A saddle tree and a method of producing the same

Abstract

According to the invention there is provided a saddle tree (5) comprising a first, substantially rigid, portion and a second, deformable, portion, wherein the first portion comprises a first part of a head end (10) of the saddle tree, the first part comprising a first arm (25) and a second arm (30), the first arm configured to extend along a first side of an equid and the second arm configured to extend along a second side of the equid, and wherein the second portion comprises a second part (35) of the head end of the saddle tree, the second part configured to fit around a part of the thoracolumbar spine of the equid, the second part connecting the first arm (25) and the second arm (30).

Description

[0001] P36987GB

[0002] 1

[0003] A saddle tree and a method of producing the same

[0004] Field of the Disclosure

[0005] This invention relates to a saddle tree and a method of producing a saddle tree.

[0006] Background of the Disclosure

[0007] Saddles, such as equestrian saddles, are designed to seat and support a rider on an equid, such as a horse, donkey, pony or the like. A saddle is supported by a saddle tree, which forms the framework on which the saddle sits.

[0008] When designing a saddle, a saddler must think about the anatomy of both the equid and the rider. Achieving an optimal fit between a saddle and an equid is important to both maximise the comfort and freedom of movement of an equid during riding and minimise the potential health risks for the equid. The shape of an equid’s back, where the saddle tree is typically positioned, can vary significantly between different equids and even within the same equid over time. This variation can be caused by changes in the equid’s weight throughout the year. It is also common for equids to have natural asymmetry. For example, a horse’s shoulder blades are rarely symmetrical due to differences in skeletal and muscular development, and this asymmetry can change during the horse’s training. It is important that the head end of the saddle tree matches the shape of the equid otherwise the saddle tree can impinge on the equid’s scapulas when the equid is in motion, which can cause muscle atrophy.

[0009] In addition, the saddler needs to consider that the rider must have close contact with the horse to convey body language messages. Ideally, the rider’s weight should be evenly distributed via the rider’s pelvis, allowing the rider to communicate commands to an equid via the rider’s legs and pelvis, while minimising pressure or rubbing in the rider’s pubic area thus minimising various health problems in this regard.P36987GB

[0010] 2

[0011] Therefore, designing and fitting a saddle tree can be a time-consuming process, typically requiring detailed and equid-specific measurements to be taken, while taking account of the rider’s anatomy, such that the resultant saddle tree fits the equid correctly thus minimising health problems for both the equid and the rider. This process is typically repeated every six months, to take into account changes in an equid’s anatomy, often resulting in another saddle tree having to be manufactured.

[0012] The art of making saddle trees is a traditional one which has not changed materially. Saddle trees are traditionally made of wood, such as laminated beech, birch veneer, or birch plywood. In a wooden tree, if any attempt is made to change or adjust (e.g., by using a vice or the like) the shape of the saddle tree, such as the head end of the saddle tree, to fit a different equid or rider, it is often unsuccessful, and the saddle tree can become damaged. For example, the saddle tree can buckle or become distorted and / or the rivets holding components of the saddle tree can be sheared off. This failure is partly because the laminated layers of such saddle trees tend to slide against each other.

[0013] Attempts have been made to produce adjustable saddle trees, such as by manufacturing saddle trees using synthetic materials. However, this only allows the angle of the arms of the head end of the saddle tree to be adjusted.

[0014] Statement of Invention

[0015] The present invention, in at least some of its embodiments, addresses the above described problems and desires. In particular, the present invention provides a saddle tree and a method of producing the same which enables the shape of the saddle tree to be adjusted by virtue of having a deformable portion and a substantially rigid portion. In addition, as the saddle tree according to the present invention is adjustable, this enables a saddle tree to be readjusted as an equid changes shape (e.g., during training) to help ensure, and maintain, a good fit over time, thus obviating the need to manufacture a new, custom, saddle tree every time an equid’s anatomy changes. Moreover, the present invention allows saddle treesP36987GB

[0016] 3

[0017] to be mass produced, the saddle trees being adjustable, thus providing an alternative to custom made saddle trees.

[0018] According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a saddle tree comprising a first, substantially rigid, portion and a second, deformable, portion, wherein the first portion comprises a first part of a head end of the saddle tree, the first part comprising a first arm and a second arm, the first arm configured to extend along a first side of an equid and the second arm configured to extend along a second side of the equid, and wherein the second portion comprises a second part of the head end of the saddle tree, the second part configured to fit around a part of the thoracolumbar spine of the equid, the second part connecting the first arm and the second arm.

