Patent Publication Number: US-2011072768-A1

Title: Climate controlled seat pad for use with a saddle

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/247,166 filed on Sep. 30, 2009, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Technical Field 
     The invention relates generally to a seat pad for equine riders. More particularly, the invention relates to a seat pad that is used on a saddle. Specifically, the invention relates to a climate controlled seat pad which can be secured to a variety of different types of saddles and is used to maintain a comfortable temperature for the rider. 
     2. Background Information 
     Equine riders generally have two choices when riding a horse. The rider may utilize a saddle or ride the horse bareback. Riding bareback is a much more difficult task than utilizing a saddle because the rider is forced to maintain balance without any additional assistance. A saddle, on the other hand, allows the rider a more comfortable and contoured seating surface to help assist the rider in maintaining his or her balance. 
     A saddle is a supportive structure for a rider that is fastened around the animal&#39;s body by a girth. Saddles have been used for hundreds of years to ride horses and other large animals. Modern saddles generally fit into two categories, the English saddle and the Western saddle. 
     The English saddle generally consists of a seat, a pommel, a cantle and stirrups. The seat is the central portion of the saddle where the rider sits and is usually positioned lower than the pommel and cantle to provide stability. The pommel is the front portion of the saddle and is generally curved upwardly. The cantle is the back portion of the saddle and also curves upwardly. The pommel and cantle thus aid in creating the contoured seat for the rider. The English saddle provides additional support for the rider with the contoured seat between the pommel and the cantle. However, the rider does not have something secure to hold on to. Thus, an English saddle is generally used by a more advanced rider. 
     The Western saddle, also known as a Stock saddle, includes the same basic components as the English saddle, namely, a seat, a pommel, a cantle, and stirrups. The Western saddle, however, also includes a horn that extends outwardly and upwardly from the pommel and terminates in a knob. Advantageously, the horn and knob provide the rider with a place to tie rope, secure goods and to hold onto while riding. The saddle therefore gives the rider a greater sense of security when seated thereon. Additionally, the angles of the cantle and pommel of the Western saddle relative to the seat are generally more severe and thereby provide greater support and a more curved seat area for the rider. Examples of other types of Stock saddles include the Australian Stock saddle and the side saddle, both of which are similar in design to the Western saddle. 
     As indicated previously, a saddle rests on the back of the horse and is secured with a girth or cinch which goes under the horse&#39;s barrel. A saddle blanket may be located between the horse&#39;s back and the bottom surface of the saddle. The blanket aids in absorbing sweat from the horse&#39;s body and provides cushioning to protect the horse&#39;s back. While the saddle blanket provides some padding for the saddle, the rider&#39;s comfort is generally limited to the padding incorporated in the saddle body itself. Some saddles are designed with padding beneath a leather exterior cover to provide the rider with all day comfort. 
     There remains a need in the art for providing an even more comfortable saddle for riders. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention broadly comprises a seat pad that is positioned on a top surface of a saddle. The seat pad includes a top layer having a front end and a back end, a bottom layer having a front end and a back end, a cavity defined between the top layer and the bottom layers, a climate control pad or thermal pad disposed within the cavity, a first attachment system for securing the back end of the seat pad to the saddle, and a second attachment system for securing the front end of the seat pad to the saddle. More specifically, the first attachment system secures the back end of the seat pad to the cantle and the second attachment system secures the front end of the seat pad to the front end of the saddle, most specifically to the pommel or horn of the saddle. 
     The present invention also broadly comprises a seat pad including a top layer having a front end and a back end, a bottom layer having a front end and a back end, a cavity defined between the top layer and the bottom layer, a padding disposed within the cavity, a climate control pad or thermal pad secured on the padding and within the cavity, a first attachment system for securing the back end of the seat pad to the back end of a saddle and a second attachment system for securing the front end of the seat pad to the front end of the saddle. The seat pad also includes a power source and controls for regulating the temperature of the thermal pads. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
       A preferred embodiment of the present invention illustrative of the best mode(s) in which the Applicant(s) contemplate applying the principles of the present invention, is set forth in the following description and is shown in the drawings and is particularly and distinctly pointed out and set forth in the appended claims. 
