Abstract: An inverse stirrup for use in horseback riding that a horseback rider contacts with the top of the rider's foot to resist upward or transverse force and maintain position on the horse. The inverse stirrup is attached to the horse by means of a circumferential or semi-circumferential strap such as the girth strap passing beneath the horse such that the inverse stirrup resists displacement upward.

Abstract: A girth for equine sports includes an outside, and an inside intended to rest against a horse's body. A pressure-relieving pad is arranged in the region in which the girth is intended to extend over the sternum of the horse. The pad includes a cushioning material that protrudes further inwards beyond the inside of the girth and a channel of reduced pad thickness. The cushioning material is thicker on either side of the channel, and the channel is intended to extend in front of the sternum while the cushioning material on either side of the sternum is intended to rest against the horse's body.

Abstract: A modified saddle D-ring having a loop of a varying radius for supporting a stirrup strap on a saddle. The stirrup supporting strap is looped around a lower span portion of the D-ring which has an upper span portion anchored to the saddle. The lower span has an upper surface that abuts against the saddle supporting strap and such upper surface includes first and second contiguous portions disposed at a preselected angle to one another with the length being greater than the width of the stirrup supporting strap. The D-ring includes an elongated curved loop extending forward at a varying radius depicting a parabolic curve. The elongated D-ring allows limited pivotal forward movement of the stirrup with respect to the saddle. One or more “T” shaped projections may extend upward from one a selected position at the bottom of the D-ring for adjusting and holding the D-ring in position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a riding girth comprising a central portion (10) from which two lateral bands (12) extend suitable to encircle the chest of the horse up to the connection to the saddle. On the outer side of the central portion (10) a coupling element (14) is made for attaching the loop of a strap of the martingale, harness or other operating instrument. Said coupling element (14) comprises a base (16) and a plate-shaped elastic hook (18) which extends from said base (16) and which permits the insertion/extraction of the loop of the strap into and from the coupling element thanks to the elastic lifting of an end portion thereof relative to the base (16).

Abstract: An electric connection box includes a frame, a lower cover that covers the lower surface of the frame, and at least one block that is attached in the frame and disposed at a position along a peripheral wall of the frame. An electric wire that is connected to a component attached to the block out of the blocks is drawn horizontally from the block toward inside the frame.

Abstract: A device for securing a horse-riding saddle onto a horse, includes a strap (32) having at least one first textile part (34) with an elongation of 10% to 20%, the strap encircling the topline (20), flanks (24) and underline (26) of the torso of the horse, extending over the entire periphery of the torso of the horse, and an element for linking the saddle, which is connected to the first textile part (34).

Abstract: A vasculature occlusion protection device is provided for protecting against at least partial occlusion of a superficial vessel of an animal. The devices include a rigid structure having a first face shaped to comfortably conform to the outside of the animal and a second face shaped to accept and retain a portion of the wrap applied to the animal when in use (e.g., a saddle girth). The first face has at least one lateral channel therein, the lateral channel sized and shaped to shield a portion of the superficial vessel from the portion of the wrap retained by the device, the second face configured to permit the portion of the wrap restrained by the device to maintain secure application of the wrap to the animal while the device is in use.

Abstract: A saddle latigo strap is threaded to secure a saddle. A body portion of a saddle latigo is looped through a permanent saddle rigging. A first end of the saddle latigo having a tapered portion is inserted through a second end. Notches of the body portion are engaged with holes of the first end to secure the saddle.

Abstract: A saddle latigo strap is threaded to secure a saddle. A body portion of a saddle latigo is looped through a permanent saddle rigging. A first end of the saddle latigo having a tapered portion is inserted through a second end. Notches of the body portion are engaged with holes of the first end to secure the saddle.

Abstract: The present invention is a saddle girth to be used in conjunction with either English or Western saddles. The girth band of the saddle girth is curved and made with an inelastic member which provides a more secure and comfortable fit on the horse. The saddle girth connectors are made of elastic material which allows for expansion of the horse's chest as it breaths. This saddle girth prevents shifting of the girth or saddle while fitting comfortably around the torso of the horse providing comfort and security to both the horse and rider.

