Advantageously, providing the plurality of mounting points in the front region enables the position of the flexible panel to be adjusted to fit the horse’s back. For instance, in line with the discussion above, the front region of the saddle tree may correspond to the point of the saddle tree. In line with the above discussion, the front shock absorber pad and the rear shock absorber pad may have different thicknesses. The inventor has found that a sufficient level of adjustability can be achieved even where only a single rear mounting point is provided. Thus, the saddle tree may comprise a single rear mounting point. This simplifies assembly of the saddle, as a user need only select one of the plurality of front mounting points when fitting the saddle to the horse’s back. In the above, only one flexible panel of the saddle is described. In practice however, the saddle may comprise two flexible panels, which are arranged to contact the horse’s back on either side of the horse’s spine. For example, the saddle may comprise a first (e.g. left-side) flexible panel and a second flexible (e.g. right-side) flexible panel. Each flexible panel may have any features of the flexible panel described above, and may be connected to the saddle tree as described above. In particular, one or more fasteners may be arranged to secure each flexible panel to corresponding mounting elements on the saddle tree, with each fastener extending through a respective shock absorber pad. According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a saddle tree comprising a mounting element that is engageable with a fastener extending from a flexible panel to secure the flexible panel relative to the saddle tree. The saddle tree of the second aspect may be used in the saddle of the first aspect of the invention. Any features of the saddle tree described in relation to the first aspect of the invention may be shared with the saddle tree of the second aspect. The invention includes the combination of the aspects and features described except where such a combination is clearly impermissible or expressly avoided. Summary of the Figures Embodiments and experiments illustrating the principles of the invention will now be discussed with reference to the accompanying figures in which: Fig. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional diagram of a saddle according to an embodiment of the invention; Fig. 2 is a schematic plan view of a flexible panel that forms part of a saddle according to an embodiment; Fig. 3 is a schematic perspective view of a shock absorber pad that forms part of a saddle according to an embodiment; and Fig. 4 is a schematic side view of the saddle of Fig. 1. Detailed Description of the Invention Aspects and embodiments of the present invention will now be discussed with reference to the accompanying figures. Further aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. All documents mentioned in this text are incorporated herein by reference. Fig. 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a saddle 100 according to an embodiment of the invention, where the saddle 100 is mounted on a horse’s back 101. Fig. 4 shows a schematic side view of the saddle 100. The cross-sectional view of Fig. 1 is taken in a plane normal to a forward direction of the horse, corresponding to the plane A-A shown in Fig. 4. The saddle 100 is used for horse riding, and may, for example, correspond to an English saddle. The saddle 100 comprises a saddle tree 102, and a first flexible panel 104a and second flexible panel 104b which are connectable to the saddle tree 102. The saddle tree 102 provides a rigid structure that defines a shape of the saddle, and which is configured to support a rider on a horse’s back. In particular, the saddle tree 102 may be curved so as to fit a horse’s back 101, with an upper side of the saddle tree 102 being shaped to define a seat for the rider. The saddle tree 102 may be formed of any suitable rigid material, such as wood, metal (e.g. steel), as well as composite materials such as carbon fibre or fibreglass. In one example, the saddle tree 102 may be formed of a composite wood (e.g. beech wood) material that is reinforced with metal, e.g. steel. Padding (or cushioning) material 106 may be provided on an upper side the saddle tree 102 to form a seat for the rider, as indicated by the dashed lines in Fig. 1. The padding 106 may be covered with leather or some other suitable covering material for providing a seating surface of the saddle 100. The padding 106 may comprise any suitable type of padding material, such as a foam material, cotton, wool, synthetic fleece, and / or rubber. For illustration purposes, the padding 106 and cover are not depicted in Fig. 4. The first flexible panel 104a is arranged to contact the horse’s back 101 on a left-hand side (with respect to a forward direction of the horse), and the second flexible panel is arranged to contact the horse’s back 101 on a right-hand side. Thus, in use, the first flexible panel 104a and the second flexible panel 104b are arranged on opposite sides of the horse’s spine. The first and second flexible panels 104a, 104b are mountable under the saddle tree 102 so as to contact the horse’s back 101 and distribute the rider’s weight across the horses’ back 101. Fig. 2 shows a schematic plan view of an individual flexible panel 104. The flexible panel 104 may correspond to each (either) of the first and second flexible panels 104a, 104b. As shown, each flexible panel 104a, 104b has an elongate shape, such that it is arranged to extend along a portion of the horse’s back 101, between a front region and a rear region of the saddle tree 102. Thus, the flexible panels 104a, 104b may extend along (all or part of) a length of the saddle tree 102, the length being in a longitudinal (i.e. forward) direction of the saddle tree 102. In this manner, the saddle tree 102 may be supported on the horse’s back 101 by the flexible panels 104a, 104b along its length. In some cases, each flexible panel 104a, 104b may have a greater length in the longitudinal direction than the saddle tree 102. Each flexible panel 104a, 104b has a greater flexibility than the saddle tree 102. In this manner, the flexible panels 104a, 104b can bend and flex in response to movement of the horse’s back 101, whilst the saddle tree 102 may substantially keep its shape during riding. Accordingly, material(s) of the flexible panels 104a, 104b may be selected to provide a desired level of flexibility and support. Each flexible panel 104a, 104b may be a composite panel formed of multiple materials. In the example shown in Fig. 1, each flexible panel 104a, 104b comprises a respective support (or insert) 108a, 108b formed of a resilient material, such as a flexible plastic or the like. In particular, the support 108a, 108b is formed of a sheet of resilient material whose shape corresponds to that of the flexible panel 104a, 104b. A thickness of the sheet of resilient material may be selected to provide a desired level of flexibility and may, for example, be in the range of 1 mm to 5 mm, preferably in between 3 mm and 4 mm. As a particular example, the support 108a, 108b may be formed of a sheet of a plastic material such as Polyoxymethylene (e.g. Delrin®). In some cases, one or more cuts may be provided in the sheet of resilient material to increase a flexibility of the panel. Additionally, each flexible panel 104a, 104b may comprise padding (or cushioning) material 110a, 110b. For example, the support 108a, 108b may be at least partially embedded in the padding material 110a, 110b. At least a portion of the padding material 110a, 110b may be provided on a side of the support 108a, 108b that is arranged to face towards the horse’s back 101. As an example, the padding material 110a, 110b may comprise a foam material, e.g. a memory foam material. The support 108a, 108b and the padding material 110a, 110b may be enclosed within a cover of the flexible panel 104a, 104b. The cover may, for example, be made of leather or other suitable covering material. The saddle tree 102 is provided with a set of mounting elements 112 for mounting the first and second flexible panels 104a, 140b to the saddle tree 102. In more detail, as shown in Fig. 4, a first set of mounting elements 112 is provided on the left-hand side of the saddle tree 102 for mounting the first flexible panel 104a on the left-hand side of the saddle tree 102. The first set of mounting elements comprises a plurality (three in the example shown) of front mounting elements 112aa located in a front region of the saddle tree 102, and a rear mounting element 112ab located in a rear region of the saddle tree 102. In the example shown in Fig. 4, the front mounting elements 112aa are located in a left-hand point 114a of the saddle tree 102. The front mounting elements 112aa are arranged (spaced, aligned) along a lateral direction of the saddle tree 102, such that the front mounting elements 112aa are located at different heights on the horse’s back 101 when the saddle 100 is mounted on the horse’s back (see Fig. 1). Thus, the front mounting elements 112aa may be arranged in a row that extends along a portion of the left-hand point 114a of the saddle tree 102, away from a central arch of the saddle tree 102. The rear mounting element 112ab is located towards a rear of the saddle tree 102. In the example shown, there is a single rear mounting element 112ab, although there may be multiple rear mounting elements in other examples. The right-hand side of the saddle tree 102 is provided with a second set of mounting elements 112 for mounting the second flexible panel 104b on the right-hand side of the saddle tree 102. The second set of mounting elements 112 is analogous to the arrangement of mounting elements on the right-hand side described above. In particular, the right-hand side of the saddle tree 102 includes a plurality (e.g. three) front mounting elements 112ba located in a front region of the saddle tree, e.g. in a right-hand point 114b of the saddle tree; and a rear mounting element (not shown) in a rear region of the saddle tree 102. The mounting elements 112 are engageable with fasteners for securing the first and second flexible panels 104a, 104b to the saddle tree, as described in more detail below. Accordingly, the mounting elements may be adapted to the type of fastener used. As an example, a bolt or screw may be used as a fastener, in which case the mounting element 112 may be in the form of a nut or other suitable component having a threaded opening that is engageable with the bolt or screw. The mounting elements 112 may be secured to the saddle tree 102 in any suitable manner. For example, the mounting elements 112 may be bonded (e.g. with an adhesive or epoxy) to the saddle tree 102, and / or mechanically fixed to the saddle tree 102 (e.g. with a suitable fastener). In some cases, the mounting elements 112 may be at least partially embedded in a material of the saddle tree 102. In some cases, the mounting elements 112 may be formed as part of the saddle tree 102, e.g. threaded openings may be formed (machined) in a material of the saddle tree 102. In one example, a hole is formed in the saddle tree 102, and a threaded nut is mechanically fixed in the hole to provide the mounting element 112. As shown in Fig. 2, each flexible panel 104a, 104b includes a front through-hole 116 located in a front region of the flexible panel, and a rear through-hole 118 located in a rear region ofthe flexible panel. In use, fasteners are arranged to extend through the through-holes in the flexible panels 104a, 104b to engage