[0019] In this way, the shape of the head end of the saddle can be adjusted such that it can fit equids having different shapes and sizes. The shape of the saddle tree can also be adjusted over the course of an equid’s life, to conform with the changing size and shape of the equid over time.

[0020] In particular, the head end of the saddle tree can be adjusted such that the width of head end of the saddle tree and / or the angles of the first and second arms of the first part of the head end of the saddle tree can be adjusted. In other words, the second part of the head end of the saddle tree enables the width of head end of the saddle tree to be adjusted independently of the angles of the first and second arms of the first part of the saddle tree. Put another way, the width of the head end of the saddle tree can be adjusted by virtue of adjusting the width of the second part of the head end of the saddle tree.

[0021] The second part of the head end of the saddle tree thus enables rigid members, such as gullet plates, having different shapes (e.g., widths) and / or sizes (e.g., the angles of the arms of the rigid member or gullet plate) to be fitted to the head end of the saddle tree. In this way, the shape of the head end of the saddle tree can be modified via two degrees of adjustment. The angle of the arms of a gullet plate can be referred to as head tilt. The width of a gullet plate can be referred to as a head width.P36987GB

[0022] 4

[0023] Put differently, the second, deformable, portion of the saddle tree enables the head end of the saddle tree to be adjusted such that the distance between the first and second arms can be adjusted without adjusting the angles of the first and the second arms. The distance between the first and second arms of the first part of the of the head end of the saddle tree can be referred to as the width of the of the second part of the head end of the saddle tree.

[0024] A saddle tree can be referred to as a base. Alternatively, a saddle tree can be referred to as a frame for supporting a saddle. In other words, a saddle tree can comprise the framework around which a saddle is built.

[0025] The head end can include the head of the saddle tree. The arms can be referred to as points. The second part of the head end of the saddle tree can be referred to as a pommel, a pommel head or the head of the saddle tree.

[0026] Deformable can be referred to as meaning that the shape of the second part of the head end of the saddle tree has a degree of flexibility such that the second part can conform to different shaped rigid members (e.g., gullet plates).

[0027] The first portion can further comprise a cantie end of the saddle tree and a first part of a waist portion of the saddle tree, and the second portion can further comprise a second part of the waist portion of the saddle tree, the first and second waist portions connecting the head end of the saddle tree and the cantie end of the saddle tree.

[0028] In this way, the shape of the waist portion of the saddle tree can be adjusted such that it can fit equids having different shapes and sizes. This feature results in a further degree of adjustment of the saddle tree. This enables an even better saddle tree fit to an equid. In particular, this feature enables saddle tree adjustment at both the head end and along at least part of the waist portion, thereby better fitting an equid along the equid’s back and / or sides. The waist portion can be the part of the saddle tree that supports a rider (e.g., above which a rider is located, in use).

[0029] The second part of the waist portion can comprise a first width closest to the head end of the saddle tree and a second width closest to the cantie end of theP36987GB

[0030] 5

[0031] saddle tree, the first width being larger than the second width, the first and second widths representing dimensions of the second part of the waist portion along an axis extending between a pair of corresponding points on the head end of the saddle tree, the pair of corresponding points being located on either side of an equid, in use.

[0032] In this way, the region of the waist portion towards the front of the saddle tree (e.g., closest to the equid’s head in use) is relatively flexible compared to the region of the waist portion towards the rear of the saddle tree (e.g., is furthest from the equid’s head, in use) such that the head end of the saddle tree and at least some of the waist portion of the saddle tree are adjustable, where the waist portion becomes more rigid towards the rear of the saddle tree to support a rider.

[0033] The second part of the waist portion of the saddle tree can extend from the second part of the head end of the saddle tree towards the cantie end of the saddle tree, where the second part of the waist portion can extend by up to 50% of the distance between a point on the head end of the saddle tree and a point on the cantie end of the saddle tree.

[0034] The point on the head end of the saddle tree can refer to the point on the head end of the saddle tree that is equidistant between the two arms of the head end, and the point on the cantie end of the saddle tree can be the point that corresponds to the point on the head end of the saddle tree.

[0035] In this way, both the head end and the waist portion can be adjusted to account for equids having different shapes and sizes. In particular, this feature enables saddle tree adjustment at both the head end and along at least part of the waist portion, thereby better fitting an equid along the equid’s back and sides.

