June - 2015

The Cantilevered Story

The revolutionary and award winning Bua cantilevered saddle pushes the boundaries in modern saddle design with its patented cantilevered tree and use of modern day technical materials, the same materials that are used in aerospace production. Martin Ryan, equestrian and designer of the award winning Bua saddle, saw the common issues that arose from the traditional, single tree design of equestrian saddles, and sought to design a new saddle concept that would allow for a more comfortable and harmonious connection between horse and rider. After endless hours tucked away in the University of Dublin’s Veterinary library researching the anatomy and biomechanics of the horse and its natural movement, two key conclusions were most notable: for the rider, the saddle is necessary to provide support and balance, central to achieving this is the tree design; for the horse, the saddle must distribute the rider’s weight evenly across its back while at the same time offer flexibly so as to minimise any restriction to horse stretch and freedom.

The solution: the cantilevered tree. By its natural shape, it affords a separate and customised shape specific to the horse and the rider, ultimately leading to better comfort for both. By the natural c-shaped structure of the saddle it further offers dynamic flexibility which moves with the horse while still supporting the rider in a balanced position.

Acting almost as two trees in one, the saddle offers a seat customised for the rider, while at the same time a seat customised for the horse’s back. This means the tree already conforms to the shape of horse and rider before it is padded with foams. This is also due to the dynamic flexibility within the tree, because of the carbon fiber material used. Carbon fiber offers natural flexion allowing the tree to move freely with the horse’s natural movement. The dynamic flexibility of the cantilevered tree, we refer to as ‘dynamic flexion’. The saddle in material and form offers a natural flexion which ensures the horse can move and extend freely during riding. Because the saddle also expands and contracts naturally with the horse’s movement, it accommodates many horses ranging between broad and narrow, and accommodates a horse transitioning through different stages of fitness, as well as creating a better connection, allowing for the pressure to be more evenly distributed with less concussion on the horse’s back compared to a traditional single saddle tree.

Origins of concept - May 2005

The BUA Saddle was the brainchild of Martin Ryan, a young Irish designer with a passion for innovation. The BUA Saddle was inspired by a design philosophy that challenges orthodoxies and focuses on improving performance of the product for horse and rider.

Development of first prototype - June 2005

The prototype made our theory a reality, and with it came the first single structure cantilevered seat. On completing the first prototype we had an inclination we were on to something big. By introduction of a cantilever structure we began to resolve an inherent and age old problem in conventional saddle design, transforming single rigid structure to a dynamic split level structure affording perfect fit for horse while supporting rider in a balanced position.

Patent application – 2005

A patent application was lodged for the revolutionary cantilevered design

Awards start to roll in – 2006

The BUA Saddle won award after award, Dyson award / ISPO / Institute of Designers Ireland. It was recognised by designers as a breakthrough concept that changes the way saddles will be manufactured.

Maturing and refining the concept

The saddle concept was refined and matured through multiple design iterations and production tests. Time was invested in this phase of the development process, because perfection cannot be rushed.

Establishing the team - 2011

Martin reached out to friends in business, who shared his commitment to design excellence. A team of three was formed, whose skills were complimentary and whose ambitions to create a world-beating product were perfectly aligned. Austin & Liam complimented Martin's inventive nature with business accumen.

Choosing the right suppliers – 2011

The right suppliers are as important to the process as the right team members. BUA’s suppliers are world leaders in their areas competence and add confidence and professionalism to our value proposition. Put simply, the BUA saddle is an outstanding product, because a commitment to excellence pervades every part of the production process.

Rigorous testing – 2012

The product was tested through millions of cycles. The rigorous testing regime, conducted under laboratory conditions, proved the materials, the production process and the final design concept.

Market testing

The advanced design concept was tested by a very discerning market. In a prolonged market consultation process, the concept was improved, tested and retested, until our product champions nodded in approval. Riders from the Army Equitation School offered superb, impartial, and professional feedback. Jodie Hartstone - New Zealand International dressage rider, Danielle O’Toole - professional show jumper, and Robert Patton, master saddler, also offered invaluable feedback.

Grant of patent - 2014

The BUA Saddle patent was formally granted in 2014. The unique design is new to the world and the culmination of moments of inspiration and years of perspiration.