KiddyUp is a kids horse saddle ranging from 1-4 years old. The idea was to produce plastic horse saddles for kids as it is expensive to purchase a saddle on the market. The rotomoulded saddle would bring in a new sector as the horse riding industry for kids is growing. 

Before taking any steps into designing, it was necessary to fully understand the rotational moulding process. Here, I summarised some of the main components of rotomoulding to aid me while designing. 

Outdoor sports and recreation was then researched and I came up with 3 directions - a floating deck, rock climbing and horse riding. I did research on all three directions and compiled them together. 

With all the research done, I started the ideation phase where I explored a range of different concepts for my chosen directions. I produced 3 final concepts which I had feedback from and majority liked the idea of a horse saddle. Therefore, I had chosen concept 1. 

With the feedback I received, like the handle not being practical and that I should get another approach to the saddle. I developed the concept further and resolved issues that were evident. I made mock ups to aid this process, with regards to form and how the saddle should look/be designed. Some important aspects like the bottom should be hollow to avoid stress on the horse's spine were looked at. 

Mock ups that aided my design process in terms of form and function. The main reference was an old saddle for kids that I used for designing my saddle. A problem with this design was the mould as it would not be able to remove easily. 

Refining the concept. Here I eliminated the flaps that ran all along the edges to just a section on either side. The hole on the flap would be for strapping the saddle in. If needed, stirrups could be attached on the flap as well. 

I then took my model into CAD where a better understanding of the saddle was achieved. The inside would have a 4mm layer of foam to help with the forces applied to it and relieve stress. The chosen material is LLDPE due to its flexible nature. I chose this type of plastic as it would not be such a hard and compact surface, LLDPE can handle stress much better. 

Engineering draft drawings were made to communicate the design and get the overall dimensions. The mould would be 2 parts with the splitting line running the same direction as the section view. Inserts are placed on each flap to create a cavity for the straps. The vent hole is situated at the back of the saddle. 

Technical poster, showing all the considerations and design outcomes.

In-situ render showing human interaction and scale with the horse. KiddyUp is a new sector in horse riding, giving horse owner's a cheaper way to make a business without causing harm to their horses. Kids will also be attracted to this new look to a saddle.