the mounting elements 112 and secure the flexible panels 104a, 104b to the saddle tree 102. The saddle 100 further comprises a first shock absorber pad 122a that is mountable between the first flexible panel 104a and the saddle tree 102 (in particular the left-hand point 114a ofthe saddletree 102); and a second shock absorber pad 122b that is mountable between the second flexible panel 104b and the saddle tree 102 (in particular the right-hand point 114b ofthe saddle tree 102). Fig. 3 shows a schematic perspective view of a shock absorber pad 122. The shock absorber pad 122 may correspond to each (either) ofthe first and second shock absorber pads 122a, 122b, as well as the rear shock absorber pads described below. As shown in Fig. 3, the shock absorber pad 122 has a cylindrical shape, with a channel 124 extending through the shock absorber pad through its thickness, i.e. between its opposing faces. Of course, the shock absorber pad 122 may have other shapes in other examples. The shock absorber pads may comprise any suitable deformable material capable of shock absorption and / or damping. As an example, the shock absorber pads may be formed of an elastomer or rubber material, silicone, foam material, felt, or other suitable shock absorbing material. As a specific example, the shock absorber pad may comprise a (e.g. synthetic) urethane elastomer, such as Sorbothane®. Starting with the first flexible panel 104a, a first front fastener 120a is arranged to extend through the front through-hole 116 to engage one of the front mounting elements 112aa to secure the front region of the flexible panel 104a to the left-hand point 114a of the saddle tree 102. The first front shock absorber pad 122a is mounted between the first flexible panel 104a and the saddle tree 102, such that the first front fastener 120a extends through the channel 124 in the first front shock absorber pad 122a. The opposing faces of the first front shock absorber pad 122a may be in direct contact with the first flexible panel 104a and the saddle 102 (as shown), or in some cases there may be one or more intervening materials between these components. In the example shown, the first front fastener 120a is in the form of a bolt or a screw. Accordingly, each front mounting element 112aa is in the form of a nut or suitable threaded opening that is engageable by the bolt or screw. In the example shown, the font mounting elements 112aa are in the form of nuts that are secured on an upper (outer) side of the saddle tree 102. For each nut, the saddle tree 102 comprises a respective through-hole through which the fastener 120a can extend to engage the nut. The fastener 120a may be made of any suitable material, such as a metal, e.g. aluminium or steel. By way of example, a length of the fastener 120a may be between 30 mm and 50 mm, and a diameter of a shaft of the fastener 120a may be 3 mm or greater. Of course, other dimensions ofthe fastener may be used, to suit requirements of the saddle 100. A recess 126a is provided around the front through-hole 116 in the first flexible panel 126a for receiving a head ofthe first front fastener (bolt or screw) 120a. The recess 126a is formed in the padding material 110a ofthe first flexible panel 104a, the recess 126a being in an outer surface ofthe first flexible panel 104a that is arranged to contact the horse’s back 101 in use. A depth of the recess 126a is greater than a thickness of the head of the first front fastener 120a, such that the head of the fastener 120a can be fully received in the recess 126a and does not protrude beyond the outer surface ofthe flexible panel 104a. This avoids the head of the fastener 120a coming into contact with the horse’s back 101. Preferably, the depth ofthe recess 126a may be at least twice the thickness ofthe fastener’s head. In the example shown, the recess 126a extends through a thickness ofthe padding material 110a, such that the head of the fastener 120a rests against the support 108a when the fastener 120a engages the front mounting element 112aa. In other words, the recess 126a is a channel which exposes a portion ofthe support 108a, so that the head ofthe fastener 120a can engage the support 108a. In this manner, the head ofthe fastener 120a is surrounded by padding material, with the head ofthe fastener 120a being spaced from the horse’s back 101 by the thickness ofthe padding material 110a. As an example, the padding material 110a may have a thickness of approximately 20 mm. In this manner, when the head ofthe fastener engages the support 108a, the head ofthe fastener may be spaced from the horse’s back 101 by approximately 20 mm. A plug or bung 128a may be provided to close the recess 126a after insertion ofthe first front fastener 120a, to protect the head ofthe fastener and prevent contact with the horse’s back 101. The plug 128a may be made from the same material as the padding material 110a. In some cases, a portion ofthe padding material 110a may be arranged at an end (bottom) ofthe recess, so that the portion of padding material 110a can be compressed by tightening the first front fastener 120a in one of the mounting elements 112aa. This may serve to further embed the head of the fastener 120a within a thickness of the first flexible panel 104a. Additionally, tightening the first front fastener 120a can cause compression of the first front shock absorber pad 122a between the first flexible panel 104a and the saddle tree 102. This provides strong coupling of the shock absorber pad 122a between the first flexible panel 104a and the saddle tree 102, enhancing stability and shock absorption properties of the saddle 100. The first front fastener 122a can be engaged with any of the front mounting elements 112aa. In this manner, a position at which the front region of first flexible panel 104a is