A saddle

Abstract

A saddle for an animal such as a horse, with a saddle tree 13, a seat and a support, positioned under the saddle tree, with support portions either side of the animal’s spine. There is an intermediate

Description

FIELD The invention relates to a saddle for an animal. More particularly, but not exclusively, the invention relates to a saddle for a horse. BACKGROUND A saddle is used to support a rider on an animal. A saddle typically includes a seat that is situated above a support formed by a pair of elongate support portions, commonly referred to as panels in the art, that rest generally lengthwise on either side of the animal’s spine. The support is commonly made of a leather casing that contains a padding material. Additionally, the saddle may have protective portions that extend from near a top of the saddle downwardly over either side of the animal. Each protective portion may be formed as a single piece of leather and is shaped to protect the animal against direct contact of the rider’s leg with the side of the animal. The protective portions are generally referred to as saddle flaps. A saddle ensures that a rider’s weight is substantially evenly distributed over the animal thereby increasing the comfort experienced by the rider and the animal respectively. A saddle is most commonly used to support a rider on a horse. English saddles are widely used for disciplines such as dressage, jumping or cross-country riding. For each discipline, the position of the rider in the saddle varies. For dressage, the rider is usually upright in the seat of the saddle and stirrup length is made longer. For jumping, the rider spends time leaning forward in the seat of the saddle and the stirrup length is made shorter. Accordingly, the saddles have different constructions to a particular type of riding to ensure the rider is secure in the saddle. However, it is often necessary to further tailor the saddle components to suit the physical characteristics of the rider and / or their preferred riding posture. Any such adjustments to be made after a saddle has been manufactured often require a skilled craftsperson and / or considerable disassembly and reassembly of the saddle thus making any such changes expensive, time consuming and / or difficult for the end user, i.e. the rider. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION According to an aspect of the present disclosure we provide a saddle for an animal including: a saddle tree; a seat positioned on the saddle tree for supporting a rider; a support portion positioned under the seat for engagement with the animal; an intermediate member connected to the saddle tree; and a coupling device for releasably coupling the intermediate member to a flap member which, in use, lies between a portion of the rider’s leg and the animal; wherein the coupling device permits the flap member to be coupled to the intermediate member in first and second pivotal positions with respect to the saddle tree. Optionally or preferably wherein the coupling device includes a first part provided on the intermediate member or the flap member, and a second part which co-operates with the first part to couple the intermediate member to the flap member. Optionally or preferably wherein the first part includes first and second portions, and wherein the second part may be coupled to the first portion to hold the flap member in the first pivotal position and the second part may be coupled to the second portion to hold the flap member in the second pivotal position. Optionally or preferably wherein the first and second portions each include one or more receiving formations and the second part includes one or more coupling members for cooperating with the one or more receiving members to couple the intermediate member and the flap member together. Optionally or preferably wherein the one or more receiving formation are apertures, and the one or more coupling members are fasteners which extend through the apertures to couple the intermediate member and flap member together. Optionally or preferably wherein the intermediate member is generally elongate and has a first end portion which is connected to the saddle tree and a second, opposite, end portion which engages with the flap member when the intermediate member is coupled to the flap member. Optionally or preferably when the first part is provided on the intermediate member, wherein the first part second part is located or positioned at the second end portion of the intermediate member. Optionally or preferably wherein the intermediate member extends transversely away, preferably downwardly, from the saddle tree during use. Optionally or preferably wherein saddle tree includes a saddle tree head, wherein the saddle tree head is located at a first end portion of the saddle tree and the intermediate member is connected to the saddle tree at a second, opposite, end portion to the first end portion. Optionally or preferably wherein the flap member includes a first end which, in use, is located at the first end portion of the saddle tree, and a second end which, in use, is located at the second end portion of the saddle tree. Optionally or preferably wherein the coupling device is for coupling the second end of the flap member to the intermediate member. Optionally or preferably wherein the saddle includes a further coupling device for coupling the first end of the flap member to the first end portion of the saddle tree. Optionally or preferably wherein the further coupling device includes a ring attachment for attaching a ring thereto, wherein the ring is for a girth strap, optionally the ring attachment includes first and second receiving formations for receiving first and second coupling members therethrough to couple the ring attachment, first end of the flap member and the saddle tree together. Optionally or preferably wherein the coupling device and further coupling