[0036] Alternatively, the second part of the waist portion can extend by up to 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60% or 70% of the distance between a point on the head end of the saddle tree and a point on the cantie end of the saddle tree.

[0037] The second part of the waist portion can comprise a first bar and a second bar, the first and second bars extending from the cantie end of the saddle tree to theP36987GB

[0038] 6

[0039] second part of the head end of the saddle tree, the first bar configured to extend along the first side of the equid and the second bar configured to extend along the second side of the equid.

[0040] In this way, the saddle tree can be more securely attached to an equid. The bars can better fit an equid (e.g., be better fitted to the sides of the equid) by adjustment of the head end. This allows the bars to be adjusted thereby enabling an even better saddle tree fit to an equid.

[0041] The first bar and the second bar can connect the first arm and the second arm to the second part of the head end of the saddle tree, respectively. In this way, adjustment of the head end of the saddle tree can result in adjustments of the first and second bars thus resulting in a better fit to an equid.

[0042] The second part of the head end of the saddle tree can comprise up to the 50% of the area of the head end of the saddle tree.

[0043] Alternatively, the second part of the head end of the saddle tree can comprise up to 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60% or 70% of the area of the head end of the saddle tree.

[0044] The first portion can comprise a first type of polyurethane.

[0045] The second portion can comprise a second type of polyurethane.

[0046] According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a method of producing a saddle tree as described herein, the method comprising using a multimaterial injection moulding process to produce the saddle tree as described herein.

[0047] The multi-material injection moulding process can comprise a two-shot injection moulding process.

[0048] In this way, the saddle tree can be produced in an efficient and precise manner while providing strong bonding between the materials without sacrificing the visual appearance of the saddle tree.P36987GB

[0049] 7

[0050] The two-shot injection moulding process can comprise: providing a mould; providing an insert within the mould; curing a first type of polyurethane resin in the mould to produce the first portion the saddle tree; removing the insert from the mould; and curing a second type of polyurethane resin in the mould to produce the second portion of the saddle tree.

[0051] The first type of polyurethane resin can be formed by reacting a polyol and an isocyanate. The polyol and the isocyanate can each be injected into the mould so that the first type of polyurethane resin is formed in the mould.

[0052] The first type of polyurethane resin can be formed by reacting a polyol and an isocyanate; wherein the w / w ratio of polyol to isocyanate can be in the range 2.5:1 to 1.7:1. The polyol and the isocyanate can each be injected into the mould so that the first type of polyurethane resin is formed in the mould.

[0053] The first type of polyurethane resin can be formed by reacting a polyol and an isocyanate; wherein the w / w ratio of polyol to isocyanate can be in the range 2.3:1 to 1.9:1. The polyol and the isocyanate can each be injected into the mould so that the first type of polyurethane resin is formed in the mould

[0054] The first type of polyurethane resin can be formed by reacting a polyol and an isocyanate; wherein the w / w ratio of polyol to isocyanate can be about 2:1. The polyol and the isocyanate can each be injected into the mould so that the first type of polyurethane resin is formed in the mould

[0055] The second type of polyurethane resin can be formed by reacting a polyol and an isocyanate. The polyol and the isocyanate can each be injected into the mould so that the second type of polyurethane resin is formed in the mould.

[0056] The second type of polyurethane resin can be formed by reacting a polyol and an isocyanate; wherein the w / w ratio of polyol to isocyanate can be in the range 10:1 to 3.3:1. The polyol and the isocyanate can each be injected into the mould so that the second type of polyurethane resin is formed in the mould.

[0057] The second type of polyurethane resin can be formed by reacting a polyol and an isocyanate; wherein the w / w ratio of polyol to isocyanate can be in the rangeP36987GB

[0058] 8

[0059] 6.7:1 to 4:1. The polyol and the isocyanate can each be injected into the mould so that the second type of polyurethane resin is formed in the mould.

[0060] The second type of polyurethane resin can be formed by reacting a polyol and an isocyanate; wherein the w / w ratio of polyol to isocyanate can be about 5:1. The polyol and the isocyanate can each be injected into the mould so that the second type of polyurethane resin is formed in the mould.

[0061] The insert can be in the shape of the second part of the head end of the saddle tree.

