Abstract: The disclosure provides an intelligent method and system for monitoring pig behavior abnormality. The method comprises: acquiring an instantaneous acceleration of a pig; calculating an instantaneous acceleration variation according to the instantaneous acceleration; calculating a sampling characteristic value according to the instantaneous acceleration and the instantaneous acceleration variation; calculating a threshold according to historical data; drawing a box diagram according to the sampling characteristic value and the threshold; judging whether the sampling characteristic value exceeds the threshold according to the box diagram; if not, reacquiring the instantaneous acceleration of the pig and calculate the instantaneous acceleration variation; and if so, sending an alarm signal.

Abstract: A body characteristic measurement method causing a computer to execute a process, the process includes: determining a gait of a quadruped based on accelerations, acquired from a multi-axis acceleration sensor attached to the chest of the quadruped, in multiple axial directions; and determining, if the determined gait is gallop or canter, an injury risk of the quadruped based on a waveform of a positive half-wave region of acceleration in a movement direction of the quadruped in the case where an increase in the acceleration in the movement direction of the quadruped is defined as positive.

Abstract: An illumination device capable of being mounted to a horse's tail, mane, or other parts of the horse, for alerting an observer of the presence of the horse. The illumination device includes one or more strands of lights in a parallel arrangement.

Abstract: An equine tongue tie has a small elastic tongue loop 14 and a large elastic jaw loop 12. The two loops 12, 14 are stitched or otherwise joined at a location 18 across the width of the loops. The two loops 12, 14 can be made from a single strap 2 of elastomeric material wherein the ends are preferably folded over prior to stitching or otherwise affixing so as to form four layers of the elastomeric material at the location 18 wherein the tongue loop 14 and jaw loop 12 are joined. Alternatively, each loop can be made from a separate strap, each tongue loop 14 and jaw loop 12 having its ends overlapped and sewn together to form a separate loop and these two separate loops 12, 14 being sewn together where the sewn ends overlap creating four layers of material at the location 18 where the loops are joined.

Abstract: A safety release for emergency separation from an animal of an affixed harness includes a structural body having formed integral therewith a mechanism for securing the body to a first portion of a riding harness, such as, for example, a bull rope, and a selectively releasable shackle assembly. The shackle assembly is structurally adapted for affixation to a second portion of the riding harness. The mechanism for securing the body to the riding harness comprises a preferably arcuate channel formed in a first, channel end of the body, the channel end of the body being generally opposite a shackle end. The shackle end is adapted to selective receive and secure the shackle assembly to the body.

Abstract: A hand-held lightweight tightener for tightening the girth strap of a saddle has a handle for leverage, a broad curved cam surface to act as a fulcrum, and a prong to fit in a belt hole on the girth strap. This tightening device can be used to engage and pull at an easily accessible belt hole so that more of the billet strap can be brought through the buckle on the girth strap. Once more billet strap is brought through the buckle, the strap can be buckled through one of the holes of the billet strap, and the tightener removed. The tightener is suitable for hanging on a saddle while riding. The tightener may be used for belt systems other than on a saddle. Optionally, the device has a hoof pick and a compass.

Abstract: A drivable saddle cart for storing and transporting saddles, bridles, and/or other equestrian equipment, wherein a frame with at least one saddle holder (15) is provided, which includes at least two wheels (3), so that the frame is drivable.

Abstract: A handle apparatus for use with a harness comprising a handle grip; a first release joint coupled to the handle grip; a second release joint coupled to the handle grip; and a release line coupled to the first release joint and the second release joint. A harness assembly comprising a harness; a handle assembly including a handle grip; a first release joint coupled to the handle grip; a second release joint coupled to the handle grip; and a release mechanism coupled to the first release joint and the second release joint; wherein the handle grip is released from the harness upon activation of the release mechanism.

Abstract: The invention provides a device and a method for recording respiratory sounds in exercising horses thereby enabling the user identify upper airway abnormalities and/or evaluate athletic potential by, e.g., measuring expiratory and/or inspiratory times during exercise under field and/or actual racing conditions. In particular, the invention provides a respiratory monitoring system or device in which a transducer or microphone is placed in direct contact with the skin of the subject animal overlying the skull, e.g., the frontal sinus or nasal turbinates and thereby enable recording and analysis of upper airway respiratory sound from the exercising animal. In one embodiment, the invention provides a device wherein the transducer or microphone is positioned or embedded within a gel pad or other suitable medium and the device placed in direct contact with the skin of the animal overlying, e.g.