device are configured to permit the flap member to be positioned in a first lateral position and a second lateral position with respect to the saddle tree. Optionally or preferably wherein the saddle tree has a first surface which faces outwardly away from the animal during use and a second opposite surface which faces towards the animal during use, and wherein the intermediate member is positioned adjacent or below the second surface. Optionally or preferably wherein the intermediate member is positioned between the saddle tree and the support portion. Optionally or preferably wherein the first end of the flap member is positioned adjacent or above the first surface. Optionally or preferably wherein the intermediate member is generally planar or is planar, optionally or preferably the intermediate member is an elongate shape or strip. Optionally or preferably wherein the intermediate member is flexible and / or resiliently flexible. Optionally or preferably wherein the saddle includes a bar hole cover, and the intermediate member is formed as an integral component of the bar hole cover. Optionally or preferably wherein the saddle includes: two said support portions positioned on either side of a longitudinal axis of the saddle; two said intermediate members connected to respective sides of the saddle tree; and two said coupling devices for releasably coupling the said intermediate members to respective flap members. Optionally or preferably the saddle includes the flap member coupled to the intermediate member in the first or second position. Optionally or preferably a saddle for an animal according to any preceding aspect including a knee roll positioned on the flap member, in use, the knee roll supports a knee of the rider. Optionally or preferably wherein the saddle is a mono-flap saddle, or wherein the saddle is a double flap saddle and the flap member is the outer flap member. According to an aspect of the present disclosure we provide a kit of parts for coupling a flap member to a saddle, the saddle including: a saddle tree; a seat positioned on the saddle tree for supporting a rider; and a support portion positioned under the seat for engagement with the animal, wherein the kit of parts includes: an intermediate member for connection to the saddle tree; and a coupling device for releasably coupling the intermediate member to a flap member which, in use, lies between a portion of the rider’s leg and the animal, wherein the coupling device permits the flap member to be coupled to the intermediate member in first and second pivotal positions with respect to the saddle tree. Optionally or preferably the kit includes a further coupling device for coupling a first end of the flap member to the saddle tree which is opposite to a second end of the flap member which is coupled by the coupling device to the saddle tree, wherein the further coupling device includes: a ring attachment for attaching a ring thereto, wherein the ring is for a girth strap; and first and second receiving formations, wherein the first receiving formation receives a coupling member therethrough to couple the ring attachment to the saddle tree and the second receiving formation receives a coupling member therethrough such that the coupling member couples the first end of the flap member and the saddle tree together. According to an aspect of the present disclosure we provide a saddle tree for a saddle, saddle tree including: an intermediate member for connection to the saddle tree; and a coupling device for releasably coupling the intermediate member to a flap member which, in use, lies between a portion of the rider’s leg and the animal, wherein the coupling device permits the flap member to be coupled to the intermediate member in first and second pivotal positions with respect to the saddle tree. According to an aspect of the present disclosure we provide a method of modifying a saddle for an animal, the saddle including: a saddle tree; a seat positioned on the saddle tree for supporting a rider; a support portion positioned under the seat for engagement with the animal, and the method including the steps of: providing and connecting an intermediate member to the saddle tree; providing a coupling device and a flap member which, in use, lies between a portion of the rider’s leg and the animal, wherein the coupling device permits the flap member to be coupled to the intermediate member in first and second pivotal positions with respect to the saddle tree; and coupling the flap member to the intermediate member using the coupling device to place the flap member into the first pivotal position or the second pivotal position. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES In order that the present disclosure may be more readily understood, preferable embodiments thereof will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a saddle; Figure 2 is a side view of certain component parts in accordance with the present disclosure for use in forming the saddle shown in figure 1; Figure 3 is a perspective view partially showing some of the component parts shown in figure 2 with one of the parts removed; Figure 4 is a side view of a component part shown in figure 2; Figure 5 is a side view of a component part shown in figure 3; Figure 6 is a perspective view of a certain component part shown in figure 2; Figures 7a - 7c are side views of a saddle according to an aspect of the present disclosure in three different states respectively; Figures 8a-8b are perspective views of a saddle according to another aspect of the present disclosure in two different states respectively; and Figure 9 is a side view showing a component part of the saddle shown in figures 8a and 8b. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE Referring to figure 1, this shows a saddle 10 for an animal which is a horse in this example. The saddle 10 is a dressage saddle and the present invention may be employed for use with a saddle such as saddle 10 or other types of saddle as will be described. Whilst the invention can be utilised on a saddle for many kinds of animals, the following examples have been described with reference to a horse saddle. It should be noted that the saddle of the present invention could be used for riding any appropriate animal, whether equine or non-equine. The saddle 10 is symmetrical meaning that components and their arrangement on one side of the saddle 10 (to one side of the horse’s spine) are mirrored on the other side of the saddle 10. Referring to figure 1, the main components of the saddle 10 include a saddle tree 13 (not visible), a seat 12 positioned on the saddle tree 13 for supporting a rider, and a support 14 positioned under the saddle tree 13 for engagement with the horse. The saddle tree 13 may be made from plastic, metal or composite material, or a mixture thereof. The skilled person will appreciate that the saddle tree 13 may be made from any other suitable material able to maintain physical integrity of the saddle 10. In one example of the disclosure, the saddle tree 13 may be formed by injection moulding of plastic. The support 14 includes, at either side of the animal’s spine, support portions 14a, 14b which in use extends generally lengthwise of the animal’s spine and terminate at a leading edge. The saddle 10 has a longitudinal axis which extends between respective ends along the length of the saddle 10. The support portions 14a, 14b each extend generally parallel to the longitudinal axis and are spaced apart from each other about the longitudinal axis. The support portions 14a, 14b are referred to as panels in the art. The term “leading edge” as used herein refers to an edge of a component part of the saddle 10, which, when the saddle 10 is positioned on a horse, faces and is closest to a forward direction of travel of the horse (i.e. the horse’s head). Support portion 14a, 14b may be resiliently deformable and may be formed of a leather casing which is filled with wool. It will be appreciated that any suitable material can be used to fill the support portions 14a, 14b. It will be appreciated that the casing of each support portion 14a, 14b may be made from any suitable synthetic or natural material. Figure 2 shows part of a saddle tree 13, and a flap member 18 according to the present invention and for use in forming a saddle such as saddle 10 shown in figure 1. Each side of the saddle tree 13 may be provided with identical flap members 18 in examples, and / or the flap members 18 may differ in other examples. Different flap members 18 may be used to accommodate differences in a rider’s physiology or gait, for example, or physical asymmetries that a para-equestrian rider may have. The saddle 10 may include an intermediate member 20 connected to the saddle tree 13 and a coupling device 22 for releasably coupling the intermediate member 20 to a flap member 18 which, in use, lies between a portion of the rider’s leg and the horse. The term releasably coupling denotes relative movement between two components being permitted when the coupling device releases the two components. It may encompass but need not be limited to the two components being separated from each other. The coupling device 22 permits the flap member 18 to be coupled to the intermediate member 20 in a plurality of pivotal positions with respect to the saddle tree 13. In this example, the flap member 18 may be coupled in three different pivotal positions. The number of pivotal positions may differ according to the desired use of the saddle but the flap member 18 may be coupled in at least two different pivotal positions. The flap member 18 shown in the figures is a single flap member as part of a mono-flap saddle. In other examples, the flap member 18 is an outer flap member which is connected to the saddle tree 13 by the coupling device 22 and intermediate member 20 as part of a double or twin-flap saddle so that the outer flap member may be coupled in at least two different pivotal positions. The outer flap member may support a knee roll on its outer surface. In such examples, the inner flap member is a sweat flap which may be fixed in place relative to the saddle tree 13 without being adjustable between different pivotal positions. In the present example, the saddle 10 is symmetrical in that the components and arrangement of components on side of the saddle 10 (to one side of the longitudinal axis of the saddle) are mirrored on the other side of the saddle 10. For this reason, only features of one side of the saddle 10 which includes the support portion 14a will be described hereinafter. However, in embodiments, the saddle 10 need not be symmetrical, for example, one side of the saddle 10 / saddle tree 13 may include an intermediate member 20 and the other side may not, or the intermediate member 20 on side of the saddle 10 I saddle tree 13 may be configured differently, e.g. have a different size or shape, compared to the other side. Referring to figure 3, a perspective view of the saddle tree 13 with intermediate member 20 connected thereto is shown. The saddle tree 13 may be covered by a padded casing, e.g. a leather casing filled with foam, when assembled into the saddle 10. The saddle tree 13 forms the load bearing structure or skeleton of the saddle 10 to which the main components of the saddle are attached. The saddle tree 13 is generally a hyperbolic paraboloid in shape. The saddle tree 13 has a first surface F which faces outwardly away from the horse during use and a second opposite surface S which faces towards the animal during use. The saddle tree 13 includes a saddle tree head 13a formed of two forks which make a v-shape. The saddle tree head 13a is located at a first end portion 13’ of the saddle tree and the intermediate member 20 is connected to the saddle tree 13 at a second, opposite, end portion 13” to the first