         FIG. 1  is a side elevational view of a saddle positioned on a region of a horse&#39;s back with a first preferred embodiment of a seat pad in accordance with the present invention disposed on a top surface of the saddle seat; 
         FIG. 2  is an enlarged view of the section labeled  FIG. 2  in  FIG. 1  and particularly illustrating a first attachment system that engages the cantle of the saddle; 
         FIG. 3  is an enlarged view of the portion labeled  FIG. 3  in  FIG. 1  and particularly illustrating a second attachment system that engages the pommel of the saddle and, more specifically, the saddle horn; 
         FIG. 4  is a bottom view of the seat pad with portions of a battery pouch removed; 
         FIG. 5  is a bottom view of the seat pad with portions of the bottom layer thereof removed to illustrate a plurality of thermal pads disposed in the interior cavity; 
         FIG. 6  is a side elevational view of the seat pad with the top layer, the bottom layer, the first attachment system and the second attachment system shown in dashed lines and illustrating the thermal pad system contained within the interior cavity of the pad; 
         FIG. 7  is a side elevational view of a first preferred embodiment seat pad being lowered onto a seat of a saddle; 
         FIG. 8  is a top plan view with portions of the top layer removed to show the thermal pads and padding of a second preferred embodiment of a seat pad in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 9  is a side elevational view of the seat pad of  FIG. 9 , with the top layer, the bottom layer, the first attachment system and the second attachment system shown in dashed lines and illustrating the second preferred embodiment pad and padding arrangement; 
         FIG. 10  is a bottom plan view of a third preferred embodiment seat pad illustrating a zipper to provide access inside the seat pad; 
         FIG. 11  is a top plan view of a third preferred embodiment of a seat pad in accordance with the present invention with portions of the top layer removed to illustrate the thermal pad system contained therein; 
         FIG. 12  is a side elevational view of the seat pad of  FIG. 11 , with the top layer, the bottom layer, the first attachment system and the second attachment system shown in dashed lines and showing the thermal pads disposed within the cavity; 
         FIG. 13  is a bottom plan view of a fourth preferred embodiment of a seat pad in accordance with the present invention, illustrating a snap connection for the second attachment system; and 
         FIG. 14  is a fifth preferred embodiment of a seat pad in accordance with the present invention illustrating a hook-and-loop-type of second attachment system. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     At the outset, it should be appreciated that like drawing numbers on different drawing views identify identical, or functionally similar, structural elements of the invention. While the present invention is described with respect to what is presently considered to be the preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention as claimed is not limited to the disclosed aspects of the invention. 
     Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. Although any methods, devices or materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the invention, the preferred methods, devices, and materials are now described. 
     A climate controlled seat pad in accordance with the present invention is shown in  FIGS. 1 through 14  and is generally indicated herein by the reference character  12 . As specifically shown in  FIG. 1 , seat pad  12  positioned atop of a saddle  14 . Saddle  14  includes a seat  16 , a cantle  18  and a pommel  20 . Saddle  14  further includes stirrups  22  and a buckle ring  24  for receiving a girdle (not shown) therein for securing saddle  14  to the back of a horse  26 . A blanket  27  preferably is positioned between saddle  14  and the back of horse  26 . Seat pad  12  is contemplated to be positioned on seat  16  and to be secured to cantle  18  at one end and to pommel  20  at the other end. 
     Seat pad  12  is shown in  FIGS. 1 through 14  as being placed on a Western saddle  14 . The Western saddle  14  also includes a horn  28  formed on and extending outwardly from pommel  20  of the saddle. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that seat pad  12  may be used in conjunction with any other style of saddle including but not limited to an English saddle, an Australian Stock saddle and a side saddle. 
