Equestrian

Early History of Composites

Early History of Composites

• 2015: Bua Saddle (Ireland) launches a thermoplastic composite tree made of glass fibre/polypropylene (PP) with a special cantilevered design (fig.1)

Recent Development

Recent Developments

• Many companies use composites (with glass, carbon and aramid fibres) in saddle tree manufacturing
  Voltaire Design’s Blue infinite is the first connected saddle to track and analyse
  horse performance (fig.2)
• Fibre composites horseshoes start slowly to enter the market (fig.3)
• Jumping arenas are made of a synthetic granular composite, consisting of sand, polymer fibres and rubber particulate components to reduce concussive stresses
• Carbon fibre composites in helmets (fig. 4) and horse leg protectors (fig.5) as well as in small accessories such as whips
• Fibre composites play a crucial role in the customization of advanced prosthetics for riding leg amputees

Gallery

Gallery