end portion 13’ which is where the rider is seated during riding. The intermediate member 20 is connected to the saddle tree 13 separately from the support portion 14a. The intermediate member 20 may be connected to the saddle tree 13 directly and be in physical contact therewith. In this example, the intermediate member 20 is connected to the surface S but it may be connected to the surface F in other examples. A bar hole cover 21 is shown connected at one longitudinal end to one of the forks of the saddle tree head 13a and is connected at its opposite longitudinal end to the second end portion 13”. The flap member 18 is configured to lie between a portion of the rider’s leg and the horse. When the saddle 10 is positioned on the horse, the flap member 18 generally extends downwardly from the spine of the horse. The flap member 18 is made from leather in examples, and in other examples it may be made from any suitable material or synthetic material. As best seen in figure 4, which shows the flap member 18 in front view, the flap member 18 is generally rectangular. The flap member 18 includes a first end 18’ which, in use, is located at the first end portion 13’ of the saddle tree 13, and a second, opposite end 18” located at the second end portion 13” of the saddle tree 13. An end of the flap member 18 closest to the saddle tree 13, i.e. an upper end of the flap member 18, may include a recessed edge or generally triangular shaped recess. In examples, this may be shaped to provide access to other components of the saddle 10 located near the saddle tree. In this example, the flap member 18 also acts as a sweat flap which protects the horse’s skin from damage or irritation by contact with other components of the saddle 10. The flap member 18 may have other shapes or sizes according to the type of saddle and / or requirements of the rider. In this example, the saddle 10 is a mono-flap saddle in that there is only a single flap, flap member 18, at each side of the saddle. However, in other examples, the saddle 10 may not be a mono-flap saddle and, for example, there could be an outer or additional flap member 18 which is positioned over the flap member 18, i.e. to the outer side of the flap member 18. In such examples, the intermediate member 20 and coupling device 22 may be provided to connect the outer or additional flap members to the saddle tree 13 in the same way as depicted in relation to the flap members 18 so that the outer / additional flap member can be positioned in different pivotal positions, whilst the flap members 18 may be connected to the saddle tree 13 without being adjustable between pivotal positions. In such examples, the outer / additional flap member may include a knee roll. In the present example, as best seen in figure 1, a knee roll 30 may be positioned on the outer surface of the flap member 18 which is configured to support a knee of the rider to prevent the knee from moving past the knee roll 30. The knee roll 30 is positioned near the leading edge or front edge of the flap member 18. The knee roll 30 may be releasably attached to the flap member 18 to permit different shapes and sizes of knee roll to be connected to the flap member 18 and / or permit different positions of the knee roll 30 on the flap member 18 to suit a particular rider’s physiology and other requirements. Referring to figure 5, this shows intermediate member 20. The intermediate member 20 is generally elongate. The intermediate portion 20 has a first end portion 20’ which is connected to the saddle tree 13 and a second, opposite, end portion 20” which engages with the flap member 18 when the intermediate member 20 is coupled to the flap member 18. As best seen in figure 3, the intermediate member 20 extends transversely away and in a generally downwardly direction from the saddle tree 13 during use. The intermediate member 20 is inclined at an angle such that the second end portion 20” is positioned further forwardly relative to the longitudinal axis of the saddle tree 13 compared to the first end portion 20’. In this example, the intermediate member 20 is generally planar and may be in the form of an elongate shape or strip of material. The intermediate member 20 may be flexible or resiliently flexible. The intermediate member 20 may be made from leather or any other suitable synthetic material. As will be described, the intermediate member 20 is positioned between the saddle tree 13 and the support portion 14a. In particular, the first end portion 20’ is sandwiched or deposed between the second surface S of the saddle tree 13 and the support portion 14a, whilst the second end portion 20” is positioned away from the saddle tree 13 and extends along the outer surface of the support portion 14a to terminate in a free end which is accessible by a user. In this example, the first end portion 20’ includes a pair of formations 26 spaced apart in a width-wise direction of the intermediate member 20. The formations 26 align with threaded formations 28 (in this example riveted threaded nuts or the like) formed in the saddle tree 13. Respective coupling members, e.g. fasteners, may be passed through the formations 26 and inserted into the threaded formations to form a steadfast connection between them and thereby fix first end portion 20’ in place relative to the saddle tree 13. The coupling device 22 may take various forms according to examples of the present disclosure. In general terms, the coupling device 22 may include a first part 22a provided on the intermediate member 20 or the flap member 18, and a second part 22b which cooperates with the first part 22a to couple the intermediate member 20 to the flap member 18. In the present example the coupling device 22 permits the intermediate member 20 and flap member 18 to be separated from each other. However, in other examples they need not be separable. For example, the coupling device 22 may permit pivotal