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New Ergonomic Chair Design Based on Horse Saddles

A chiropractor's Workhorse Saddle Chair aims to fix your posture

By Rain Noe - November 27, 2018

in Furniture Design

As you read this, you're probably sitting in a chair. And the general consensus appears to be that, for the sake of your back, you oughtn't. This consensus led to the standing desk craze. More recently acupuncturist Esther Gokhale conducted and compiled research showing that folks from developing nations who squat, rather than use chairs, have lower rates of back pain.

But it's not practical for most of us to stand or squat for prolonged periods, so designers will continue to cook up new chair forms. The latest comes from David James France, an Australian chiropractor and equine enthusiast, who has concluded that saddles "[put] your spine in the perfect sitting posture."

France devised what he's calling the Workhorse Saddle Chair, which he's now aiming to get into mass production. Here's his data and his envisioned usage of the design:

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As someone who has seen a lot of newfangled chair designs, I'm always wary of the would-be gamechangers; at the same time, I realize that innovation happens when plucky upstarts are willing to take risks. And thankfully for France, Kickstarter backers do not share my skepticism. At press time the Workhorse had $88,944 in pledges on a $29,632 goal. The first production models should start shipping in March of 2019.

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Nataniel Sculptor

5 years ago

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i have a capisco puls with fully upholstered seat. it is a very flat seat design so once my postural muscles give out i end up slouching as the back rest is too far away to support me when sitting in a perched position near the front. this workhorse saddle chair's seat is sloped up at the back to support your pelvis from rolling back and slouching. i also feel discomfort in the groin area when seated with my legs at a 45 degree angle, unless i am leaning back.

the main problem that some people could have with the WSC is the lack of a backrest height adjustment to accommodate larger users. and the ability to move the backrest closer to you.

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Luke Haney

5 years ago

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I have a 90 degree office chair with no back adjust ability.. it is awful. I have looked at Knoll's Generation and Regeneration chairs and also this from seeing it on Kickstarter and I think I am more apt to give this chair a try. Mattias, I think your critique is pretty harsh as this chair is different, granted not largely, from the Capsico for reasons stated by Dave (and his reasons seem fair enough). I'd certainly like to try this and the Capisco.

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David France

6 years ago

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Thanks for the article Rain. That research from Gokhale is really interesting and makes sense from an anatomical point of view. After seeing my patients suffer for 20 years as a Chiropractor, I realised I had to do something to change the way the world sits as it's simply wrong. I couldn't find anything on the market to do exactly what I wanted so launched into my own design, testing and prototyping. It's been a 5 year journey and feeling I have finally nailed the science, design and comfort on the version we've released to Kickstarter and orders are coming in from 15 countries so far, so back pain sure is a global issue!

Thanks again. David France (founder and Chiropractor)

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Frederick Fasola

6 years ago

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Looks very similar to the HAG Capisco Chair to me....

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- David France
  
  Frederick Fasola
  
  6 years ago
  
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  Hi Frederick, thanks for checking out Rain's article and the Workhorse Saddle Chair. I realise the idea of a saddle chair is not new, though when I reviewed the market looking for a solution for my patients over 20 years as a Chiropractor couldn't find anything that did the job the way I wanted anatomically, in a way that is comfortable and looks good.
  
  Here's the spiel from our FAQ's on our website as we've had a range of questions about how the chair is different from other chairs on the market. Bottom line though is i'm a fan of any chair, desk or product that helps people change the way they sit as regular chairs don't cut it and force the body into terrible posture causing a whole raft of health issues.
  
  David France (founder and Chiropractor)
  
  How is the Workhorse different from other saddle chairs?
  
  The Workhorse chair in terms of function, comfort and style is quite unique. The patented chiropractic contoured base provides unmatched comfort and support while sitting. Most saddle chairs are uncomfortable over time and place particular pressure on the male genitals and pudendal nerve. Great care has been placed in eliminating this shortfall.
  
  The Pro and Plus models also have a changeable back and armrest. The patented rotating armrest provides two very different sitting positions and essential timeout for the large muscle groups.
  
  Finally the sleek designer finish of the Workhorse means it will fit in with your own style and interior design.
  
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- Mattias Sjöberg
  
  Frederick Fasola
  
  6 years ago
  
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  Agree. Almost identical except that this chair lacks a few of the HÅG Capisco features such as a place to rest your feet on top of the wheels. To call this innovation is a stretch and to call it unique is just BS...
  
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