       FIGS. 1 through 7  specifically show a first preferred embodiment of the climate controlled seat pad  12  in accordance with the present invention that is secured to the cantle  18  and horn  28  of a Western style saddle  14 .  FIGS. 8 and 9  show a second preferred embodiment of the climate controlled seat pad  98  that includes additional padding in its interior.  FIGS. 10 through 12  show a third preferred embodiment of the climate controlled seat pad  112  which includes an alternative type of thermal pad disposed therein.  FIG. 13  shows a fourth preferred embodiment of the climate controlled seat pad  122  which includes an alternative type of attachment system useful for securing seat pad  122  to an English style saddle. Finally,  FIG. 14  shows a fifth preferred embodiment of the climate controlled seat pad  124  that shows yet another type of attachment system that is useful for securing seat pad  124  to an English style saddle. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  2 , and  3 , seat pad  12  includes a top layer  30  and a bottom layer  32  that are joined together around their perimeters by way of a seam  34 . Seam  34  may be formed by stitching or heat sealing top and bottom layers  30 ,  32  together or by securing them to each other by any other suitable means. Top and bottom layers  30 ,  32  preferably are manufactured from a suitable durable material that is somewhat flexible so that it substantially assumes the curvature of the seat  16  upon which it is placed. Top layer  30  may be formed from or topped with a wool or soft padded material to provide a more comfortable surface for the rider to sit upon. A cavity  84  ( FIG. 6 ) is defined between top and bottom layers  30 ,  32  and an intermediate layer  88  is disposed within cavity  84  and between top and bottom layers  30 ,  32 . Top layer  30 , intermediate layer  88  and bottom layer  32  preferably are disposed one above the other. In the first preferred embodiment of a seat pad in accordance with the invention, intermediate layer  88  is made of a thin material which is secured within cavity  84  to either one of the top and bottom layers  30 ,  32 . Preferably, intermediate layer  88  is adhesively secured to bottom layer  32 . 
       FIG. 1  shows that seat pad  12  is placed on seat  16  of saddle  14  in such a way that a front end  50  of seat pad  12  is positioned proximate pommel  20  of saddle  14 , and a back end  52  of seat pad  12  is positioned proximate cantle  18  of saddle  14 .  FIG. 2  illustrates an enlarged view of back end  52  of seat pad  12  in conjunction with the back end of saddle  14 , and more specifically with cantle  18  thereof. In accordance with a specific feature of the present invention, back end  52  of seat pad  12  is provided with a first attachment system  36  that is used to secure back end  52  to of seat pad  12  to the back end of saddle. In accordance with yet another specific feature of the present invention, front end  50  of seat pad  12  is provided with a second attachment system  46  that is used to secure front end  50  to the front end of saddle  14 . First and second attachment systems  36 ,  46  gripping engage saddle  14  and thereby retain seat pad  12  with sufficient security on saddle  14  that the rider will not slide off the saddle on the seat pad. 
     First attachment system  36  is shown partially in  FIG. 2  and is shown in greater detail in  FIG. 4 . In accordance with one of the specific features of the invention, first attachment system  36  includes at least one strap for securing seat pad  12  to saddle. Specifically, first attachment system  36  includes a horizontal strap  54 , a left diagonal strap  56  and a right diagonal strap  58 . A first end  60  of horizontal strap  54  is stitched or otherwise secured to seam  34  on one side of seat pad  12 . A second end  60  of horizontal strap is stitched to seam  34  on the opposing side of seat pad  12 . Similarly, an outer end  62  of each of the left and right diagonal straps  56 ,  58  is stitched to seam  34  on one of the sides of seat pad  12 . An inner end  64  of each of the left and right diagonal straps  56 ,  58  is secured to a battery pouch  38  by stitching  66 . Each of the straps  54 ,  56 ,  58  preferably is manufactured from an elastic material that allows the straps to be expanded outwardly away from bottom layer  32 , thereby creating an expandable gap  53  ( FIG. 2 ) between the straps  54 - 58  and bottom layer  32 . Cantle  18  is received within gap  53 , as will be hereinafter described. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , second attachment system  46  is secured to a front end  50  of seat pad  12 . Second attachment  46  includes a strap  48  that has both of its first and second ends  47  secured to seam  34 , preferably by stitching. As is evident from  FIG. 4 , the ends  47  of strap  48  as secured in generally the same location as each other to seam. Strap  48  preferably is made from an elastic material and is formed into a loop that defines a hole  76  ( FIG. 6 ) therein. Elastic strap  48  may be extended outwardly to expand hole  76  in order to hook strap  48  over either horn  28  of saddle  14  or the pommel  20  thereof. When strap  48  is engaged with horn  28 , front end  50  of seat pad  12  is retained on saddle  14 . 