movement between the intermediate member 20 and the flap member 18 between different pivotal positions without the components becoming entirely separated, and also may be operable to hold the components together in one of the pivotal positions. In the present example, and referring to figures 5 and 6, the first part 22a is provided on the intermediate member 20 and includes first, second and third portions 24a, 24b, 24c, in the form of receiving formations 24a’, 24b’, 24c’, e.g. pairs of apertures, which may be coupled to the second part 22b. The first part 22a, e.g. the formations 24a’, 24b’, 24c’, is provided at the second end portion 20” of the intermediate member 20. The second part 22b may include one or more coupling members 22b’ for co-operating with corresponding one or more receiving formations 24a’, 24b’, 24c’, of the first part 22a to couple the intermediate member 20 and flap member 18 together. In the present example, referring to figure 6, the second part 22b is in the form of an elongate planar strip of metal having a coupling member 22b’ provided at each of the opposite ends thereof. The coupling members 22b’ are threaded upstanding bosses which fit through the respective receiving formations 24a’, 24b’, 24c’ of each of the portions 24a, 24b, 24c and are configured to receive threaded fasteners therein as will be described. In this example, the coupling device 22 couples the second end 18” of the flap member 18 to the intermediate member 20. Referring to figure 2, the saddle 10 includes a further coupling device 32 for coupling the first end 18’ of the flap member 18 to the first end portion 13’ of the saddle tree 13. The further coupling device 32 in this example, includes a ring attachment 32a for attaching a ring thereto which is for attaching a girth strap thereto (not shown). The ring attachment 32a includes first and second receiving formations 32b’, 32b” for receiving first and second coupling members, e.g. fasteners, therethrough to couple the ring attachment 32a, first end 18’ of the flap member 18 and the saddle tree 13 together. The receiving formations 32b’, 32b” are spaced apart along a straight line. The coupling members are reversible between coupled and uncoupled states. The saddle tree 13 includes threaded formations, e.g. threaded nuts or the like, which are riveted to the saddle tree 13 in this example to receive the distal ends of the first and second coupling members therein. The ring attachment 32a, first end 18’ of the flap member 18 and the saddle tree 13 are thus held in a steadfast manner when the coupling members are fastened which prevents relative movement between them. In figure 2, one of the coupling members is shown fastened in place and extends through the first receiving formation 32b’. The first and second receiving formations 32b’, 30b” are located at the first end portion 18’ of the flap member 18. The coupling members may be loosened or removable in examples using a simple screwdriver or Hex key tool (also known as an alien key tool) so that they can be easily loosened I removed without requiring specialist skills or tools. Use of a saddle 10 embodying aspects of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to figures 1 to 6, and figures 7a, 7b, 7c which respectively show the flap member 18 in three different pivotal positions whilst a rider is seated thereon. The saddle 10 shown in figures 7a - c includes a pair of outer side flaps positioned near the top of the saddle and extend slightly downwardly from each side of the saddle to cover the upper portions of the flap members 18. Adjustment will be described starting from the flap member 18 being in, for example, the pivotal position corresponding to the first portion 24a of the first part of the coupling device 22. In order to adjust the flap member 18 to more closely follow the rider’s legs in an optimal way and to align the knee roll 30 in particular, the flap member 18 must be moved to one of the other pivotal positions corresponding to the second or third portion 24b, 24c of the first part of the coupling device 22. This may be done by a user loosening the further coupling device 32 such that the first end 18’ of the flap member 18 is loosely held in place relative to the saddle tree 13. This may be done by loosening the coupling member in the first receiving formation 32’ and removing the coupling member from the second receiving formation 32”. The user must also release the coupling device 22 by loosening the threaded fasteners which hold the second part 22b and first part 22a I the intermediate member 20 together so that the intermediate member 20 is no longer connected to the flap member 18. Once the coupling device 22 has been released, the flap member 18 is free to be pivoted or moved about the first end 18’ of the flap member 18, i.e. about the further coupling device 32. The user may move the flap member 18 to bring the flap member 18 into one of the pivotal positions corresponding to the second or third portions 24b, 24c such that the formations of the desired portion are aligned with the formations in the flap member 18 through which the coupling members 22b’ of the second part 22b extend. This effectively allows for adjusting the angle or inclination of the knee roll 30 which is attached to the flap member 18 so that the rider’s leg is correctly supported or aligned by the knee roll 30 during riding. When aligned in the desired pivotal position, the user may simply fasten the fasteners at each of the coupling device 22 and further coupling device 32 to hold the flap member 18a in the selected pivotal position. In this way, as is evidenced from the figures 7a to 7c, the rider’s leg, in particular the rider’s thigh, is inclined at different angles when the flap member 18a is positioned in the three different pivotal positions available due to the configuration of the coupling device 22. In the present example, the difference