[0062] The method can further comprise: providing a gullet plate adjacent to the second part of the head end of the saddle tree; and attaching the gullet plate to the first part of the head end of the saddle tree and / or to the second part of the head end of the saddle tree.

[0063] In this way, the shape of the saddle tree can be changed according to the shape of the gullet plate. Gullet plates of different shapes (e.g., gullet plate widths) and sizes (e.g., angles of the arms of the gullet plate) can be produced relatively easily and cheaply, where they can be fitted to the saddle tree.

[0064] The method can further comprise: providing a bridge; and fitting the bridge to the second part of the head end of the saddle tree.

[0065] In this way, the saddle tree is made stronger and more resilient. This also allows staples to be nailed to the saddle tree in the region adjacent to the second part of the of the head end of the saddle tree.

[0066] For the avoidance of doubt, whenever reference is made herein to ‘comprising’ or ‘including’ and like terms, the invention is also understood to include more limiting terms such as ‘consisting’ and ‘consisting essentially’ where the context allows it.

[0067] Whilst the invention has been described above, it extends to any inventive combination of the features set out above, or in the following description, drawings or claims. For example, any features disclosed in relation to the first aspect of theP36987GB

[0068] 9

[0069] invention may be combined with any features disclosed in relation to the second aspect of the invention and vice versa as appropriate.

[0070]

[0071] Figure 1 shows a plan view of a representation of a saddle tree.

[0072] Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a representation of a saddle tree.

[0073] Figure 3 shows a side view of a representation of a saddle tree.

[0074] Figure 4 shows an underside view of a representation of a saddle tree.

[0075] Figure 5 shows a front view of representations of a saddle tree comprising gullet plates having different shapes.

[0076] Figure 6 shows front, plan and perspective views of a representation of a gullet plate.

[0077] Figure 7 shows a plan view of a representation of a saddle tree.

[0078] Figure 8 shows a plan view of a representation of a saddle tree.

[0079] Detailed Description of the Disclosure

[0080] Figure 1 shows a plan view of a representation of a saddle tree 5 according to the present invention. The saddle tree 5 comprises a head end 10, a waist portion 15 and a cantie end 20. The head end 10 of the saddle tree 5 comprises a first arm 25 and a second arm 30. The first arm 25 and the second arm 30 together represent a first part of the head end 10 of the saddle tree. The first arm 25 and the second arm 30 are configured to extend along a first side and a second side of an equid (not shown), respectively, in use (e.g., when the saddle tree 5 is fitted to an equid). The head end 10 further comprises a second part 35 configured to fit around a part of the thoracolumbar spine of the equid. The second part 35 of the head end 10 of the saddle tree 5 comprises approximately 30% of the area of the head end 10 of the saddle tree 5.P36987GB

[0081] 10

[0082] The waist portion 15 of the saddle tree 5 extends between the head end 10 of the saddle tree 5 and the cantie end 20 of the saddle tree 5. The waist portion 15 has a first part 40 and a second part 45. The first part 40 of the waist portion 15 and the second part 45 of the waist portion 15 connect the cantie end 20 of the saddle tree to the head end 10 of the saddle tree 5. The first part 40 of the waist portion 15 extends from the cantie end 20 of the saddle tree 5 towards the head end 10 of the saddle tree 5. The second part 45 of the waist portion 15 extends from the head end 10 of the saddle tree 5 towards the cantie end 20 of the saddle tree 5. The width of the second part 45 of the waist portion 15 decreases along the direction from the head end 10 towards the cantie end 20 of the saddle tree 5. In other words, the width of the second part 45 of the waist portion 15 closest to the head end 10 of the saddle tree 5 is larger than the width of the second part 45 of the waist portion 15 closest to the cantie end 20 of the saddle tree 5. The width of the second part 45 of the waist portion 15 refers to a dimension of the second part 45 of the waist portion 15 along the direction perpendicular an axis extending between the head end 10 and the cantie end 20 of the saddle tree 5, the axis being represented by the Y-axis in Figure 1. In other words, the width of the second part 45 of the waist portion 15 represents a dimension of the second part 45 of the waist portion 15 along an axis extending between a pair of corresponding points on the head end 10 of the saddle tree 5, the pair of corresponding points being located on either side of an equid, in use (e.g., when the saddle tree 5 is fitted to an equid). The second part 45 of the waist portion 15 extends approximately 30% of the length of the waist portion 15, the length of the waist portion 15 representing a dimension of the waist portion 15 extending along an axis represented by the X-axis in Figure 1 (e.g., between corresponding points on the head end 10 and the cantie end 20 of the saddle tree 5). The waist portion 15 further comprises a first bar 50 and a second bar 55. The first bar 50 and the second bar 55 extend between the head end 10 and the cantie end 20 of the saddle tree 5.