Abstract: The present invention is a saddle girth to be used in conjunction with either English or Western saddles. The girth band of the saddle girth is curved and made with an inelastic member which provides a more secure and comfortable fit on the horse. The saddle girth connectors are made of elastic material which allows for expansion of the horse's chest as it breaths. This saddle girth prevents shifting of the girth or saddle while fitting comfortably around the torso of the horse providing comfort and security to both the hose and rider.

Abstract: The invention also a stabilizing system to stabilize a rider in the saddle comprising a saddle stabilizer block which can be used alone or in combination with a complementary boot stabilizer block to restrict movement of the rider in the saddle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a girth for horse saddles which allows distributing pressure proportionally on the body of the animal, it being adapted to the geometry of the animal during physical exercise, made up of a main girth body (1) with V-shaped die-cuts (5), articulating thereto several straps (2) and buckles (3), wherein each of the straps (2) is independently joined to several elastic rings (4), which are secured on the outer and central part of said girth, each of the elastic rings (4) acting independently for each of the straps (2) incorporating at their ends several perforations (6) for fixing the length thereof by means of screw pins (7), which in turn allow interchanging the buckles (3); having special application in the equestrian sector where a girth having said features is required.

Abstract: The present invention is a saddle girth to be used in conjunction with either English or Western saddles. The girth band of the saddle girth is curved and made with an inelastic member which provides a more secure and comfortable fit on the horse. The saddle girth connectors are made of elastic material which allows for expansion of the horse's chest as it breaths. This saddle girth prevents shifting of the girth or saddle while fitting comfortably around the torso of the horse providing comfort and security to both the hose and rider.

Abstract: A piece of saddlery equipment for facilitating the saddling of a horse by making it safer, quicker, and simpler the fastening of the cinch under the belly of the horse to the rigging of the saddle by the permanent attachment of the connecting straps to the opposing ends of the cinch. The cinch has a buckle on each end and a strap permanently attached to each end of the cinch. The strap permanently attached to the cinch loops through the rigging on the saddle once then runs through the buckle on the cinch and is secured to the cinch by placing the tongue of the buckle through the appropriate hole on the strap to ensure securement of the saddle to the horse.

Abstract: A cinch connector for connecting a cinch to a saddle. The cinch connector has a frame, a latch bar, and a tongue. The frame has a top frame member, a bottom frame member, and an intermediate frame member supported in a spaced apart, parallel relation to define a first strap receiving slot and a second strap receiving slot. The latch bar is pivotally connected to the bottom frame member and defines a catch receiving space. At least a portion of the latch bar is configured to be received through the ring of a buckle when the distal end of a catch of the buckle is disengaged from the ring so that the catch of the buckle may then be rotated through the catch receiving space of the latch bar to engage the ring of the buckle thereby capturing the latch bar to connect the cinch connector to the buckle. The tongue is pivotally connected to the bottom frame member and extendible to the intermediate frame member to fasten the strap to the cinch connector.

Abstract: A saddle girth for an equestrian saddle comprises a main belt carrying buckles for attachment of the girth to girth straps of the saddle, and an air bag attached to a side of the main belt facing towards the chest of the horse, the air bag being so positioned that it acts to distribute the load in the area of the sternum. In the preferred embodiment the straps and the main belt are of non-elastic material, and the straps are attached to the main belt via at least one elastic strap, the main belt being of a construction such that it will not bow transversely under the effect of applied tension.

Abstract: A decoration buckle for cinches includes a straight end pivotably connected to an end of a cinch and a frame is connected to the straight end. A tongue has one end pivotably connected to the straight end and the other end of the tongue rests on the frame. At least one pattern is formed on the frame and composed of bosses extending from an outer surface of the frame.

Abstract: A Cinch having a fastening strap and an elongated cushion either permanently or releasably attached to one another. The elongated cushion preferably has a resilient edge along at least the front of the body of the elongated cushion and around the ends of the body of the elongated cushion. Optionally, the edge has a discontinuity at each end of the body, and along the front of the body. When the edge is also along the rear of the body of the elongated cushion, the edge also optionally contains a discontinuity along such rear. The fastening strap preferably comprises a unitary belt having one or more fastening devices at each end. The fastening strap and the elongated cushion can either be generally linear or have a triangular shape. The generally linear version of the elongated cushion preferably symmetrical, having a resilient edge on the front, the rear, and around each end.

