Abstract: A dragonfly rein assembly (10, 210, 310, 410) is described as being formed around a uniquely structured chin control link (12, 12A, 12B) which interacts with bit rings and reins (20, 220, 320, 420) of various types to provide a number of desirable horse and rider benefits. A flexible link (16, 16A, 16B) of predetermined length is deployed under the horse's chin and releasably affixed by a pair of coupling elements (14L, 14R) to the bit rings. The forward ends of the reins when affixed to the pair of couplings (14L, 13R) thereby transfer control pressures to the bit via the chin control link (12, 12A, 12B) while preventing pulling of the bit through the horse's mouth. A wide range of benefits for both horse and rider result from these interactions, including significant calming, improved riding and humane handling during all phases of use.

Abstract: An equine body brush is specially formed to produce a combined cleaning and brushing action for each single stroke of the brush in a desired stroke direction by using two distinct stiffness of bristles arrayed in a linearly tapered height arrangement. The leading edge bristles are shorter and harder than the following bristles which are longer and softer. The hard bristles first pull up the dander, loose animal hair and other debris and the following soft bristles sweep them away before they get a chance to settle back down. The correct cleaning and brushing directional action can be maintained regardless of which hand the user employs by virtue of either a unique pair of handles disposed on opposite ends of the central bristle-carrying brush portion, or a smaller palm-sized hand brush.

Abstract: An equine body brush is specially formed to produce a combined cleaning and brushing action for each single stroke of the brush in a desired stroke direction by using two distinct stiffness of bristles arrayed in a linearly tapered height arrangement. The leading edge bristles are shorter and harder than the following bristles which are longer and softer. The hard bristles first pull up the dander, loose animal hair and other debris and the following soft bristles sweep them away before they get a chance to settle back down. The correct cleaning and brushing directional action can be maintained regardless of which hand the user employs by virtue of either a unique pair of handles disposed on opposite ends of the central bristle-carrying brush portion, or a smaller palm-sized hand brush.

Abstract: An equine lead line assembly is specially configured to provide significantly improved handling of a horse in a much less stressful manner for both horse and handler. Advantageously, a lead line assembly formed as a deformable closed loop portion carrying a pair of swivel snaps, and a connected hand lead line portion, functions to impart a gentle tightening and downward pressure on the horse's muzzle. This control aid applies symmetrical forces to both sides of a conventional halter via the deformable loop portion in response to a single downward force applied via the hand lead line portion.

Abstract: A hand-held hoof cleaning tool is formed as a shaped handle and a simply bent metal pick element, which are specially oriented and configured to greatly improve the amount of controllable power that may be applied to the cleaning task. In a preferred embodiment, a specially shaped handle guides the user's grasp to ensure that a somewhat narrow range of picking angles are employed by the bent metal pick tip. Acute picking angles within the range of 15 to 35 degrees are described, which allow highly controllable and effective leveraged cleaning action to be accomplished while reducing the need of large wrist twisting motions.