Abstract: A head harness for a horse includes a browband linked, at the ends thereof, to two headpieces, each of which has, symmetrically on either side of the harness, two attachments arranged side by side, and in that, on the front headpiece, the cheek strap of the bit and one end of the throat latch are attached to the first attachment and to the second attachment, respectively, and in that, on the rear headpiece, the noseband cheep strap and one end of an auxiliary cheek strap and one end of an auxiliary cheep strap are attached to the first attachment and to the second attachment, respectively, the other end of said auxiliary cheek strap being attached onto the noseband cheek strap located on the other side of the harness, and in that the second attachment of the front headpiece that receives the throat latch and the second attachment of the rear headpiece that receives the auxiliary cheek strap are rigidly connected by a link.

Abstract: Animal control apparatuses are disclosed that allow for easy replacement of the releasable closure. In some cases the releasable closure includes a tri-fold design wherein elongated members with hook and loop fasteners fold over each other.

Abstract: A latching system is operable to prevent inadvertent total release of two straps secured by the latching system as the two straps are being latched together. The latching system includes a buckle affixed to an end of a first strap and a plurality of fixed studs affixed to a second strap to be secured to the first strap. The plurality of fixed studs successively latch with the buckle as the second strap is pulled through a first section of the buckle. One of the fixed studs will catch in the buckle even if the first strap is pulled away from the second strap before latching is completed. Latching is completed by passing the second strap through a second portion of the buckle. In one embodiment, when latching is complete, two fixed studs engage the buckle to secure the second strap to the first strap.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method for guiding an animal includes a hackamore for the purpose of riding without a mouth bit, chains or side shanks. Neck reining is encouraged by applying pressure to the neck and the outside of the lower jaw on the same side, which then encourages the horse to bend in the proper direction. Because of the uniquely designed hackamore, the horse is encouraged to stop with minimum pressure. As the neck rein pressure is applied, the plate twists and applies pressure to the side of the jaw, the horse moves away from the pressure providing more control to the rider. Because of the instant release of the pressure, the horse feels the rider's instant and complete release which provides for easier and faster training of the horse. The adjustable nature of the hackamore allows for the rider to fit various animals unique muzzle structure.

Abstract: A halter having a continuous headstall strap that fits over the poll of the horse's head and includes a lead attachment ring at the bottom of the headstall strap.

Abstract: A rope halter apparatus, for use in conjunction with a rope, to form an adjustable halter, comprising: a body; a hook coupled to the body; a ring coupled to the body; and at least two bracket legs coupled to the body. A method of using the rope halter apparatus comprising: forming a first loop in a rope by placing a first end of the rope adjacent a first midpoint of the rope; placing the first end of the rope and the first midpoint of the rope between at least one set of bracket legs of a rope halter apparatus; placing a second end of the rope over an animal's neck; placing the first loop over the animal's nose; forming a second loop; placing the second loop through the ring and around the hook of the rope halter apparatus; and pulling the second end of the rope.

Abstract: A rope halter apparatus, for use in conjunction with a rope, to form an adjustable halter, comprising: a body; a hook coupled to the body; a ring coupled to the body; and at least two bracket legs coupled to the body. A method of using the rope halter apparatus comprising: forming a first loop in a rope by placing a first end of the rope adjacent a first midpoint of the rope; placing the first end of the rope and the first midpoint of the rope between at least one set of bracket legs of a rope halter apparatus; placing a second end of the rope over an animal's neck; placing the first loop over the animal's nose; forming a second loop; placing the second loop through the ring and around the hook of the rope halter apparatus; and pulling the second end of the rope.

Abstract: An improved halter design and method of haltering an animal. The feature of universal application applies where one size will fit all livestock traditionally haltered for the purpose of control. The design and method of application make it quicker and easier to gain control of the animal than using a traditional halter. The single unit base plate with attached rope simplifies all previous embodiments while maintaining maximum flexibility of use.

Abstract: A flexible omnidirectionally reflective horse lead has a central portion, and mechanical attachment means to accommodate a bridal bit ring. The lead reflects an incoming light beam from a walker or horseback rider back in the direction from which it emanated, preventing dangerous encounters during dusk or nighttime hours. The omnidirectionally reflective elements may be incorporated in a horse harness, or in a halter suitable for horses roaming in a paddock or field. The reflective elements are created by surrounding a central braided rope of nylon or polyethylene fibers with a cylindrically braided reflective sleeve. The braided reflective sleeve is composed of narrow width reflective strips having a show surface with a flexible nylon retroreflective sheet sewn thereto. Reflectivity is achieved by thermally bonding corner cube or microsphere retroreflectors to a flexible polymeric sheet.

Abstract: A connector (10) includes a housing (34) and an arm (43) pivotally connected to the housing (34). A hook (48) is formed on one end of the arm (43) and a spring (49) is positioned between the arm (43) and the housing (34). The connector (10) can be used to attach two items of many configurations together, but it is particularly suited to attach strap ends of an item such as a halter (11) having a strap (12) and a strap (13) interconnected by a plurality of tab straps (20, 21, 22). The strap (12) is interrupted to form a portion (32) carrying the connector (10) and another portion (31) carrying an o-ring (29) which can be engaged between the hook (48) and the housing (34).

Abstract: The invention relates to a process and intermediates for the preparation of enantiomerically pure cycloalkanoindolecarboxylic acids and azaindolecarboxylic acids and pyrimido[1,2a]indolecarboxylic acids and their activated derivatives, characterized in that the tolyl acetic acid is first esterified with a chiral alcohol, then diastereoselective substitution at &agr;-carbon atoms is carried out and this product is halogenated in the tolyl group and then reacted with appropriate cycloalkanoindoles, cycloalkanoazaindoles or pyrimido[1,2a]indoles. It is possible by this method to prepare specifically, in high purity, the enantiomerically pure carboxylic acids which are intermediates for valuable medicaments.

Abstract: A modified snap hitch for connecting the cross tie ropes or trailer tie ropes to the halter on a horse comprises a quick release mechanism connecting the ring to the hook of a snap hitch. The quick release mechanism can take a variety of forms, such as a shear pin or other easily replaceable part. However, in the preferred embodiment, a plurality of ball detent mechanisms are used, and the ring and hook can be reconnected as soon as the horse is calmed.

Abstract: A connector (10) includes a housing (34) and an arm (43) pivotally connected to the housing (34). A hook (48) is formed on one end of the arm (43) and a spring (49) is positioned between the arm (43) and the housing (34). The connector (10) can be used to attach two items of many configurations together, but it is particularly suited to attach strap ends of an item such as a halter (11) having a strap (12) and a strap (13) interconnected by a plurality of tab straps (20, 21, 22). The strap (12) is interrupted to form a portion (32) carrying the connector (10) and another portion (31) carrying an o-ring (29) which can be engaged between the hook (48) and the housing (34).

Abstract: A modified snap hitch for connecting the cross tie ropes or trailer tie ropes to the halter on a horse comprises a quick release mechanism connecting the ring to the hook of a snap hitch. The quick release mechanism can take a variety of forms, such as a shear pin or other easily replaceable part. However, in the preferred embodiment, a plurality of ball detent mechanisms are used, and the ring and hook can be reconnected as soon as the horse is calmed.

Abstract: A concho for an equine harness has an outer plate and top and bottom walls which receive the loop ends of a brow band. The top and bottom walls are slotted to permit the extension therethrough, and through the loop ends, of other harness components.