Abstract: An animal training system adapted to be fitted on a quadruped for providing increased control over the quadruped by a trainer and instilling confidence in the quadruped. The harness includes a first shoulder strap having a first adjustable retaining strap associated therewith for positioning the shoulder strap across the shoulders of the quadruped and a buttock strap having a second adjustable retaining strap associated therewith for positioning the buttock strap across the buttocks of the quadruped, the shoulder strap and the buttock strap being adjustably connected and arranged to extend completely around the quadruped in a close-fitting fashion in order to exert pressure against the shoulders and the buttocks of the quadruped. The harness can include a number of sites for attaching shocking devices that when activated apply an electrical shock to the quadruped and thereby elicit a desired behavior from the quadruped.

Abstract: An equestrian riding aid is disclosed which includes a girth strap which surrounds the girth of a horse, and a back strap which surrounds the back of a rider. The girth strap passes along the thighs of the rider and promotes the rider to learn and maintain the correct riding posture on the horse. The straps are connected by a quick-release buckle which allows the straps to be released from one another quickly and easily by the rider.

Abstract: A latch inserted in an animal rigging and controllably releasable for quick unlatching. Such a rigging is normally cinched about the body of the animal for various purposes, but with the latch in the rigging, the rigging can be quickly released from the animal when desired. For a bull rigging, the latch is inserted in the rope that assists a rider in maintaining balance on the animal and allows the rider to be quickly separated from the animal if a limb of the rider becomes caught in the rope when the rider is thrown from the animal. The bull rigging includes a holder or handle interfittingly engaged by a limb of the rider while mounted on the animal to aid the rider in remaining balance on the animal.

Abstract: A remotely operated bull rope release comprises a support, a releasable member having a spherical head and a remotely controlled release mechanism for releasing the end of the releasable member for separation from the support. The release mechanism includes a pair of gripping members pivotally mounted on the support on laterally opposite sides of the spherical head for displacement toward and away from the head and having spherical surfaces for capturing the head therebetween to hold the releasable member on the support. A latched, spring biased drive shaft is actuated to displace the gripping members in response to a control signal to release the head and to propel the releasable member away from the support.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for riding an animal using a rope that assists a rider in maintaining balance on the animal but allows the rider to be quickly separated from the animal if a limb of the rider becomes caught in the rope when the rider is thrown from the animal and a latch in the rope that allows such release. The apparatus and the method of its use involve a rigging that can be cinched about the body of such an animal, that includes a holder or handle interfittingly engaged by a limb of the rider while mounted on the animal to aid the rider in remaining balance on the animal, and that further includes a latch that is normally closed but that can be released either by the rider if possible or by an attendant or otherwise if the limb if the rider is entangled with and caught in the rigging when the rider is thrown from the animal whereby the rider and the rigging can be pulled from or otherwise separated from the animal.

Abstract: A method of banding the mane of a horse is described as well as the apparatus for performing the method. The method of banding the mane of the horse is made possible by a staple gun having generally U-shaped staples provided therein which are stapled around individual groups of hairs. The method comprises the steps of separating the horse's mane into individual mane groups and at least partially encircling each mane group with a selectively removable staple to maintain the mane groups separate from one another.

Abstract: This invention is a simple device and method of measurement that employs a mechanical device having articulated transverse linkages comprising a parallelogram assembly having the first arm as one link, an opposing link, and further comprising a hub member, with transverse opposing wings each of the wings being pivotingly joined to the hub member for defining shape and indicia to determine a series of angles, and thereby be able to describe angles and arcs in order to determine the convex and concave portions of polyform shapes—in this preferred embodiment relating to animal backs and their corresponding saddles. A method and formula to adjust the shape of such a device to compensate for the weight of the rider relative to the weight of the animal as well as additional factors is also provided by this process. Additional calibration can also be refined by employing interface pressure measurement.

