Abstract: A method of manufacturing an equine protective covering by applying a stamp comprises a profiled shape with a predetermined temperature and pressure to the interior side of the cushion assembly. The first synthetic fabric layer and the second neoprene layer are permanently bonded. The second neoprene layer is plastically deformed such that the profiled shape of the stamp is permanently transferred to the second neoprene layer. The plastic deformation of the second neoprene layer is such that the perforations remain open.

Abstract: An improved method of manufacturing an equine protective covering includes applying a stamp comprising a profiled shape with a predetermined temperature and pressure to the interior side of the cushion assembly such that concurrently: the first synthetic fabric layer and the second neoprene layer are permanently bonded; the second neoprene layer is plastically deformed such that the profiled shape of the stamp is permanently transferred to the second neoprene layer; and the plastic deformation of the second neoprene layer is such that the perforations remain open.

Abstract: A handy spur structure related to a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/7261860 includes: a spur main body, which is a curved rigid body adapted to a configuration of a heel section of a rider's shoe/boot, the spur main body having at least one post outward protruding from a middle section of the spur main body; and a soft and elastic lining member disposed on a portion of an inner circumference of the spur main body that is closer to a lower edge thereof. Multiple recessed/raised anti-slip stripes are formed on a surface of the lining member. The junction face between the spur main body and the lining member is more approximately orthogonal to the direction of the action force when treading on a horse's belly, whereby the possibility of peeling of the lining member from the spur main body along the junction face is minimized.

Abstract: A roping practice apparatus for realistically simulating motion of the head of an animal to train a roper in roping skill. The roping practice apparatus includes: a steering unit drivable and rotatable by a power source; a transmission section rotatable in response to the rotation of the steering unit, the transmission section having a first end mounted on the steering unit and a second end; a universal actuator to which the second end of the transmission section is pivotally connected; and a driven section mounted on the universal actuator and rotatable in response to the rotation of the transmission section. A head model is connected with the driven section and drivable by the driven section to swing back and forth and left and right within a range of 360°.

Abstract: A handy spur structure including: a spur main body, which is a curved rigid body adapted to a configuration of a heel section of a rider's shoe/boot, the spur main body having two end sections each of which is formed with at least one strap slot, a strap being passable through the strap slots of the spur main body and fastened around an instep of the shoe/boot to secure the spur main body to the shoe/boot, the spur main body having at least one post outward protruding from a middle section of the spur main body; and a soft and elastic lining member disposed on an inner circumference of the spur main body. Multiple recessed/raised anti-slip stripes are formed on a surface of the lining member for keeping the spur structure from slipping on the shoe/boot and avoiding abrasion thereof.

Abstract: A roping practice apparatus for realistically simulating motion of the head of an animal to train a roper in roping skill. The roping practice apparatus includes: a steering unit drivable and rotatable by a power source; a transmission section rotatable in response to the rotation of the steering unit, the transmission section having a first end mounted on the steering unit and a second end; a universal actuator to which the second end of the transmission section is pivotally connected; and a driven section mounted on the universal actuator and rotatable in response to the rotation of the transmission section. A head model is connected with the driven section and drivable by the driven section to swing back and forth and left and right within a range of 360°.

Abstract: A stirrup includes a footrest as well as a hanger for suspending the stirrup from a saddle. A shock absorber is provided for the footrest and has protrusions which impart a nonslip character to the shock absorber. The protrusions have respective ends which face away from the shock absorber, and each of these ends is provided with a depression.

Abstract: A stirrup includes a footrest as well as a hanger for suspending the stirrup from a saddle. A shock absorber is provided for the footrest and has protrusions which impart a nonslip character to the shock absorber. The protrusions have respective ends which face away from the shock absorber, and each of these ends is provided with a depression.

Abstract: A stirrup includes a footrest as well as a hanger for suspending the stirrup from a saddle. A shock absorber is provided for the footrest and has protrusions which impart a nonslip character to the shock absorber. The protrusions have respective ends which face away from the shock absorber, and each of these ends is formed with a concavity.

