Importance

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Abstract

A load leveling saddle pad for placement on the back of an equine animal such as a horse or mule beneath the saddle which uses a load leveler to fill depressions behind the scapula thereby building a more even surface for the bearing load. The saddle pad includes a pair of interconnected aprons which extend over the ribs and shoulders of the animal, with the load leveler being positioned on the aprons for positioning behind the scapula of the animal, the load leveler including at least one shim and an attachment member which releaseably couples the shim to the apron. Preferably, a thin bridging material is used to connect the aprons along their respective top edges to avoid pinching of the animal, with holes provided along the upper ridge thereof for ventilation. A plurality of shims are preferably provided in stacked, stairstepped relationship to avoid pressure transmission to the musculature of the animal and distribute the load, with each shim being releaseably and adjustably connected to the shim or apron therebeneath. Hook and loop fabric, such as Velcro.RTM., is preferably used to permit releasable and adjustable coupling of the thin padded shims to provide proper load leveling of the horse's back to accept the saddle.

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First Claim