     In accordance with yet another feature of the present invention, seat pad  12  is provided with a power source to power one or more thermal pads  78 ,  80 ,  82  ( FIGS. 1 &amp; 6 ) retained within cavity  84  of seat pad  12 . Preferably, the power source is a battery pack  68  ( FIG. 4 ). Seat pad  12  is provided with a battery pouch  38  that is secured to seat pad  12 , preferably to seam  34  and is disposed adjacent bottom layer  32 . Battery pouch  38  is positioned in a location that places it on the opposite side of cantle  18  from seat pad  12  when first attachment system  36  engages seat pad  12  on cantle  18 . Battery pouch  38  comprises a pocket having a cavity  40  in which battery pack  68  is retained. Pouch  38  includes a cover flap  42  that is securable by any appropriate means, such as a hook and loop fastener  44 , to retain battery pack  68  securely within cavity  40 . A wiring assembly  70  operationally connects battery pack  68  to first, second and third thermal pads  78 ,  80 ,  82  via a plug adapter  74 . Although not illustrated in the figures, it will be understood that battery pack  68  further includes a switch for activating and deactivating the pack  68  and a thermostat for regulating the temperature settings of the thermal pads  78 ,  80 ,  82 . Both the switch and the thermostat are accessed by opening flap  42  on battery pouch  38 . Battery pack  68  is preferably a lithium ion or similar battery pack which is rechargeable and provides energy for a substantial amount of time for heating or cooling the first, second and third thermal pads  78 ,  80 , and  82 . In the preferred embodiment, an LPB-744B lithium ion battery pack is utilized providing voltage at 7.4 volts and 4400 mAh. Further, battery pack  68  is preferably of a compact size to fit within the constraints of seat pad  12  as well as providing adjustability in the temperature of the thermal pads. 
       FIG. 5  illustrates a top view of seat pad  12  with portions of top layer  30  thereof removed. In accordance with another specific feature of the present invention, the first, second and third thermal pads  78 ,  80 ,  82  are arranged within cavity  84  of seat pad  12 . Since intermediate layer  88  preferably is adhesively secured to bottom layer  32 , there is a great deal of flexibility in the placement of first, second and third thermal pads  78 ,  80 ,  82 . It will be understood that any number of thermal pads may be utilized in seat pad  12  without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Specifically, although three thermal pads are shown, a single large thermal pad could be utilized, or a plurality of very small pads could also be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. In accordance with a specific feature of the present invention, first thermal pad  78 , second thermal pad  80  and third thermal pad  82  are secured by stitching  86  to intermediate layer  88 . Although the thermal pads  78 ,  80  and  82  are sewn into intermediate layer  88 , it is within the spirit and scope of the present invention to secure them within cavity  84  by any suitable method of attachment including using an adhesive to glue them to intermediate layer  88  or by utilizing pockets formed in intermediate layer  88 . Each of the thermal pads includes electrical components and thermal components that will allow the pad to be either heated or cooled upon activation of the battery pack  68 . The exact internal structure of the first, second, and third thermal pads does not form part of the present invention. Any one of a variety of known electrically-operable thermal pads may be used in seat pad  12 . 
