GRADES 9-12
DESIGN A PARAPLEGIC EQUESTRIAN SADDLE

BACKGROUND INFORMATION: Your Challenge - The Problem Statement Your client is a small manufacturer of riding saddles. The owners of the saddle making company believe the development of an affordable, safe saddle which addresses the needs of individuals with leg paralysis (or weakness) will encourage individuals to participate in equestrian activities and ultimately, grow the sport. However, none of the employees of the saddle company are familiar with the needs of a paraplegic rider. Subsequently, the owners have engaged your company to provide some innovative concepts. The saddle company will be your client, but the saddle company is clearly not the end user of the saddle; both the paraplegic rider and the horse are the end users of the saddle. Paraplegics can have severe problems with balance. This will be a key element of a functional, safe saddle. The saddle will need to keep the rider upright. Another point to always keep in mind is that the saddle must meet the needs of two users: the rider and the horse! However, it is important that in case the rider falls off of the horse, the rider can separate from the horse. This will prevent the rider from being dragged over the ground or trampled by the horse. For example, you might consider using strips of Velcro to strap the rider's legs against the stirrups' straps. However, if there is too much Velcro and an accident occurs the rider may not be able to separate from the horse. Often, adaptive saddles are custom-made, "one-of-a-kind" solutions and can be very expensive. While each individual's physical disabilities and limitations are unique, a saddle which meets the general needs of a paraplegic rider is very desirable.