Abstract: Presented in one embodiment is a waist chain comprising a plurality of links; a plurality of coupling members which connect the plurality of links, thereby forming a chain with two ends; and at least one end connection member which is connectable to both ends of the chain such that the chain becomes continuous. The waist chain is positioned tightly around the waist of a person such that as the person's weight increases, the waist chain becomes increasingly tight. Presented in another embodiment is a waist chain comprising a plurality of links; a plurality of coupling members which connect the plurality of links, thereby forming a chain with two ends; at least one end connection member which is connectable to both ends of the chain such that the chain becomes continuous and at least one end link which is connectable to one or both ends of the chain and to the end connection member. The end connection member is a hollow cylinder comprising a side wall.

Abstract: A Cinch having a fastening strap and an elongated cushion either permanently or releasably attached to one another. The elongated cushion preferably has a resilient edge along at least the front of the body of the elongated cushion and around the ends of the body of the elongated cushion. Optionally, the edge has a discontinuity at each end of the body, and along the front of the body. When the edge is also along the rear of the body of the elongated cushion, the edge also optionally contains a discontinuity along such rear. The fastening strap preferably comprises a unitary belt having one or more fastening devices at each end. The fastening strap and the elongated cushion can either be generally linear or have a triangular shape. The generally linear version of the elongated cushion preferably symmetrical, having a resilient edge on the front, the rear, and around each end.

Abstract: A cover for an leg or tail strap for securing a blanket to a horse having a rectangular cover material secured at opposite edges to form a tube that is sized to fit over the leg or tail strap. The cover material is selected for its anti-chafe and washability characteristics. A securing mechanism is attached at each end of the tube for securing the cover to the ends of the straps. The cover is stretchy and replaceable. Using the covers over the straps allows the handler to tighten the straps much tighter than without the covers. This helps prevent chafing, discomfort, disease, and the likelihood of tripping on the straps.

Abstract: A Cinch having a fastening strap and an elongated cushion either permanently or releasably attached to one another. The elongated cushion preferably has a resilient edge along at least the front of the body of the elongated cushion and around the ends of the body of the elongated cushion. Optionally, the edge has a discontinuity at each end of the body, and along the front of the body. When the edge is also along the rear of the body of the elongated cushion, the edge also optionally contains a discontinuity along such rear. The fastening strap preferably comprises a unitary belt having one or more fastening devices at each end. The fastening strap and the elongated cushion can either be generally linear or have a triangular shape. The generally linear version of the elongated cushion preferably symmetrical, having a resilient edge on the front, the rear, and around each end.

Abstract: A decorative, sturdy light chain having links of one or more regular sizes made of a precious metal alloy (preferably silver) and an adjustable catch is worn continuously about a person's waist Changes in girth circumference over a period are monitored through changes from an initial loose yet perceptible fit. The chain tightens noticeably as soon as the girth changes circumference, secretly warning of over-indulgence during a meal. When the position of the catch is altered, the person can celebrate a change in weight. Thus operant conditioning of the person is continuous and is supplemented whenever a milestone is reached.

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 cinch and a buckle therefore and a method for tightening and securing the cinch about the body of a horse to secure a saddle on the horse. The buckle has a rigid frame with a base bar, an intermediate bar and an outer bar extending between a pair of side frame members. The intermediate bar forms a pair of intervening apertures with the outer and base bars for receiving a free end of a cinch strap looped therethrough. The intermediate and outer bars have roller sleeves mounted thereon to reduce the sliding friction of the strap moving about the bars when tightening the cinch about the horse. A locking tongue is attached to the base bar and extends through a selected hole in the strap and lays against the intermediate bar to secure the cinch and strap in an adjusted tightened position.

Abstract: A weighted training surcingle device comprising a belt simulating the spatial area of a person's legs and buttocks. Each half of the belt has a plurality of pouches providing means for holding weight adjacent the rib cage of a horse simulating weight distribution of a person. Rings interspaced between the pouches are supplied for attaching at least one line to the belt for the training of a horse. A pad distributes weight away from a spinal area of a horse when the belt is placed upon a horse. A centrally located pouch spanning the midpoint of the belt is provided for holding weight adjacent the spine of the horse simulating body weight of a person. A line is attached between one of the different rings of the belt and a guiding ring of a bridle to restrict movement of the horse's head within the bridle.

