GRADES 9-12
DESIGN A PARAGLEGIC EQUESTRIAN SADDLE

BACKGROUND INFORMATION: Designing An Equestrian Saddle For A Paraplegic A paraplegic is an individual who is paralyzed in the lower half of their body including both legs. To develop an equestrian saddle for a paraplegic, you will need to understand some basic information about physical disabilities and existing horseback riding equipment. How can an individual who is paralyzed and does not have the use of their lower body stay in the saddle on top of a horse? There are many types of physical disabilities. Some of the major medical conditions include amputation, spinal cord injury, spina bifida, polio and cerebral palsy. In turn, these medical conditions have characteristic impairments which may affect voluntary motor functions, sensation, body temperature regulation, fatigue, cardiovascular, bowel and bladder function, the respiratory system, spasms and skin breakdowns. Some are unique to the specific medical condition, others common to all. The Spinal Cord And Neurological Levels Of Injury With Permission From Cislunar Aerospace, Inc. Here is a chart of the spinal cord and the neurological levels of injury. The letters in the diagram refer to the neurological area of the body: C for cervical (neck), T for thoracic (between the neck and abdomen), L for lumbar (between the abdomen and hips) and S for sacral (last part of the spinal column, related to the pelvis). In turn, these areas correspond to specific motor, sensory and autonomic nervous system functions. Based on neurological level of injury, an individual with a spinal cord injury (SCI), in general, will not have motor function or sensation below that level. For example an individual whose neurological level of injury is a C2 is paralyzed below their neck. An individual whose injury is classified as a T12 is affected below the waist. Each individual's injury and injury level is unique. Consequently, it is important to understand the disability, the extent and how it manifests physical limitations. Understanding an individual's disability enhances the athlete's, coach's and trainer's ability to maximize performance, training and conditioning, adapt for limitations, minimize discomfort and prevent serious injury or illness. Equipment design and material selection for individuals with physical disabilities carries an extra dimension of importance for safety and injury prevention. Lack of balance, strength of materials or friction between the body and sports equipment, prosthetic or assistive devices can spell disaster to the athlete or recreational player with physical disabilities. An adaptive or assistive device may be compensating for lack of motor control or provide balance. Instability or a structural failure could easily and obviously defeat the purpose of the equipment. Athletes with paralysis may not be able to feel rubbing, chafing and pain. Friction may cause pressure sores (also called bed sores, decubiti or decubitus ulcers) which undetected and cared for can cause infection. A severe skin sore can mean several weeks of hospitalization, bed rest, surgery or skin grafting.