mounted relative to the saddle tree can be selected by selectively engaging the first front fastener 122a with one of the front mounting elements 112aa. In particular, as the front mounting elements 112aa are at different heights on the horse’s back 101, the height of the front region of the first flexible panel 104 on the horse’s back 101 can be adjusted. The rear regions of the saddle tree 102 and the first flexible panel 104a are connected together in an analogous manner to that described above for the front regions. In particular, the saddle 100 further comprises a first rear shock absorber pad (not shown) that is mounted between the rear regions of the saddle tree 102 and the first flexible panel 104. A first rear fastener (not shown) extends through the rear through-hole 118 in the first flexible panel 104a, and through the channel 124 in the first rear shock absorber pad to engage the rear mounting element 112ab. The rear through-hole 118, first rear shock absorber pad, first rear fastener, and rear mounting element 112ab are arranged in an analogous manner to the corresponding components for connecting the front regions of the saddle tree 102 and the first flexible panel 104a. The second flexible panel 104b is secured to the right-hand side of the saddle tree 102 in a manner analogous to that described above in relation to the first flexible panel 104a with respect to the left-hand side of the saddle tree 102. In particular, a second front fastener 120b secures the front region of the second flexible panel 104b to one of the front mounting elements 112ba, with the second front fastener 120b extending through the channel 124 in the second shock absorber pad 122b. A second rear fastener (not shown) secures the rear region of the second flexible panel to the corresponding rear mounting element on the saddle tree 102, with the second rear fastener extending through a channel in a second rear shock absorber pad (not shown). The through-holes 116, 118 in the second flexible panel 104b may each include a recess 126b and optionally a plug 128b, as described for the first flexible panel 104a above. Accordingly, the saddle 100 is a modular system where each of the first and second flexible panels 104a, 104b is removably connectable to the saddle tree 102 by means of the described fasteners. Moreover, the heights at which the front regions of the first and second flexible panels 104a, 104b are connected to the saddle tree 102 can be adjusted, due to the provision of front mounting elements at multiple different heights on the saddle points 114a, 114b. This enables the saddle 100 to be fitted to horses having different back shapes. For example, the front regions of the flexible panels 104a, 104b may be connected to a lower set of mounting elements (e.g. as shown in Fig. 1), to accommodate a wider horse back, whilst a higher set of mounting elements may be used for a horse with a narrower back. The size (e.g. thickness) of the shock absorber pads may be selected to adjust a balance and fit of the saddle 100. For example, thicker shock absorber pads may be used to make the saddle 100 wider and / or to raise the saddle tree 102 relative to the horse’s back 101. In some cases, the front and rear shock absorber pads in the saddle 100 may all have a same thickness. In other cases, thicknesses of the front and rear shock absorber pads may be selected to adjust or optimise a fit of the saddle 100. Thus, the front and rear shock absorber pads may have different thicknesses. For example, the front shock absorber pads 122a, 122b may have a greater thickness than the rear shock absorber pads. This may serve to widen the front of the saddle 100, and / or raise the front of the saddle tree 102 (e.g. to improve a balance of the saddle 100). Conversely, the front shock absorber pads 122a, 122b may be thinner than the rear shock absorber pads. This may serve to make the front of the saddle 100 narrower, and / or lower the front of the saddle tree 102. The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or in the following claims, or in the accompanying drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing the disclosed function, or a method or process for obtaining the disclosed results, as appropriate, may, separately, or in any combination of such features, be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof. While the invention has been described in conjunction with the exemplary embodiments described above, many equivalent modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art when given this disclosure. Accordingly, the exemplary embodiments of the invention set forth above are considered to be illustrative and not limiting. Various changes to the described embodiments may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For the avoidance of any doubt, any theoretical explanations provided herein are provided for the purposes of improving the understanding of a reader. The inventors do not wish to be bound by any of these theoretical explanations. Any section headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not to be construed as limiting the subject matter described. Throughout this specification, including the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word “comprise” and “include”, and variations such as “comprises”, “comprising”, and “including” will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps. It must be noted that, as used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from “about” one particular value, and / or to “about” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and / or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by the use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment. The term “about” in relation to a numerical value is optional and means for example + / -10%.