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 billet strap for use with a Western saddle includes a portion of stretch material in the construction of the billet strap. The stretch material allows the billet strap to adjust and fine tune the tension of a cinch when the billet strap is used to connect the cinch to the Western saddle, thus increasing the comfort of the horse. In one exemplary embodiment, the billet strap is comprised of a portion of nonstretching material joined in series with a portion of stretching material. The billet strap may include a protective sleeve. The protective sleeve may cover all or only a portion of the billet strap. In other embodiments of the invention, the billet strap is comprised of multiple portions of material (e.g., three nonstretching portions joined together by two stretching portions). In yet another embodiment, the billet strap is comprised entirely of a stretching material.

Abstract: The present invention is a saddle girth to be used in conjunction with an English saddle. The saddle girth has a central portion separating two opposing straight segments, each of which extend from the central portion at an angle less than approximately forty-five degrees to form a chevron-like shape. This style of saddle girth inhibits the saddle from shifting along the back of the horse, thus preventing sores and chafing while providing safety for the rider.

Abstract: A cinch and a buckle therefore and a method for tightening and securing the cinch about the body of a horse to secure a saddle on the horse. The buckle has a rigid frame with a base bar, an intermediate bar and an outer bar extending between a pair of side frame members. The intermediate bar forms a pair of intervening apertures with the outer and base bars for receiving a free end of a cinch strap looped therethrough. The intermediate and outer bars have roller sleeves mounted thereon to reduce the sliding friction of the strap moving about the bars when tightening the cinch about the horse. A locking tongue is attached to the base bar and extends through a selected hole in the strap and lays against the intermediate bar to secure the cinch and strap in an adjusted tightened position.

Abstract: An improved cinch for use with animals comprising a heat and pressure molded animal engaging strap having spaced apart lands with curved outer edges projecting from a base and grooves between the lands, a buckle strap, and a fastener to hold the buckle strap in place against the animal engaging strap.

Abstract: A foal weaning gear for wear by a nursing mare to deny access by a foal includes a protective pad disposed over the mammary glands and resiliently held in position by a plurality of adjustable straps providing continuous triaxial resilient biasing of the protective pad throughout normal physical activities of the mare without requiring ongoing adjustment during the weaning period.

Abstract: A harness apparatus for mounting a device on the outside of the tail of an animal, comprising a girth belt constructed to surround the body of the animal near the front legs thereof, the girth belt having a rearwardly extending belt portion positioned to be located near the spinal portion of the animal. A tail harness comprising a first flexible and resilient cord is connected at its forward end to the rear end of the girth belt portion. A second flexible and resilient cord having a first loop at its front end is connected to the rear end of the first cord, the second cord having two cord portions that extend rearwardly from the first loop and are constructed to extend around and under the tail of the animal. An adjustment device is mounted on the second cord portions near the rear end of the first loop to maintain them in closely adjacent relation. The adjustment device is slidable along the second cord portions and is positioned to be located in front of the tail of the animal.

Abstract: To improve the safety of horseback riding, a fabric saddle with hook fastener strips sewed to its side fenders attaches to the horse using a new design of harness that gives the rider the ability to mechanically make a secondary tightening of that harness around the horse after the standard initial manual girth strap tightening has been done. This secondary tightening has the characteristic of being controlled so as not to harm the horse yet it snugs the saddle up so there is much less likelihood of the saddle slipping off the horse's back. As the rider mounts, the loop fastener strips on the rider's pants legs match with the hook fastener strips on the saddle and hold the rider onto the animal so the rider is not accidentally thrown off the horse. Quick dismount is not inhibited since the hook and loop fastener strips separate readily when the riders kick their legs away from the horse.

Abstract: A girth for a horse includes a cover device having a base member and having a number of orifices for air circulation purpose. A fastener strap device is secured to the cover device and includes two buckles secured to the ends and engaged on the base member which is engaged between the horse and the buckles for separating the buckles from the horse and for preventing the buckles from hurting the horse. The fastener strap device includes an envelope having a chamber for receiving fiber materials. Two backing pads are secured between the buckles and the base member.

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: An adaptor which rigidly affixes a means for attaching the adaptor using the D-ring Western saddle attachment method to the multiple straps with adjustment hole attachment method of an English girth allowing for the use of this combination of dissimilar tack.

Abstract: Each end of a main girth strap length has a billet strap attached thereto by a fitting/component. The billet strap is threaded through the fitting/component at right angles to the main girth strap length prior to folding the ends parallel to the main girth strap length.