     Wiring assembly  70  is connected to battery pack  68  as previously described and through an opening  72  ( FIGS. 4 &amp; 5 ) into cavity  84 . Wiring assembly  70  is split at a junction box  90  into a first thermal wire  92  and a second thermal wire  94 . First thermal wire  92  extends into first thermal pad  78  and provides electrical communication between first thermal pad  78  and battery pack  68 . Second thermal wire  94  is secured to both of second and third thermal pads  80 ,  82  and provides electrical communication between battery pack  68  and thermal pads  80 ,  82 . As is evident from  FIG. 5 , in seat pad  12 , first thermal pad  78  is connected in parallel with second and third thermal pads  80  and  82 . Furthermore, second and third thermal pads  80 ,  82  are connected in series with each other. First thermal pad  78  is therefore independently operable from second and third thermal pads  80 ,  82 . It will be understood, however, that any suitable wiring arrangement which provides selectable heating or cooling energy to the rider during usage is acceptable. Each of first, second and third thermal pads  78 ,  80  and  82  is preferably arranged to heat or cool top layer  30  by resistance to the output to battery pack  68 .  FIG. 6  shows that first and second thermal wires  92 ,  94  generally run the length of seat pad  12  and preferably are disposed on the top side of intermediate layer  88 . 
     Having described the structure of the seat pad  12 , a preferred method of operation will be described in greater detail and should be viewed in light of  FIGS. 1 through 7  and particularly  FIG. 7 .  FIG. 7  illustrates seat pad  12  being lowered onto saddle  14  and particularly onto a top surface of seat  16  thereof. First attachment system  36  and particularly horizontal strap  54 , left diagonal strap  56  and right diagonal strap  58  are stretched outwardly away from bottom layer  32  to provide an opening for receiving cantle  18  therein. Initially, seat pad  12  is lowered in the direction associated with arrow  96  with the first attachment system  36  being expanded outwardly away from bottom layer  32  until the back end  52  of seat pad  12  is positioned proximate cantle  18 . Straps  54 ,  56  and  58  are manipulated cantle  18  enters the gap  53  between straps  54 ,  56 ,  58  and bottom layer  32 . Once this is accomplished, the rider releases straps  54 ,  56 ,  58  and attends to securing second attachment system  46  to the front end of saddle  14 , and specifically to pommel  20 . In the case of the Western saddle illustrated in  FIG. 7 , second attachment system  46  is specifically secured to horn  28  on pommel  20 . In order to install second attachment system  46 , the rider stretches strap  48  outwardly to increase the size of hole  76  defined thereby, and then encircles horn  28  with strap  48 . The seat pad  12  may be shifted slightly so as to ensure that it is centered on seat  16  and that first and second attachment systems  36 ,  46  are securely seated around cantle  18  and horn  28 . 
     Battery pack  68  may be inserted into battery pouch  38  before seat pad  12  is secured to saddle  14  or after seat pad  12  is secured to saddle. Either way, when the rider is ready to ride the horse  26 , they turn on battery pack  68  by depressing the switch (not shown) and then manipulate the thermostat (not shown) to select and set the temperature level desired in seat pad  12 . One or more of first, second and third thermal pads  78 ,  80 ,  82  are either heated or cooled to the temperature selected by the rider. It will be understood that the temperature of thermal pads  78 ,  80 ,  82  can be adjusted by the rider at any time, even while seated on seat pad  12 , by opening flap  42  any making the desired changes to the thermostat or by switching the pack  68  on or off. The temperature generated in first, second and third thermal pads  78 ,  80 ,  82  is transferred by convection through to top layer  30  of seat pad  12  and thereby to the rider. 
     Having described the structure and operation of the first preferred embodiment, only those portions of the second preferred embodiment differ from those of the first embodiment are now described in greater detail. Similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the various embodiments. 
