Improvements in Saddles.
Year: 1897

page_text: Date of Application, 14th Apr., 1897-Accepted, 26th Mar., 1898
Improvements in Saddles.
I, JEAN BAPTISTE ARTHUR DOFFOIL, of 16, Boulevard Saint Denis, Paris,
France, Merchant, do hereby declare the nature of this invention and in what
manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained
in and by the following statement:-
This invention has for objects the construction of a light and unbreakable metal
saddle-tree suitable for racing and other saddles. My saddle-tree is stronger,
although lighter, than those heretofore employed, and its construction considerably
reduces the time and labour necessary for its manufacture.
To this end, my saddle-tree is constructed wholly of metal; it may be made of
cast metal or of wrought metal of round or flat form, and is soldered or welded,
The saddle-tree thus formed
riveted, or put together in any other suitable manner.
as hereinafter described, possesses, although it is light, great strength and a
valuable elasticity.
Further, this saddle-tree greatly simplifies and improves the construction of the
saddle.
In order that the invention may be properly understood, I shall now describe,
with reference to the accompanying drawings, but only by way of example,
particular arrangements which may be employed with advantage for carrying my
improvements into practical effect.
Fig. 1 of these drawings is an elevation of an army saddle-tree constructed
according to my invention, and
Fig. 2 is a plan thereof."
Figs. 3, 4, and 5, are respectively a side elevation, a front elevation, and a plan.
of a saddle-tree for ladies' use.
Fig. 6 illustrates the arrangement of a saddle-tree for gentlemen's use, and
Fig. 7 is a partial plan of a saddle constructed with this saddle-tree.
In the various examples of saddle-trees shown, the body of the saddle-tree is
formed of a round bar a preferably of steel, formed at the rear with a raised cantle b,
and connected at its front end to an arch c, which is also of steel and which con-
stitutes the pommel and is extended to form points d.
Two other arches e and f serve to strengthen the pommel and keep the body of the
saddle-tree firm. Finally, in the case of the army saddle-tree shown in Figs. 1
and 2, two side pieces g, brazed at their ends to the body a impart the desired
form for the construction of the saddle.
In the ladies' saddle-tree shown in Figs. 3, 4, and 5, it will be seen that the body
of the saddle-tree is formed of a round bar a and is provided at its fore end with
an arch c and with points d.
These points are formed of the same rod b suitably bent, to form the horn e of
the pommel of the saddle. The horn proper f is constituted by a metal strip fixed
in a band g, either by a screw-thread h or by any other suitable means.
Finally, the saddle-tree may be made, as shown in Fig. 6, of a single piece of
steel wire stayed by three arches, which enables a saddle to be made that is
absolutely unique as regards strength and simplification of hand-labour. For this

page_text: purpose, I stretch upon the saddle-tree a strong or thick wetted piece of leather,
(see Fig. 7), which along the periphery is turned under parts of the saddle-tree
and secured to the upper part of the piece of leather by rivets passing through the
two thicknesses of leather. I thus dispense with all false seats, girths, etc.
It will be understood that the forms and dimensions of the various parts of the
saddle-tree will necessarily vary according to the kind of saddle to which my inven-
tion is applied and that I do not limit myself to any particular mode or modes of
connecting or putting together the various parts.
For example, I may employ for the construction of the saddle, solid or hollow
metal of any form in cross section. I may also employ iron bars of U, V, or any
other form suitable for receiving a lining or filling of wood, cane, leather, or other
suitable material.
As herein before stated, the arrangements herein before described comprise a certain
number of arches in the pommel. As I have already stated, my invention is
absolutely independent of the form and arrangements of the saddle, and I there-
fore may vary the number of the said arches at will.
Finally, in certain cases where it is desired to be able to raise the cantle or any
other part of the saddle, I may apply under or over the said cantle or other part,
a supplementary rod bearing on the horse and made of more or less stout metal.
This rod which may be of any suitable form or may complete any desirable arrange-
ment enables the cantle to be raised and given any desired configuration.
My improved metal saddle-tree can be used for a special manufacture of the
saddle consisting in attaching the girth to the saddle-tree and in absolutely suppres-
sing all lateral bands, which are not required. Further, my saddle-tree gives more
freedom to the spine of the horse and nevertheless appreciably reduces the thick-
ness of the part of the saddle placed between the thighs of the rider. The latter
thus acts much more directly upon the horse.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said
invention and in what manner the same is to be performed I declare that what
I claim is:
1. A saddle-tree constructed of parts substantially as herein before described and
made wholly of metal, solid or hollow, and of any section, or of metal with a lining
of leather, wood, or other material.
2. In a metal saddle-tree, the arrangement of two or any suitable number of
arches fastened to the body of the saddle-tree for strengthening the pommel, sub-
stantially as described.
3. An army saddle-tree constructed and arranged substantially as described
with reference to and shown in Figs. 1 and 2 of the drawings.
4. A saddle-tree for a ladies' saddle, constructed and arranged substantially as
described with reference to and shown in Figs. 3, 4, and 5 of the drawings.
5. In a metal saddle-tree, the application of a part bearing on the horse and
arranged under the cantle so as to raise the latter, substantially as hereinbefore
described.
6. A racing or gentlemen's saddle-tree constructed and arranged substantially
as described with reference to and shown in Fig. 6 of the drawings.
7. The simplified mode of manufacturing saddles described with reference to and
shown in Fig. 7 of the drawings.
F. WISE HOWORTH,
46, Lincoln's Inn Fields, London, W.C., Agent for the Applicant.