Abstract: A health and safety system and method are described for use on equines, canines and felines, in order to obtain data on vital life-sustaining or life-threatening processes and signs directly from the animal. The vital life-sustaining and/or life-threatening processes and/or signs in the form of data are communicated from the animal to a site remote from the equine, canine and feline. The remotely communicated data can be archived and/or communicated to a veterinarian/owner/steward/ or other designate, to induce human intervention. Other sensors of the health and safety system can read/report environmental conditions, such as weather, or report other environmental conditions, such as smoke/pollution remote from, and/or proximate the animal. A position locator, such as a GPS, may also be built into the equine health and safety system.

Abstract: A method of alleviating symptoms of, or treating, pancreatic beta-cell damage in a subject includes a step of identifying a subject having pancreatic beta-cell damage. Multiple cycles of a diet protocol are administered to the subject. The diet protocol includes administering of a fasting mimicking diet and a re-feeding diet where the fasting mimicking diet is provided for a first time period and the re-feeding diet is provided for a second time period.

Abstract: A method for placing a collar around the neck of a horse or other livestock discreetly whereby the horse will not notice the collar as the user approaches. The collar may be squeezed and hidden in the hand of the user as the user approaches the horse. The collar may then be stretched over the horses neck. The collar is made up of a loop that is elastic flexible material connected by a clamp.

Abstract: A safe and humane head collar for an animal includes a clasp and a head strap extending through first and second channels formed in the clasp. The head strap has a first end secured to a slip loop and a second end secured to a lead attachment. The head strap passes once through the slip loop to form a head loop for passing over a head of the animal. The safe and humane head collar also includes a nose strap extending through third and fourth channels formed in the clasp to provide a nose loop for passing over a nose of the animal, the nose strap having first and second ends terminating below the clasp. When fitted to the animal, the clasp secures a portion the first and second ends of the nose strap and a portion of the head loop below a lower jaw of the animal, and the head loop is positioned so that the slip loop is situated behind an ear of the animal.

Abstract: There is a bearing swivel hitch comprising a housing and a mount. The inside of the housing is aligned with a plurality of bearings such that when the mount is inserted into the housing, the mount can rotate 360 degrees. There is a recovery rope assembly comprising at least two materials interwoven together with a first material substantially along a standing portion of the recovery rope assembly and a second material substantially along at least one working end of the recovery rope assembly. At the working end of the recovery rope assembly, there is a noose and a knob/knot which allows the working end to form a releasable end loop by mating the noose with the knob/knot.

Abstract: The livestock halter may comprise a headstall, a noseband, a throatlatch, a connecting strap, a left cheekpiece, a right cheekpiece, coupled via a plurality of connecting rings to form headgear adapted to be worn by livestock. As non-limiting examples, the livestock may be equines or camelids. The headstall may be adapted to be detachable at one end for donning the halter such that the headstall is not forced over ears of the livestock. A crown buckle for adjusting the fit of the headstall may be located on the right side of the halter such the crown buckle does not interfere with the operation of a closure snap. A tie ring for connecting a lead rope may be a tie-down ring instead of a traditional ring and triangle for increased strength and easier sliding.

Abstract: A rope halter conversion attachment that attaches reins to a rope halter fitted to a horse's head to create a bitless bridle which allows a rider to communicate commands to the horse via the rope halter by manipulation of the reins. To accomplish this task, the rope halter conversion attachment forms an angle between the halter's cheek knot and the point of attachment of the reins. When rein tension is applied by the rider, this angle causes a pivoting motion at the halter's cheek knot that pulls on the nose band and creates pressure on the horse's nose. The pressure communicates nonverbal commands to the horse.

Abstract: The canine three point control harness of the present invention comprises a foreleg crotch loop, that with appropriate tension from any one of three control points, applies pressure to the crotch pits of the dog's forelegs. A pair of shoulder straps support a connector ring disposed over the upper forechest of the dog which ring forms a forward control point that is connected to the foreleg crotch loop and, when attached to a leash, can apply pressure to the foreleg pits. Over the withers of the dog the shoulder straps are twisted together to form a handle, the rear portion of which is connected to that portion of the crotch loop which terminates over the withers and provides another control point for increasing the pressure on the foreleg pits. Lifting of either end of the twisted handle communicates tension to the crotch loop and consequent crotch pressure.

Abstract: Ergonomic bridle for equines composed of a band formed by two lateral pieces joined to the upper bridge and to the frontal bridge; in which the lateral pieces are joined to curved-crescents which incorporate, at the ends thereof, a belt for the joining to the bit; a nasal band which is connected to a throatband formed by two curved belts which are joined to each other at the area of the lower maxilla.

Abstract: A horse halter has a combination of straps and ropes configured to provide comfort for the horse and control to the trainer. Halter includes a poll strap extending over the poll of the horse, a pair of cheek straps extending along the cheeks of the horse, a nose rope having knots extending over the bridge of the horses nose, a chin rope extending below the horse's chin, a throat rope and a snap member coupled together extending below the horse's throat, and a lower jaw rope extending forwardly from the throat rope having a slide ring fixed attached at a front end for slidably receiving the chin rope.