Abstract: A protective lining is intended for use with a girth and the like and is provided with a plurality of air holes and elastic bodies. The air holes are arranged alternately and equidistantly. Each air hole is surrounded by a plurality of elastic bodies. The elastic bodies are provided with an uneven outer surface serving as a skidproof surface.

Abstract: A saddle cinch includes a collar defining an elongate opening, a strap lock connected to the collar, the connected collar and strap lock defining a cinch subassembly, and a strap connected to the cinch subassembly. Among other advantages, the saddle cinch allows a rider to tighten the cinch strap without dismounting, while eliminating the need for tying the cinch strap to the saddle ring, while also allowing multiple passes through the saddle ring and girth ring to achieve a theoretical 4:1 mechanical advantage, as is customary.

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 cinch to pass beneath the belly of an animal in securing a saddle to the animal while minimizing discomfort and injury to the animal comprises a first layer of durable foam material having an outer surface covered with and molded with a durable stretch fabric to form a grid pattern with blocks separated by grooves on an outer surface of the first layer and with extensions from opposite ends of the first layer forming buckle recesses; a second layer of fabric covered foam corresponding to the shape of the first layer from end to end of the first layer; and a third layer sandwiched between the first and second layers and having a strap extending from end to end and a buckle on each end of the strap to rest in the buckle recesses formed in the extensions of the first layer.

Abstract: A cinch for securing a saddle to a horse. The cinch utilizes a generally rigid "U-shaped" rib support member composed of a stiff polymer in combination with padding such as neoprene, filler material, and/or leather covering the rib, and a means of attaching the cinch to a saddle. The cinch is designed to give added comfort to the horse, greater safety, stability, and control to the rider.

Abstract: A protective cover for saddle girths is made of a thickness of scratch-resistant and tear-resistant polyvinyl chloride having a textured surface. The cover is in the form of a sleeve covering the belt portion of the girth to act as a protective pad between the girth and the horse's skin, and is of a closed-cell foam to prevent absorption of water. Toughness of the cover prevents tears and abrasions by spurs, brush, and the like, increasing the longevity of the cover and enhancing its appearance.

Abstract: A saddle cinch comprises a belt and a breathable protective jacket fitted over the belt such that both longitudinal ends of the protective jacket are fastened respectively with two fastening segments located at both longitudinal ends of the belt, and that buckles fastened respectively with both longitudinal ends of the belt are located outside both longitudinal ends of the protective jacket, and further that the retaining rings fastened with the midsegment of the belt are located outside the protective jacket via the through holes located at the midsegment of the protective jacket. The protective jacket is provided in the outer surface thereof with a plurality of free grooves which are arranged equidistantly such that they intersect one another to form therebetween a plurality of knobs having a smooth top.

Abstract: A horse blanket keeper consists of only two pieces: a strap consisting essentially of a substantially elastic fabric material having integral hook and loop material of one gender on one side, away from the horse, traction enhancing rubber ribs on the opposite side, facing the horse, and a connector piece of the opposite gender affixed at one end of the strap, with its fastening surface facing opposite that of the strap, so that when the strap is passed around the horse, the piece can be adhered at any position to the strap.

Abstract: A saddle girth comprising an elongated, flexible girth band and a pair of elongated girth straps extending beyond the length of the girth band for attachment to saddle billets on opposite sides of a horse, the elongated girth straps crossing each other at the centers thereof such that each strap is positioned forwardly of the other strap at one end and rearwardly of the other strap at the opposite end, the girth straps being longitudinally movable relative to each other and relative to the girth band, and keepers cooperative with the girth band and girth straps, located to keep the girth straps positioned as noted above.

Abstract: A cinch or girth assembly for attaching a saddle to an animal includes a cinch or girth having structure secured thereto for connecting to a saddle. The assembly also includes an elastomeric sheet of non-rub material that is positioned to lie between the animal and the cinch or girth to help reduce abrasive contact between the cinch or girth and the animal. The assembly further includes a protective guard with a wear-resistant sheet made from a different material than that of the elastomeric sheet. Structure is provided for attaching the guard to the elastomeric sheet so that the guard lies away from the animal and extends adjacent a longitudinal length of the cinch or girth. In preferred embodiments, the elastomeric sheet is made of neoprene and the protective guard is made from leather, nylon, or jersey material.