Abstract: Horse hoods, horse neck covers, and methods of making same which result in at least improved fit and comfort, are provided herein. One such horse hood or neck cover includes a base portion (110), an upper neck portion (120), and a gusset (140) coupled between the base portion and the upper neck portion. Each of the portions and gusset may be generally symmetric relative to a common centerline (160). The gusset is adapted to provide a hinged movement of the upper neck portion relative to the base portion when the upper neck portion is rotated relative to the base portion. In this manner, the neck cover has an expansion feature when a horse (300) or other animal wearing it lowers its head, to graze, drink, eat, or the like.

Abstract: A stirrup includes an elongated footrest as well as a hanger for suspending the stirrup from a saddle. The footrest and the hanger can pivot relative to one another on an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the footrest. A shock absorber is provided for the footrest and has spaces for anchoring the shock absorber to the footrest. The footrest, in turn, has anchoring members for the shock absorber.

Abstract: Horse hoods, horse neck covers, and methods of making same which result in at least improved fit and comfort, are provided herein. One such horse hood or neck cover includes a base portion (110), an upper neck portion (120), and a gusset (140) coupled between the base portion and the upper neck portion. Each of the portions and gusset may be generally symmetric relative to a common centerline (160). The gusset is adapted to provide a hinged movement of the upper neck portion relative to the base portion when the upper neck portion is rotated relative to the base portion. In this manner, the neck cover has an expansion feature when a horse (300) or other animal wearing it lowers its head, to graze, drink, eat, or the like.

Abstract: Horse blankets and methods of making blankets are provided which result in improved fit, greater comfort, improved coverage on the horse, and/or a more secure fit when in use. One such blanket (100) includes a body of blanket material having right and left side portions (110). The right and left side portions are adapted to extend down the horse's right and left sides, respectively, when the body of blanket material lies on the horse's back. The tight and left side portions further include a curved back edge (124) adapted to reduce a length of a bottom edge (130) of the right and left side portions. The curved back edge helps allow for increased movement of the horse's back legs without the horse's legs rubbing on and/or being restrained by the blanket.

Abstract: Improved surcingle sets useful with equestrian equipment, and methods of making the surcingle sets, are provided. One such surcingle set (200) for use with equestrian equipment includes a male component (250) and a female component (210). The male component has an extension (260) extending from a surface (268) thereof. The female component has a coupling hole (220) disposed therethrough, the coupling hole including a first hole (222) and a smaller second hole (224) connected to the first hole. An inner surface of the coupling hole has a friction layer (214) disposed thereover. The friction layer has a greater coefficient of friction than the extension. By increasing the friction between the extension and the coupling hole, the extension has a more secure fit in the hole and the likelihood for unintended slippage between the extension and coupling hole is reduced.

Abstract: An improved equestrian saddle creates an angle of separation between the stirrup and the body of the horse to aid the insertion of the rider's foot. A fender conforms to the shape of an attached molded plate. As a result, the stirrup strap is twisted, turning the associated stirrup away from the horse. The molded plate is intended to be shaped by a user, maintain its shape during normal use conditions, and be re-shaped by the user at will. Alternatively, the plate could be molded into a permanent shape and attached to the fender. In yet another embodiment, the plate could be shaped by the user and then made rigid by the user. The plate is preferably inserted into a pocket in the fender structure.

Abstract: A stirrup includes an elongated footrest as well as a hanger for suspending the stirrup from a saddle. The footrest and the hanger can pivot elastically relative to one another on an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the footrest.

Abstract: A stirrup has a pair of arms, an eye on the arms for receiving a strap, and a footrest on the arms for supporting the foot of a rider. A cylinder/plunger assembly at each end of the footrest defines its travel between a retracted position and an extended position. A spring acting on the plunger in each cylinder urges the footrest toward the retracted position, such as to provide shock absorption for downward pressure exerted by the foot of a rider.

Abstract: A single-piece cardboard sheet into which slots and tabs are strategically cut to permit its folding into a carton for packaging a pair of western spurs. The unfolded carton is substantially symmetrical with respect to both its major and minor axes and comprises a bottom section from which two pairs of largely equal structural segments (a front and a back section) project outwards along the longitudinal axis. A cut at the boundary between the bottom section and each of these structural segments defines an extension sufficiently large to support the tips of the sides of the two spurs. The front section of the cardboard carton contains a cut that defines a substantially rectangular tab and a corresponding opening suitable for passing the sides of two spurs therethrough. The top of the front section also contains a hanging slot suitable for receiving the hook of a display rack.