       FIGS. 8 and 9  illustrate a second preferred embodiment of a seating pad in accordance with the present invention. This second preferred embodiment is identified by the reference character  98 . The majority of the components of seating pad  98  are substantially identical to those of seating pad  12  and seating pad  98  is secured to saddle  14  and is used in substantially the same manner as seating pad  12 . Seating pad  98  differs from seating pad  12  in that the intermediate layer  100  provided in seating pad  98  is substantially thicker than intermediate layer  88  provided in seating pad  12 . Intermediate layer  100  includes a top surface  102  and a plurality of apertures  104 ,  106 ,  108  which extend from top surface  102  through to the bottom surface thereof. Apertures  104 ,  106 ,  108  therefore extend through the entire thickness of intermediate layer  100  and provide an avenue for directing first and second thermal wires  92 ,  94  away from top layer  30  and therefore away from the rider. First, second and third thermal pads  78 ,  80 ,  82  preferably are adhesively secured to intermediate layer  100  although any other suitable attachment means is within the spirit and scope of the invention. The additional thickness of intermediate layer  100  makes seating pad  98  more cushioned than seating pad  12  and therefore adds to the comfort of the rider. Having first and second thermal wires  92 ,  94  directed through apertures  104 ,  106 ,  108  and away from the rider also adds to the overall safety of seating pad  98  and reduces the possibility that the thermal wires will deteriorate from being by being sat on periodically. The use of intermediate layer  100  may, therefore, extend the life of seating pad  98 . 
       FIGS. 10 ,  11  and  12  illustrate a third preferred embodiment of the climate controlled seat pad, generally indicated at  112 . Having described the structure of the second preferred embodiment, only those portions of the third preferred embodiment that differ from either of the first and second preferred embodiments, are described herein in greater detail. Again, similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the various embodiments. In accordance with still another aspect of the invention seat pad  112  includes a zipper  110  that traverses substantially the entire length of seat pad  112  from front end  50  to back end  52 . Zipper  110  allows the rider access to internal cavity  84  of seat pad  112 . Seat pad  112  includes first, second and third thermal pads  114 ,  116 , 118  arranged more or less evenly on intermediate layer  88 . First, second and third thermal pads  114 ,  116 ,  118  are secured to intermediate layer  88  by a removable device such as a hook and loop fastener  120 . Although the thermal pads  114 ,  116 ,  118  are shown engaged with intermediate layer  88 , it is within the spirit and scope of the present invention to utilized intermediate layer  100  instead to provide a softer seating surface for the rider. 
     Seat pad  112 , as illustrated, is not provided with a battery pouch  38  and a battery pack  68  and there are no first and second thermal wires  92 ,  94  extending between the first, second and third thermal pads  114 ,  116 ,  118 . Instead, thermal pads  114 ,  116 ,  118  are removable pouches that are filled with a thermal material such as a gel or other heatable or freezable substance that may be heated in a microwave, for example, or cooled in a freezer. Additionally, top layer  30  may include a plurality of perforations (not shown) to allow the thermal flow from thermal pads  114 ,  116 ,  118  to more easily reach the rider. 
     In operation, the rider opens zipper  110  to access cavity  84 . First, second and third thermal pads  114 ,  116 ,  118  may be heated in a microwave or cooled in a freezer. The heated or cooled pads  114 ,  116 ,  118  are then inserted into cavity  84  and secured to intermediate layer by way of hook and loop fasteners  120 , for example. The rider then closes zipper  110  to seal cavity  84  and then engages seat pad  112  with saddle  14  in substantially the same manner as indicated with reference to seat pad  12 . The rider then seats themselves upon the seat pad  112 . When the temperature of first, second and third thermal pads  114 ,  116 ,  118  becomes substantially the same as the ambient temperature, the rider may dismount, disengage at least one of the first and second attachment systems  36 ,  46 , open zipper  110 , remove the first, second and third thermal pads  114 ,  116 ,  118  and replace them with newly heated or cooled thermal pads. The removed one of the first and second attachment systems  36 ,  46  is then reengaged and the rider is able to mount the horse once again. 