[0083] The saddle tree 5 comprises a bridge 60. The bridge 60 is fitted to the second part 35 of the head end 10 of the saddle tree. More specifically, the bridge 60 is attached to the upper face of the second part 35 of the head end 10 of the saddle tree 5 (e.g., the face of the second part 35 that faces away from an equid when theP36987GB

[0084] 11

[0085] saddle tree 5 is fitted to the equid). The bridge 60 is produced so that it matches the shape of a gullet plate configured to be fitted to a lower face of the second part 35 of the head end 10 of the saddle tree 5 (e.g., the face of the second part 35 of the head end 10 of the saddle tree 5 that faces towards an equid when the saddle tree 5 is fitted to the equid). The bridge 60 comprises a hard strip of plastic. The bridge 60 enables staples to be nailed to it (and therefore to the saddle tree).

[0086] The saddle tree 5 comprises an indent 65 for the attachment of stirrup bars that can be riveted onto the saddle tree 5. The indents 70, 75 allow for different length, or size, stirrup bars to be fitted to the saddle tree 5. The indents 65, 70, 75 (otherwise known as grooves) allow for a stirrup bar to lie flatter against the saddle tree 5 resulting in less discomfort from a rider due to the stirrup bars lying flatter against the saddle tree 5 (e.g., the stirrup bars do not protrude out against a rider’s thigh compared to if the intends 65, 70, 75 were not there).

[0087] The saddle tree 5 comprises holes 80 in the waist portion 15. The holes 80 reduce the weight of the saddle tree. The holes 80 can be referred to as apertures.

[0088] Webbing (not shown) is stapled to the saddle tree 5 to cover the holes 80. This process can be referred to as straining. Different tensions can be applied to the webbing allowing changes to the shape of a seat of a saddle when fitted to the saddle tree 5.

[0089] The first arm 25 and the second arm 30 of the head end 10 of the saddle tree 5, the first part 40 of the waist portion 15 of the saddle tree 5, and the first bar 50 and the second bar 55, are substantially rigid. These components are made from a first type of polyurethane resin, which cures to form a first type of polyurethane. In other words, these components comprise a first type of polyurethane.

[0090] The second part 35 of the head end 10 of the saddle tree 5 and the second part 45 of the waist portion 15 of the saddle tree 5 are deformable. These components are made from a second type of polyurethane resin, which cures to form a second type of polyurethane. In other words, these components comprise a second type of polyurethane.P36987GB

[0091] 12

[0092] The saddle tree 5 is formed of one unitary part. In other words, a first portion comprising the components comprising the first type of polyurethane and the second portion comprising the second type of polyurethane form a single part (e.g., are inseparable).

[0093] Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a representation of a saddle tree 5 according to the present invention. The saddle tree shown in Figure 2 is the same as the saddle tree shown in Figure 1. Figure 2 shows a rigid member 85 (e.g., a gullet plate) fitted to an underside of the second part 35 of the head end 10 of the saddle tree 5.

[0094] Figure 3 shows a side view of a representation of a saddle tree 5 according to the present invention. The saddle tree shown in Figure 3 is the same as the saddle tree shown in Figure 1. Figure 3 shows a flexible tree point. The flexible tree point allows for the extension of the length of the tree point (e.g., by enabling different length points to be attached to the tree).

[0095] Figure 4 shows an underside view of a representation of a saddle tree 5 according to the present invention. The saddle tree shown in Figure 4 is the same as the saddle tree shown in Figure 1. Figure 4 shows a rigid member 85 (e.g., a gullet plate) fitted to an underside of the second part 35 of the head end 10 of the saddle tree 5. Figure 4 also shows a bridge 95 fitted to the second part of the head end 10 of the saddle tree 5. Staples can be nailed to the bridge 95 (not shown).

[0096] Figure 5 shows a front view of representations of a saddle tree comprising gullet plates having different shapes. The saddle trees shown in Figure 5 are the same as the saddle tree shown in Figure 1. Gullet plates 85 having different shapes and sizes are shown. More specifically, Figure 5 shows gullet plates 85 having different widths and different arm angles and the effect on the saddle tree.