Claims

1. A saddle comprising:a saddle tree comprising a mounting element;a flexible panel for contacting a horse’s back;a shock absorber pad that is mountable between the saddle tree and the flexible panel, wherein a channel extends through the shock absorber pad; anda fastener that is engageable with the mounting element to secure the flexible panel relative to the saddle tree, the fastener being configured to extend from the flexible panel to the mounting element via the channel in the shock absorber pad.

2. A saddle according to claim 1, wherein the fastener comprises a threaded shaft that is engageable with a threaded surface on the mounting element.

3. A saddle according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the flexible panel comprises a through-hole, the fastener being arranged to extend through the through-hole in the panel to secure the panel to the saddle tree.

4. A saddle according to claim 3, wherein the flexible panel comprises a recess for receiving a head of the fastener when the fastener extends through the through-hole.

5. A saddle according to claim 4, wherein the flexible panel comprises a padding material, and the recess is formed in the padding material.

6. A saddle according to claim 5, wherein a head of the fastener is arranged to compress a portion of the padding material when the fastener extends through the through-hole.

7. A saddle according to any preceding claim, wherein the shock absorber pad is arranged to be compressed between the flexible panel and the saddle tree when the fastener secures the flexible panel to the saddle tree.

8. A saddle according to any preceding claim, wherein the saddle tree comprises a plurality of mounting elements, each mounting element being at a respective position on the saddle tree, and each mounting element being engageable by the fastener.

9. A saddle according to claim 8, wherein the plurality of mounting elements are arranged along a lateral direction of the saddle tree, such that the plurality of mounting elements are located at different heights on the horse’s back.

10. A saddle according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the plurality of mounting elements is located on a point of the saddle tree.

11. A saddle according to claim any of claims 8 to 10, wherein:the plurality of mounting elements is located in a front region of the saddle tree;a rear region of the saddle tree comprises a rear mounting element;the saddle further comprises:5 a rear shock absorber pad that is mountable between the saddle tree and theflexible panel, wherein a channel extends through the rear shock absorber pad; anda rear fastener that is engageable with the rear mounting element to secure a rear region of the flexible panel to the rear region of the saddle tree, the rear fastener being configured to extend from the flexible panel to the rear mounting element via the10 channel in the rear shock absorber pad.

12. A saddle tree comprising a mounting element that is engageable with a fastener extending from a flexible panel to secure the flexible panel relative to the saddle tree.