Patent ID: 8020362

Claim:
An adjustable saddle for a horse or other animal comprising: a pommel with substantially opposed lower ends, a seat member connected to said pommel; a pair of substantially opposed gripping members comprising a freely flexible panel configured to contact the flanks of said animal, said panel having a rearward portion affixed to the underside of said seat member and a forward portion having a lower area which is substantially free of contact with said seat member; and an adjustment means connecting said forward portions of said panel to said lower end of said pommel, said adjustment means configured to impart an inward curvature by flexure of the forward portion of said panel thereby providing gripping action against the upper body of said animal wherein said adjustment means comprises a hinge system, said hinge system comprising: a first plate connected to an end of said pommel; and a second plate attached to said forward portion of said panel, said first plate connected to said second plate with a hinge; wherein said hinge is configured to define an axis of flexure of said panel transverse to the axis of said hinge; wherein said hinge system further comprises an extendable member from an external surface of said pommel, said extendable member passing through an opening in said pommel and contacting said second plate, wherein extension of said extendable member permits opening of said plates and retraction of said extendable member permits closure of said plates.