[0097] Figure 6 shows front, plan and perspective views of a representation of a gullet plate 85. The gullet plate 85 has a top portion 100, a first arm 105 and a second arm 110.P36987GB

[0098] 13

[0099] Figure 7 shows a plan view of a representation of a saddle tree 5. The saddle tree 5 comprises a hole 115 in the waist portion 15. The hole 115 reduces the weight of the saddle tree.

[0100] Figure 8 shows a plan view of a representation of a saddle tree 5. This type of saddle tree does not need straining. Foam can be applied to the saddle tree, on which a saddle is placed (not shown).

[0101] To produce a saddle tree, an injection moulding process is performed using an injection moulding apparatus. The injection moulding process comprises providing a mould having a cavity, the cavity having the shape of the saddle tree to be produced. An insert is provided within the mould, the insert having the shape of a deformable portion of the saddle tree. The insert comprises resin having rubber properties. The mould is then closed. The injection moulding apparatus comprises a first container for holding a polyol and a second container for holding an isocyanate. The polyol and the isocyanate are injected into the mould directly, where they mix together. The w / w ratio of polyol to isocyanate is 2:1. When the polyol and the isocyanate mix together within the mould, they react to create a first type of polyurethane resin, which fills, and takes the shape of, the mould. Once the first type of polyurethane resin has cured at room temperature, the mould is opened and the insert is removed. The mould is then closed again. The polyol and the isocyanate are then injected into the mould, where the w / w ratio of polyol to isocyanate is 5.56:1. More specifically, the polyol and the isocyanate are injected into the insert-shaped cavity of the cured first type of polyurethane resin. Similarly, the polyol and the isocyanate mix together and react to create a second type of polyurethane resin, which fills, and takes the shape of, the insert-shaped cavity. The second type of polyurethane resin reacts with the cured first type of polyurethane resin to form a chemically hardened, single, component; the saddle tree. The second type of polyurethane resin is cured at room temperature.

[0102] Alternatively, the polyol and the isocyanate are mixed together in a mixing chamber adjacent to the mould, where they are subsequently injected into the mould.P36987GB

[0103] 14

[0104] Alternatively, the w / w ratio of polyol to isocyanate is 1.5:1 in the first injection moulding step (i.e., to form a first type of polyurethane resin).

[0105] Alternatively, the w / w ratio of polyol to isocyanate is 4:1 in the second injection moulding step (i.e., to form a second type of polyurethane resin).

[0106] The insert is alternatively made from metal.

[0107] The process of injecting a polyol and an isocyanate into a mould to form a polyurethane resin can be referred to as reaction injection moulding.

[0108] The process of performing two injection moulds, the first with an insert and the second without the insert, can be referred to as two-shot injection moulding.

[0109] The first type of polyurethane resin is substantially rigid, where the second type of polyurethane resin is deformable.

[0110] Following production of the saddle tree via injection moulding, a gullet plate 85 is fitted to the second type of polyurethane resin, to the second part 35 of the head end 10 of the saddle tree 5. The second part 35 which deforms around the gullet plate 85. The gullet plate 85 is attached to the first type of polyurethane resin via two bolts.

Claims

P36987GB15Claims1. A saddle tree comprising a first, substantially rigid, portion and a second, deformable, portion, wherein the first portion comprises a first part of a head end of the saddle tree, the first part comprising a first arm and a second arm, the first arm configured to extend along a first side of an equid and the second arm configured to extend along a second side of the equid, and wherein the second portion comprises a second part of the head end of the saddle tree, the second part configured to fit around a part of the thoracolumbar spine of the equid, the second part connecting the first arm and the second arm.

2. A saddle tree according to claim 1, wherein the first portion further comprises a cantie end of the saddle tree and a first part of a waist portion of the saddle tree, and the second portion further comprises a second part of the waist portion of the saddle tree, the first and second waist portions connecting the head end of the saddle tree and the cantie end of the saddle tree.

3. A saddle tree according to claim 2, wherein the second part of the waist portion comprises a first width closest to the head end of the saddle tree and a second width closest to the cantie end of the saddle tree, the first width being larger than the second width, the first and second widths representing dimensions of the second part of the waist portion along an axis extending between a pair of corresponding points on the head end of the saddle tree, the pair of corresponding points being located on either side of an equid, in use.