Abstract: A halter for positioning on the heads of animals with a nose band, a poll band, and cheek straps and a chin strap connected between them. The nose band formed from a nose strap and a jaw strap connected at opposed ends to a slot halter link. The poll band formed from a poll strap and a throat strap connected at opposed ends to a strap ring. One end of the jaw strap inserted through a halter link slot and attached to a slide buckle on the jaw strap. One end of the throat strap inserted through a strap ring and attached to a slide buckle on the throat strap. One end of the poll strap inserted through a strap ring and attached to a slide buckle on the poll strap. The poll strap may have two strap elements with a fastener to connect and disconnect the two strap elements.

Abstract: A horse halter has a combination of straps and ropes configured to provide comfort for the horse and control to the trainer. Halter includes a poll strap extending over the poll of the horse, a pair of cheek straps extending along the cheeks of the horse, a nose rope having knots extending over the bridge of the horses nose, a chin rope extending below the horse's chin, a throat rope and a snap member coupled together extending below the horse's throat, and a lower jaw rope extending forwardly from the throat rope having a slide ring fixed attached at a front end for slidably receiving the chin rope.

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: The animal halter comprises a nose band sized to encircle the nose of the animal. The band has a top that aligns with the bridge of the nose of the animal, a bottom under the chin of the animal, and a left and right side. The nose band has one or more pressure protrusions. A crown-throat loop has one or more pressure protrusions and an optional brow band. The brow band may also have one or more pressure protrusions. The crown-throat loop has a top that aligns with the poll of the head of the animal, a bottom and a left and right side. A right cheek strap and a left cheek strap connect the sides of the nose band and the crown-throat loop. A chin-throat connecting piece connects the bottoms of the nose band and the crown-throat loop.

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: An equine training apparatus used in conjunction with: 1) a bridle supporting a bit, 2) a noseband, 3) riding reins connected to the bit, and 4) a breastplate, the apparatus comprising a head communication assembly comprising a cord member having a first end attached to a first O-ring, a second end attached to a second O-ring and noseband connection means between said first end and said second end and dividing said cord member into a first fork and a second fork; a sliding member in slidable engagement with said first fork and said second fork; and fork-body connection means for anchoring said sliding member to any of a breast plate, neckstrap, girth, cinch or the like. The sliding member acts as a pulley about which at least one fork is disposed and, when anchored to body tack via fork-body connection means provides a pivot point about which each fork may act; the sliding member effectively divides force applied through the reins into a mouth force component and a nose force component.

Abstract: The horse halter includes a noseband and chin strap each connected at both their ends. A poll strap and throat strap are each connected at both their ends. A pair of cheek straps are each connected at one end to the noseband and chin strap and are connected at the other end to the poll strap and throat strap. A jaw strap is connected between a middle of the chin strap and a middle of the throat strap. The chin strap and poll strap each include a resiliently elastic material. The noseband, the pair of cheek straps, jaw strap and throat strap each include a substantially non-resiliently elastic material. The poll strap may include an adjustment means or a buckle for changing the length of the poll strap.

Abstract: An insect repellent device that is wearable by a host or attachable to an object, such device comprised of: an elongated band having length and width comprised of an outer surface to face toward a host or object, an inner surface to face away from a host or object, a first end, a second end and at least one impervious region; at least one front panel having a plurality of apertures positioned over the second side opposite an impervious region and that is attached to the elongated band so as to form a vented pocket with an opening; an absorbent pad impregnated with natural oils that is slidably and removably insertable into the vented pocket; and, at least one means for securing connected to an end that provides the user with the ability to replace its absorbent impregnated pads instead of having to buy another new band.

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 nosebeand 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: A horse halter apparatus includes top nose portion with a curved rigid nose bar, a separate left chin portion with a first rigid chin bar, and a separate right chin portion with a second rigid chin bar. Soft, pliable covers enclose each rigid bar and hide the bars from view while protecting the horse's face from scratches or marks. A user holding a leash may apply pressure, via the rigid bars, in three different directions: downward, left and right. Each of the nose portion and chin portions may be adjustable in length. The rigid bars may be removable from the covers. The rigid bars may come in different configurations with varying profiles such as circular or rectangular, and may be formed with protuberances directed towards the horse's face.

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 horse halter that allows the handler a more effective means for training and controlling a horse by incorporating a novel method of applying pressure to the horse's neck in addition to applying pressure to the nose and poll regions of the horse as shown in traditional halters. The improved halter accomplishes this by incorporating a neck band which is coupled to the nose and poll bands such that when tension is exerted on the neck band via a lead line, pressure is simultaneously applied to the neck and nose regions of the horse and the head is pulled toward the horse's chest while pressure is released at the poll. After a horse has been conditioned using the neck band feature, the lead line may be disconnected from attachment to the neck band and secured solely to the nose and poll bands to function as a traditional halter.

Abstract: A horse halter comprising a nose band, chin strap, hitching strap, jaw strap, throat strap, two cheek straps, and poll strap, wherein a lead rope is attached to the hitching strap, and wherein when the lead rope is pulled downward, the nose band and chin strap exert a clamping action on the horse's nose and mouth.