Abstract: A method of banding the mane of a horse is described as well as the apparatus for performing the method. The method of banding the mane of the horse is made possible by a staple gun having generally U-shaped staples provided therein which are stapled around individual groups of hairs. The method comprises the steps of separating the horse's mane into individual mane groups and at least partially encircling each mane group with a selectively removable staple to maintain the mane groups separate from one another.

Abstract: A method of banding the mane of a horse is described as well as the apparatus for performing the method. The method of banding the mane of the horse is made possible by a staple gun having generally U-shaped staples provided therein which are stapled around individual groups of hairs. The method comprises the steps of separating the horse's mane into individual mane groups and at least partially encircling each mane group with a selectively removable staple to maintain the mane groups separate from one another.

Abstract: An animal restraint or handling device incorporates a quick-release mechanism that is essentially free of any biasing member, pivoting member, or camming action member. Particular embodiments include a rodeo rider's rope, animal hobble and cross-tie each incorporating a quick-release mechanism constructed generally as a three ring type release.

Abstract: A safety apparatus and method for riding an animal using a rigging that assists a rider in maintaining balance on the animal but allows the rider to be quickly separated from the animal if a limb of the rider becomes caught in the rigging when the rider is thrown from the animal. The apparatus and the method of its use involve a rigging that can be cinched about the body of such an animal, that includes a holder or handle interfittingly engaged by a limb of the rider while mounted on the animal to aid the rider in remaining balance on the animal, and that further includes a latch that is normally closed but that can be released either by the rider if possible or by an attendant or otherwise if the limb if the rider is entangled with and caught in the rigging when the rider is thrown from the animal whereby the rider and the rigging can be pulled from or otherwise separated from the animal.

Abstract: An apparatus for representing position and function of the jaw and bite of an individual. The apparatus includes a computer including a memory. Information input regarding an outer surface of an object representing at least one part of the jaw and bite into the computer memory. A display for displaying vertical sections representing turning angles of the object and derived from the input information as a function of first control signals generated by the computer. A construction producer producing a construction based upon the displayed vertical sections. The construction is effected by at least one macro instruction carried out by the computer. The macro instruction codes for mathematics and rules for creating the construction. A model producer for producing a model based upon the construction. An articulator receives the model and exposes and simulates function of the outer surface of the object representing the jaw and bite of the individual.

Abstract: A method of reducing injuries to riders and associated riding cinch. Firstly, providing a riding cinch that has a locking mechanism with a electrically controlled release for locking a first coupling and a second coupling. Secondly, providing a remote transmitter adapted to send a signal to signal receiving means to selectively activate a release activating circuit by closing a switch to permit power to flow from a power source to the electrically controlled release for the locking mechanism. Thirdly, securing the riding cinch to an animal to be ridden. Fourthly, activating the release activating circuit with the remote transmitter, as the rider dismounts.

Abstract: A harness for a dog such as a sled dog is fabricated of strap segments which provide a neck yoke of adjustable size having upper and lower V-shaped junctures, a longitudinal cushioned panel configured to reside against the underside of the dog, and paired oblique back and side segments which permit adjustability to the length of the dog.

Abstract: An apparatus which is designed to improve the art of dallying. The apparatus is designed and configured to simulate the front end of a conventional saddle. This dallying apparatus comprises a front end connected to a back end via a middle portion. The front end includes the horn which extends upwards from the horn shoulder support, while the back end is secured to the removably secured to the user. This will provide for the horn to be situated in front of the user at the appropriate distance due to the middle portion. Accordingly, once attached, the user can practice and perfect the art of dallying.

Abstract: A tool for unbraiding a horse mane including a handle for easy gripping, a shank that extends from the handle, and a hook-shaped portion that includes a blade on its inner side for cutting the yarn that secures the braids in the horse mane. The configuration of the hook-shaped portion allows a user to cut the yarn by simply pulling the tool in a downward motion.

Abstract: A remote release device is adapted to secure a bull rope around the chest of a rodeo bull. The release device includes a radio receiver which receives signals transmitted from a remote transmitter and causes a latching mechanism to release the bull rope from the bull. The transmitter is activated by a person when the bull rider is thrown and is unable to let go of the bull rope. In this way, the bull rider avoids injury.