between the pivotal positions may be increments of 2 degrees. The configuration may be arranged to have other incremental differences which are larger or smaller. The difference in pivotal positions may be selected based on the rider’s requirements. The rider’s knee to hip leg length may also determine which pivotal position is best for riding, particularly for a dressage saddle. In the examples shown in the figures 1 to 6, the first part 24a of the coupling device 22 is provided on the intermediate member 20 in the form of female portions 24a - 24c whilst the second part 22b is provided as a separate male component which co-operates with the portions 24a - 24c. In other examples, this may be reversed, e.g. the female portions 24a - 24c may be provided on the flap member 18 and the male component provided on the intermediate member 20. It will be appreciated that any suitable form of coupling device 22 may be employed to achieve the technical effect of coupling the flap member 18 to the intermediate member 20 in different pivotal positions relative to the saddle tree 13 without having to employ the specific examples shown in the figures. The intermediate member 20 is directly connected to the saddle tree 13 and so provides a robust connection for attaching the flap member 18 to the saddle 10. Furthermore, the fixing points for locating the intermediate member 20 to the saddle tree 10 can be reliably positioned because they are formed directly on the saddle tree 10. This ensures that the intermediate member 20, and thus the flap member 18, is correctly located during manufacture of the saddle 10. Advantageously, the flap member 18 may be pivoted or adjusted without having to disassemble the rest of the saddle 10. In particular, the support portions 14a, 14b do not have to be removed whereas in prior art designs the flap member is normally permanently fixed to the saddle tree and can only be adjusted by first removing the support portions and / or other major components of the saddle. This means the end users can make the flap member 18 adjustments themselves without having to employ a skilled saddlery craftsperson which would otherwise be required for most prior art saddles. With reference to figures 8a and 8b, these show a saddle 10 in two different states, and figure 9 which shows a bar hole cover 21 of the saddle 10 in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure. In this example, the intermediate member 20 is not formed as a separate component from the bar hole cover 21. Instead, the intermediate member 20 is formed as an extended or elongated formation or tab that extends transversely, generally downwardly, away from the rear end of the bar hole cover 21 as is best seen in figure 9. The intermediate member 20 is otherwise configured in the same way as the previous examples. In prior art saddles, stirrup bars (the hooks from which stirrups hang) are typically riveted, onto the saddle tree and the bar hole cover is a piece of material, e.g. leather, provided on the saddle 10 to cover the saddle tree I rivets. In other words, the bar hole cover provides a cosmetic effect only. However, in the example shown in figures 8a, 8b, and 9, the bar hole cover 21 is made from a relatively strong material and includes the shaped intermediate member 20 to provide the technical functionality of connecting the flap member 18 in different pivotal positions. Referring to figure 8a, the saddle 10 is shown with the flap member 18 attached and a portion of the bar hole cover 21 visible above the top of the flap member 18. Referring to figure 8b, the saddle 10 is shown with the fasteners for each of the coupling and further coupling devices 22, 32 suitable loosened / removed so that the second end 18” of the flap member 18 is free to be rotated. The bottom of the intermediate member 20 is visible in this view. In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, a kit of parts for coupling a flap member to a saddle including the intermediate member 20 and coupling device 22 may be provided for a user to fit onto an existing saddle in a retrofit installation to permit pivotal adjustment of the flap member between different pivotal positions and / or easier repair and / or replacement of the flap member. In examples not shown in the figures, the intermediate member 20 and the saddle tree 13 may also be configured to permit the flap member to be positioned between different lateral or longitudinal positions along the longitudinal axis of the saddle tree to accommodate for the rider’s body or posture during riding. The skilled reader will appreciate that various modifications of the intermediate member 20 and saddle tree 13 together with appropriate coupling devices may be employed to permit such lateral I longitudinal adjustment of the flap member 18. When used in this specification and claims, the terms "comprises" and "comprising" and variations thereof mean that the specified features, steps or integers are included. The terms are not to be interpreted to exclude the presence of other features, steps or components. The invention may also broadly consist in the parts, elements, steps, examples and / or features referred to or indicated in the specification individually or collectively in any and all combinations of two or more said parts, elements, steps, examples and / or features. In particular, one or more features in any of the embodiments described herein may be combined with one or more features from any other embodiment(s) described herein. Protection may be sought for any features disclosed in any one or more published documents referenced herein in combination with the present disclosure. Although certain example embodiments of the invention have been described, the scope of the appended claims is not intended to be limited solely to these embodiments. The claims are to be construed literally, purposively, and / or to encompass equivalents.

