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We researched this top custom brand, visit their Porsche 911 restoration factory in LA and talk with their designers and engineers to understand the slogan " pursuit of excellence" and design a future concept of equestrian saddle.
*Student Project at ArtCenter College of Design. Note it is not a sponsor project
The ethics and rights of horses as athletes in equestrian sports are frequently mentioned nowadays.
This is a time for innovation. What can we do on saddle?
The next-gen equestrian and its saddle should focus on improving the interaction between humans and horses , benefiting them both, and developing into an equal relationship between horse and their riders.
What my saddle should help horses and riders ?
Using in Races
Using in Trainings
Keeping riders and horses in high performance during competition
Ensure the comfort of the rider and the horse during riding
Guarantee the safety of riders
and horses during all processes
The design of the Singer saddle will be
Ultra-lightweight saddle that fits both rider and horse
Saddle Design
Sensor Design
Singer Saddle Design
The next generation saddle designed for the interaction between man and horse
Sensors that can monitor on a horse's health during races and trainings
I research on saddles from three top brands and the innovative technologies they used, then came up with three possible innovation directions.
Structure Innovations
The hollow structure of the saddle tree and the unique composite carbon material provide lightness and flexibility.
Ergonomic Innovations
Ergonomic design offers greater freedom of movement making it easier for the rider to remain balanced.
Material Innovation
Saddles are equipped with a carbon tree which forms a backbone, integrated into the non-structural components.
Current Saddle Tree Design
Section View
Hard saddle tree + Soft padding
Metal parts +
Profiled plate ( Solid )
Existing saddle designs use a piece of saddle tree to support the rider and leather to contact the horse's back, which is complex and heavy.
Saddle Innovations We Apply
The saddle tree is made of carbon fiber to reduce weight; it also has high toughness and strength to withstand intense sports.
Further weight reduction is achieved by cutting holes in the upper surface ; the structure is used to increase the flexibility of the saddle.
Ergonomic Innovations
Material Innovations
Structure Innovations
The one-piece saddle tree allows for a simplified structure, contacting both the horse and rider, which can significantly lower the overall weight.
Research on Horses' Fatal Illness & Prevention
Fatal
Problems
Respiratory
Disorders
Electrocardiogram (ECG) is the most reliable means of visualising premature depolarisations heart rate data
Cardiac Arrhythmias
Electrocardiogram (ECG)
Respiratory
Disorders
Anomalies racehorse's respiratory rate in reference to their level of exertion, can signal a respiratory disorder.
Respiratory Rate
Stride Characteristics
Anomalies racehorse's respiratory rate in reference to their level of exertion, can signal a respiratory disorder.
Horse Health Monitor System Design
The sensor is installed on the saddle pad close to the lungs to monitor breathing rate and receive lung sounds to prevent possible respiratory disorder.
Left
Respiratory Sensor
Contain an accelerometer, GPS and HR sensor, which can be used to measure a racehorse's gait frequency to detect possible bone problems.
Right
Stride Sensor
Contain a single-lead bipolar ECG device consisting of two electrodes which can report capable of recording ECG traces in real-time.
Bottom
Heart Sensor
I obtained a 3D scanned model of the horse's back and modeled a saddle tree that fully fits the horse's back, while the upper part meets the rider's comfortable riding needs.
Structure Line
Surface Building
Thickness Construction
Construct the lines of the saddle tree based on the structural lines of the horse's back
Bend part is thicker to ensure strength; middle part below need cut off to avoid the horse's spine bear any load.
Adjust and construct the surface of the saddle tree, ensuring a fit between the horse and rider.
Slice the 3D model of the horse's back and cut it with a Plywood laser. Installing 3D printing saddle tree on the plywood model, and I can conduct ergonomic test.
Smoother
Saddle Tree
(3D Printing)
Refinement
Version
Raise Higher
In-Person Test
Horse Back
(Plywood)
Holes on the saddle design Inspired by the classic design Singer used on their car rear grille, and also designed for performance and weight reduction.
Saddle Tree
Sensor System
Open stirrups allow riders to escape from danger in time.
The curves of the various parts of the saddle echo each other, making the saddle look sporty and streamlined.
This part is magnetic, and the slope makes the rider more comfortable.
The upper of the stirrup is hollowed out to reduce weight.
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