Abstract: A safety device for preventing a rider from going over the shoulder of a horse when the horse stops suddenly, wherein the device comprises a strap tied around the body of the horse, a hollow rigid rod connected by a detaching device to the strap, and a rope retractably held within the rod and connected at one end to the waist of the rider and extendible to a first length to loosely be connected to the rider in the normal sitting position and to a second length to tightly hold the rider in a stretched position out of the saddle and over the sholder of the horse when the horse stops suddenly. The detaching device enables the rod holding the rope to move a certain range of angles to either side of a line extending from the end of the horse to the head of the horse, and when the rod travels beyond that range detaches the rod from the strap so that a rider can fall freely to the side of the horse without restraint from the rope.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for treating spinal disorders in an animal, particularly a horse. The apparatus includes a pair of elongated support plates arranged in an opposing relationship. A frame having a hole therethrough is mounted above the support plates. The frame is oriented so that the hole therethrough defines an axis extending between the support plates. A rod is disposed in the hole in the frame, the lower end of the rod being movable toward and away from the frame along the axis and the rod being rotatable about the axis. A fork-shaped element having a pair of adjustable pegs arranged in an opposing relationship is attached to the lower end of the rod. A harness attached to the support plates is used to mount the support plates on the animal.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for preventing theft of riding saddles (12) includes a one-piece, rigid lock device (34) and a padlock (36). The lock device (34) is formed by a finished steel rod having one end bent into a circular shape to form a ring (40) having an extension (42) integrally secured and extending therefrom. The ring (40) is of a size for placement around the saddle horn (16) and for abutment with the saddle body (14). The extension (42) extends through the opening (20) in the saddle body (14) when the ring (40) is received on the saddle horn (16) and adjacent to a bar (28) of a saddle rack (22). A series of apertures (44) are formed in the extension (42) for slideable receipt of the legs of the clasp (38) of the padlock (36). Additionally, the clasp (38) of the padlock (36) extends around the bar (28) of the saddle rack (22) to anchor the lock device (34) to the saddle rack (22).

Abstract: A device for imparting a set to the stirrups of a saddle to orient them in a riding status to receive the boots of a mounted rider, the device including a pair of open-sided stirrup engaging elements secured to opposite ends of an elongated rod. The stirrup engaging elements include a bight or web portion which is laterally offset from the axis of the rod by a distance which is approximately the width of a saddle stirrup.

Abstract: A bullrope including a main body portion, with handle, a loop member with eye, and a tail portion. The rope is placed about the girth of a bull with the tail portion engaging the eye of the loop and the remainder of the tail portion wrapped once or twice about the bull rider's hand for cinching the rope. A pair of temporarily engaging fastening members are provided on the tail portion to form a safety loop which may be readily grasped by the rodeo clown to free the rider's hand from the handle should the rider's hand accidently become entangled in the handle and tail portion of the bullrope.

Abstract: A device for causing a horse's mane to lie flat for show purposes. The device includes a nonporous panel directly overlying the horse's mane. A mesh fabric collar fits around the horse's neck, and holds the panel in place. The panel causes a controlled amount of sweating which causes the mane to remain in a flat position when the collar is removed.

Abstract: An object is releasably attachable to a fastener mounted on a girth strap fastened around an animal so that the object rides securely above the animal's back as the animal runs, and the object is removable from the fastener by means of a lariat or by manual grasping and removing. The fastener on the girth strap is preferably a pair of spring clips, and the object preferably has a holding strap securable in the spring clips, which are oriented to open rearwardly of the animal. The object is preferably shaped as a horned pommel to provide a convenient roping target, and roping the object from off the back of a calf saves wear and tear on horses, calves, and ropers, while realistically simulating actual calf roping.

Abstract: A guard for protecting a horse's tail while supported in a tail set. Curved metal rods, welded together, enclose an area around the horse's tail and prevent contact between it and surrounding objects. Small cloth strips with buckles fasten the metal structure to the straps of a tail set which holds it in the vicinity of the horse's tail. Loops formed from the ends of the metal rods abut the rear quarters of horse and inform it when its tail approaches a surrounding object too closely. As a result, the horse learns to limit its movements so as to avoid contact between such objects and its tail guard.

Abstract: A pad adapted to be fitted about the contour of a stirrup used by the medical profession in making patient examinations.