Claims

1. A saddle for an animal including:a saddle tree;a seat positioned on the saddle tree for supporting a rider;a support portion positioned under the seat for engagement with the animal; an intermediate member connected to the saddle tree; anda coupling device for releasably coupling the intermediate member to a flap member which, in use, lies between a portion of the rider’s leg and the animal;wherein the coupling device permits the flap member to be coupled to the intermediate member in first and second pivotal positions with respect to the saddle tree.

2. A saddle according to claim 1 wherein the coupling device includes a first part provided on the intermediate member or the flap member, and a second part which co-operates with the first part to couple the intermediate member to the flap member.

3. A saddle according to claim 2 wherein the first part includes first and second portions, and wherein the second part may be coupled to the first portion to hold the flap member in the first pivotal position and the second part may be coupled to the second portion to hold the flap member in the second pivotal position.

4. A saddle according to claim 3 wherein the first and second portions each include one or more receiving formations and the second part includes one or more coupling members for co-operating with the one or more receiving members to couple the intermediate member and the flap member together.

5. A saddle according to claim 4 wherein the one or more receiving formation are apertures, and the one or more coupling members are fasteners which extend through the apertures to couple the intermediate member and flap member together.

6. A saddle according to any preceding claim wherein the intermediate member is generally elongate and has a first end portion which is connected to the saddle tree and a second, opposite, end portion which engages with the flap member when the intermediate member is coupled to the flap member.

7. A saddle according to claim 6 when directly or indirectly dependent on claim 2 andwhen the first part is provided on the intermediate member, wherein the first part second part is located or positioned at the second end portion of the intermediate member.

8. A saddle according to any preceding claim wherein the intermediate member extends transversely away, preferably downwardly, from the saddle tree during use.

9. A saddle according to any preceding claim wherein saddle tree includes a saddle tree head, wherein the saddle tree head is located at a first end portion of the saddle tree and the intermediate member is connected to the saddle tree at a second, opposite, end portion to the first end portion.