       FIGS. 13 and 14  illustrate fourth and fifth preferred embodiments of a seat pad in accordance with the present invention, and generally indicated as seat pads  122  and  124 , respectively. Having described the structure and operation of the first three embodiments, only those portions of the fourth and fifth embodiment which differ from the first three embodiments are now described in detail. Once again, similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the various embodiments. Seat pads  122  and  124  are each adapted to be secured to an English style saddle, i.e., to a saddle that does not posses a horn  28 . Accordingly, the second attachment system  46  provided on the first three embodiments of the invention is replaced with an alternative second attachment system, This alternative second attachment system is identified by the reference character  126  in seat pad  122  and by  128  in seat pad  124 . 
     Second attachment system  126  used on seat pad  122  ( FIG. 13 ) includes a first strap  130  having an outer end  132  and an inner end  134 . Outer end  132  is secure in a location along front end  50  of seat pad  122  and inner end  134  is disposed a distance inwardly therefrom. Outer end  132  is secured at seam  34  by any suitable means such as stitching, while second end  134  thereof includes a male snap connector  142 . Second attachment system  126  also includes a second strap  136  having an outer end  138  and an inner end  140 . Outer end  138  of second strap  136  is stitched to battery pouch  38 , while inner end  140  is disposed a distance inwardly therefrom and includes a female snap connector  144 . Both of first and second straps  130 , 136  also include adjusters  146  for modifying the length of the second attachment system  126  based on the dimensions of saddle 14 . 
     In operation, the rider secures the back end  52  of seat pad  126  using first attachment system  36  ensuring that second strap  136  extends forwardly toward front end  52  of seat pad. The rider then passes first strap  130  around the front end of the saddle and then rearwardly beneath the bottom surface of saddle  14  and toward back end  52  of seat pad  126 . The front end  50  of seat pad  126  is lowered and male snap connector  142  is engaged with female snap connector  144  to secure first and second straps  130 ,  136  together. The adjusters  146  on both the first and second straps  130 ,  136  permit precise adjustment of the second attachment system  126  so that seat pad  122  is snugly retained on the seat  16  of saddle  14 . 
       FIG. 13  shows that the same type of thermal pad and battery pack system used in conjunction with seat pad  12  is provided on seat pad  122 . Thus, the rider controls the temperature of seat pad  122  in the same manner as seat pad  12 . 
     As seen in  FIG. 14 , seat pad  124  includes a different type of first attachment system  152 . The first attachment system  152  comprises a cloth section  153  which is secured on three sides of its perimeter to seam  34  proximate back end  52  of seat pad  124 . Cloth section  153  has a front edge  160  which defines an opening to an interior gap (not shown) between an interior surface of cloth section  153  and bottom layer  32  of seat pad  124 . The cantle  18  of the saddle is received in this gap between cloth section  153  and bottom layer  32 . Preferably, the fabric used for cloth section  153  is elastic in nature and is therefore expandable to receive cantle  18  therein. 
     The second attachment system  128  is designed to engage the front end of the saddle and includes a first, second and third straps  148 ,  162 ,  172  and a connection region  150 . The connection region is secured either to an exterior surface of cloth section  153  or, if provided, to battery pouch  38 . Connection region  150  is provided with one of a hook and loop fastener on its exterior surface. First strap  148  has an outer end  149  secured at a first location on front end  50 . An interior surface  154  of first strap  148  is provided with a strip  156  of the other of the hook and loop fastener which is selectively matingly engageable with connection region  150 . Second strap  162  is secured at its outer end  163  to seam  34  and has an interior surface  164  with a strip  166  of the other of the hook and loop fastener thereon which is also selectively engageable with connection region  150 . Third strap  172  is secured at its outer end  173  to seam  34  and has an interior surface  174  with a strip  176  of the other of the hook and loop fastener thereon which is also selectively engageable with connection region  150 . Connection region  150  is larger in area than the portions of first, second and third straps  148 ,  162 , 172  that are engaged therewith. This difference in size makes it possible for the rider to adjust the positioning of the straps to achieve a snug fit of seat pad  124  on the saddle. 