4. A saddle tree according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the second part of the waist portion of the saddle tree extends from the second part of the head end of the saddle tree towards the cantie end of the saddle tree, the second part of the waist portion extending by up to 50% of the distance between a point on the head end of the saddle tree and a point on the cantie end of the saddle tree.

5. A saddle tree according to any of claims 2 to 4, wherein the first part of the waist portion comprises a first bar and a second bar, the first and second bars extending from the cantie end of the saddle tree to the second part of theP36987GB16head end of the saddle tree, the first bar configured to extend along the first side of the equid and the second bar configured to extend along the second side of the equid.

6. A saddle tree according to any preceding claim, wherein the second part of the head end of the saddle tree comprises up to 50% of the area of the head end of the saddle tree.

7. A saddle tree according to any preceding claim, wherein the first portion comprises a first type of polyurethane.

8. A saddle tree according to any preceding claim, wherein the second portion comprises a second type of polyurethane.

9. A method of producing a saddle tree according to any of claims 1 to 8, the method comprising using a multi-material injection moulding process to produce the saddle tree according to any of claims 1 to 8.

10. A method according to claim 9, wherein the multi-material injection moulding process comprises a two-shot injection moulding process.

11. A method according to claim 10, wherein the two-shot injection moulding process comprises:providing a mould;providing an insert within the mould;curing a first type of polyurethane resin in the mould to produce the first portion the saddle tree;removing the insert from the mould; andcuring a second type of polyurethane resin in the mould to produce the second portion of the saddle tree.P36987GB1712. A method according to claim 11 , wherein the first type of polyurethane resin is formed by reacting a polyol and an isocyanate; wherein the polyol and the isocyanate are each injected into the mould so that the first type of polyurethane resin is formed in the mould.

13. A method according to claim 11, wherein the first type of polyurethane resin is formed by reacting a polyol and an isocyanate; wherein the w / w ratio of polyol to isocyanate is in the range 2.5:1 to 1.7:1; wherein the polyol and the isocyanate are each injected into the mould so that the first type of polyurethane resin is formed in the mould.

14. A method according to claim 11 , wherein the first type of polyurethane resin is formed by reacting a polyol and an isocyanate; wherein the w / w ratio of polyol to isocyanate is in the range 2.3:1 to 1.9:1; wherein the polyol and the isocyanate are each injected into the mould so that the first type of polyurethane resin is formed in the mould.

15. A method according to claim 11, wherein the first type of polyurethane resin is formed by reacting a polyol and an isocyanate; wherein the w / w ratio of polyol to isocyanate is about 2:1 ; wherein the polyol and the isocyanate are each injected into the mould so that the first type of polyurethane resin is formed in the mould.

16. A method according to any of claims 11 to 15, wherein the second type of polyurethane resin is formed by reacting a polyol and an isocyanate; wherein the polyol and the isocyanate are each injected into the mould so that the second type of polyurethane resin is formed in the mould.

17. A method according to any of claims 11 to 15, wherein the second type of polyurethane resin is formed by reacting a polyol and an isocyanate; wherein the w / w ratio of polyol to isocyanate is in the range 10:1 to 3.3:1; wherein the polyol and the isocyanate are each injected into the mould so that the second type of polyurethane resin is formed in the mould.P36987GB1818. A method according to any of claims 11 to 15, wherein the second type of polyurethane resin is formed by reacting a polyol and an isocyanate; wherein the w / w ratio of polyol to isocyanate is in the range 6.7:1 to 4:1 ; wherein the polyol and the isocyanate are each injected into the mould so that the second type of polyurethane resin is formed in the mould.

19. A method according to any of claims 11 to 15, wherein the second type of polyurethane resin is formed by reacting a polyol and an isocyanate; wherein the w / w ratio of polyol to isocyanate is about 5:1; wherein the polyol and the isocyanate are each injected into the mould so that the second type of polyurethane resin is formed in the mould.

20. A method according to any of claims 11 to 19, wherein the insert is in the shape of the second part of the head end of the saddle tree.

21. A method according to any of claims 9 to 20, the method further comprising:providing a gullet plate adjacent to the second part of the head end of the saddle tree; andattaching the gullet plate to the first part of the head end of the saddle tree and / or to the second part of the head end of the saddle tree.

22. A method according to any of claims 9 to 21 , the method further comprising:providing a bridge; andfitting the bridge to the second part of the head end of the saddle tree.

Images