10. A saddle according to any preceding claim, wherein the flap member includes a first end which, in use, is located at the first end portion of the saddle tree, and a second end which, in use, is located at the second end portion of the saddle tree.

11. A saddle according to claim 10 wherein the coupling device is for coupling the second end of the flap member to the intermediate member.

12. A saddle according to claim 10 or 11 wherein the saddle includes a further coupling device for coupling the first end of the flap member to the first end portion of the saddle tree.

13. A saddle according to claim 12, wherein the further coupling device includes a ring attachment for attaching a ring thereto, wherein the ring is for a girth strap, optionally the ring attachment includes first and second receiving formations for receiving first and second coupling members therethrough to couple the ring attachment, first end of the flap member and the saddle tree together.

14. A saddle according to any one of claims 12 to 13 wherein the coupling device and further coupling device are configured to permit the flap member to be positioned in a first lateral position and a second lateral position with respect to the saddle tree.

15. A saddle according to any preceding claim wherein the saddle tree has a first surface which faces outwardly away from the animal during use and a second opposite surface which faces towards the animal during use, and wherein the intermediate member is positioned adjacent or below the second surface.

16. A saddle according to any preceding claim wherein the intermediate member is positioned between the saddle tree and the support portion.

17. A saddle according to claim 15 or 16 when directly or indirectly dependent on claim 9 wherein the first end of the flap member is positioned adjacent or above the first surface.

18. A saddle according to any preceding claim, wherein the intermediate member is generally planar or is planar, optionally or preferably the intermediate member is an elongate shape or strip, and / or wherein the intermediate member is flexible and / or resiliently flexible.

19. A saddle according to any preceding claim, wherein the saddle includes a bar hole cover, and the intermediate member is formed as an integral component of the bar hole cover.

20. A saddle according to any preceding claim wherein the saddle includes:two said support portions positioned on either side of a longitudinal axis of the saddle;two said intermediate members connected to respective sides of the saddle tree; andtwo said coupling devices for releasably coupling the said intermediate members to respective flap members.

21. A saddle for an animal according to any claim including the flap member coupled to the intermediate member in the first or second position, and / or including a knee roll positioned on the flap member, in use, the knee roll supports a knee of the rider.

22. A kit of parts for coupling a flap member to a saddle, the saddle including:a saddle tree;a seat positioned on the saddle tree for supporting a rider; anda support portion positioned under the seat for engagement with the animal, wherein the kit of parts includes:an intermediate member for connection to the saddle tree; anda coupling device for releasably coupling the intermediate member to a flap member which, in use, lies between a portion of the rider’s leg and the animal,wherein the coupling device permits the flap member to be coupled to the intermediate member in first and second pivotal positions with respect to the saddle tree.

23. A kit of parts according to claim 22 including a further coupling device for coupling a first end of the flap member to the saddle tree which is opposite to a second end of the flap member which is coupled by the coupling device to the saddle tree, wherein the further coupling device includes:a ring attachment for attaching a ring thereto, wherein the ring is for a girth strap; andfirst and second receiving formations, wherein the first receiving formation receives a coupling member therethrough to couple the ring attachment to the saddle tree and the second receiving formation receives a coupling member therethrough such that the coupling member couples the first end of the flap member and the saddle tree together.

24. A saddle tree for a saddle, saddle tree including:an intermediate member for connection to the saddle tree; anda coupling device for releasably coupling the intermediate member to a flap member which, in use, lies between a portion of the rider’s leg and the animal,wherein the coupling device permits the flap member to be coupled to the intermediate member in first and second pivotal positions with respect to the saddle tree.

25. A method of modifying a saddle for an animal, the saddle including:a saddle tree;a seat positioned on the saddle tree for supporting a rider;a support portion positioned under the seat for engagement with the animal, and the method including the steps of:providing and connecting an intermediate member to the saddle tree;providing a coupling device and a flap member which, in use, lies between a portion of the rider’s leg and the animal, wherein the coupling device permits the flap member to be coupled to the intermediate member in first and second pivotal positions with respect to the saddle tree; andcoupling the flap member to the intermediate member using the coupling device to place the flap member into the first pivotal position or the second pivotal position.21

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