     As with the previous embodiments, the back end  52  of seat pad  124  is engaged with saddle  14  before the front end  50  thereof. Thus, first attachment system  152  is engaged with cantle  18 , then front end  50  of seat pad  124  is lowered toward saddle  14  and first, second and third straps  148 ,  162 ,  172  are passed over the front end of the saddle and then directed beneath the bottom surface of saddle  14  and toward the back end  52  of seat pad  124 . The straps  148 ,  162 ,  172  are engaged with region  150  to secure seat pad  124  on saddle  14 . 
     Although not specifically illustrated herein it will be understood by those skilled in the art that each of the fourth and fifth embodiments of the seat pad in accordance with the present invention, will include one or more of the previously disclosed thermal pads for heating or cooling of the top layer  30  of the seat pad. 
     It will further be understood, that a zipper may be provided on either of the first, second, fourth and fifth embodiments to provide access into the cavity  84  of seat pad  12  or seat pad  98 . Additional heating or cooling elements such as small fans or other devices controlled by a power source may also be incorporated therein to provide a thermal flow to top layer  30  of the respective seat pads without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
     Each one of the first, second, third, fourth and fifth embodiments of the seat pad in accordance with the present invention provides efficient and effective first and second attachment systems which allow a firm connection between the seat pad and the saddle. The saddle in question can be any one of a Western saddle, an English saddle or any other style of Stock saddle. Further, the seat pad in accordance with the present invention also includes a climate controlled device which is user operable to provide a comfortable and enjoyable ride in substantially any temperature conditions. 
     It will be evident to one skilled in the art that a variety of changes can be made that are in the spirit and scope of the present invention. For instance, the intermediate layer could easily be replaced with a thicker layer to provide greater support for either heated or cooled versions of the seat pad. Further, a number of attachment systems have been described and these are easily interchangeable with one another to provide the most appropriate securing method based on the type of saddle. Additionally, the various first attachment systems that have been disclosed as being removably engageable with the back end of the saddle could, instead, be removably engaged with the front end of the saddle; and the types of second attachment systems that have been disposed as being removably engageable with the front end of the saddle could, instead, be removably engaged with the back end of the saddle. Further, the method of installation is merely exemplary as the front end of the seat pad and second attachment system could be engaged with the saddle before the back end of the seat pad and the first attachment system. 
     It will also be understood that while the various components of the first and second attachment systems have been disclosed as being secured to the seam formed around the perimeter of the seat pad where the top and bottom layers thereof are secured together, one of ordinary skill in the art will realize that the ends of the straps, for example could, instead, be secured to the top layer or the bottom layer of the seat pad. 
     Accordingly, the climate controlled seat pad is an effective, safe, inexpensive, and efficient device that achieves substantially all the enumerated objectives of the invention, provides for substantially eliminating difficulties encountered with prior art devices, systems, and methods, and solves problems and obtains new results in the art. 
     In the foregoing description, certain terms have been used for brevity, clarity, and understanding. No unnecessary limitations are to be implied therefrom beyond the requirement of the prior art because such terms are used for descriptive purposes only and are intended to be broadly construed. 
     Moreover, the description and illustration of the invention are examples and the invention is not limited to the exact details as shown or described. Having now described the features discoveries, and principles of the invention, the manner in which the climate controlled seat pad is constructed and used, the characteristics of the construction, and the advantageous new and useful results obtained; the new and useful structures, devices, elements, arrangement, parts, and combinations are set forth in the appended claims.