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 horse halter comprising a nose band, chin strap, hitching strap, jaw strap, throat strap, two cheek straps, and poll strap, wherein a lead rope is attached to the hitching strap, and wherein when the lead rope is pulled downward, the nose band and chin strap exert a clamping action on the horse's nose and mouth.

Abstract: Protective mask and halter apparatus for protecting the head and eyes of a horse or other animal from insects and the sun includes a cap formed of mesh material and a halter including strapping attached to the cap and a closure for maintaining the cap in position on the animals head, the mesh material being colored and marked to conform to typical animal coloring and marking.

Abstract: A headpiece is provided for use in a harness for controlling movement of an animal. The headpiece includes at least one strap for placing over an animal's poll and a spacer for reducing pressure caused by impinging of the strap on the poll of the animal on which the headpiece is placed. The spacer provides a separation between the strap and at least a portion of the poll of the animal on which the headpiece is placed, and includes at least one cushioning segment on the strap defining a gap for providing the separation. A harness for controlling movement of an animal is also provided, incorporating the headpiece as described. Still further, a method for making a harness for controlling the movement of an animal is described. The harness may be configured as a bridle, a halter, a hackamore, and the like.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a head gear for a horse. The head gear comprises a cap, two earpieces, a nosepiece and an attachment. The cap is shaped to conform to a top portion of a horse's head. Both earpieces are attached to the cap and are adapted to cover both horse's ears. The nosepiece is connected to the cap and extends away from the cap solely between the horse's eyes and partially over the horse's nose. The attachment is used to fix the lower extremity of the nosepiece so that in use the nosepiece stays in proximate relationship with the horse's nose, thereby preventing it from moving when the horse is in motion. The head gear is made of fabric and the nosepiece is adapted to carry an image such as a sponsor's name, logo, publicity or other design.

Abstract: A headcollar attachment for use in controlling or training a horse. The attachment contains a first clip releasably attachable to a first side of a headcollar and a second clip having a retention ring attached thereto. The attachment also contains a control rope. The rope is intended to pass around the nose and chin of a horse at a spaced distance from the headcollar towards the muzzle of the horse, and to form a loop with the rope passing through each retention ring, and whereby tensioning one end of the rope causes the rope to draw more tightly around the horse.

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 equine training halter includes a noseband and a headband. Left and right through openings are formed in the headband and located to receive therethrough the left and right ears, respectively, of an equine. Left and right lines are attached to the headband adjacent to its lower surface. Each line includes a hoop positioned substantially concentrically about one of the left and right through openings. A recoil mechanism is anchored to the central headband portion between the left and right through openings and is secured to the hoops of the left and right lines such that the hoops are pulled back to their original position when the lines are released after being pulled to apply pressure to areas of sensitivity around the equine's ears.

Abstract: A headpiece is provided for use in a harness for controlling movement of an animal. The headpiece includes at least one strap for placing over an animal's poll and a spacer for reducing pressure caused by impinging of the strap on the poll of the animal on which the headpiece is placed. The spacer provides a separation between the strap and at least a portion of the poll of the animal on which the headpiece is placed, and includes at least one cushioning segment on the strap defining a gap for providing the separation. A harness for controlling movement of an animal is also provided, incorporating the headpiece as described. Still further, a method for making a harness for controlling the movement of an animal is described. The harness may be configured as a bridle, a halter, a hackamore, and the like.

Abstract: A halter, preferably for a horse, comprised of a crown strap (20), a throat latch (42) having one end which can be selectively detached from the crown strap (20), a pair of cheek straps (54) which connect the crown strap (20) to a chin strap (64) and a nose strap assembly (96), and that said nose strap assembly (96) is selectively detachable from the body of the halter to allow the halter to positioned on the horse's head without first removing the bridle and to allow the bridle to placed on the horse without first removing the halter.

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 thermally bonded to a flexible polymeric sheet with attached corner cube or microsphere retroreflectors. Due to its braided construction, the reflective elements reflect light omnidirectionally over a large angle of acceptance, illuminating the horse harness or halter.

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 horse-control device that allows a handler or rider to control the pressure exerted on the horse's nose and/or poll area is described. In one embodiment, the horse-control device comprises a halter that is worn on the horse's head. The halter includes a first, resilient nose band and second nose band that cooperate to regulate pressure applied to the horse's nose. When tension is applied to a lead line of the halter, the first nose band expands across the horse's nose and the second nose band applies concentrated pressure to the horse's nose. Upon removing tension from the lead line, the first nose band immediately contracts and causes the second nose band to immediately remove the pressure from the horse's nose. Also described is a strap component for a horse-control device that comprises a cable embedded within a flexible outer sheath.

Abstract: A device for weaning a young animal from nursing from its mother is disclosed. The device includes a halter having a plurality of blunt projections. When the young animal attempts to nurse from the mother, the blunt projections cause discomfort to the mother, and she quickly breaks the offspring from nursing.

Abstract: A combination dog collar and control halter has a muzzle assembly with a cinching muzzle loop that can be operated by tension on the leash to lower the dog's head. The muzzle assembly is removably attached to the dog collar by two side members on the muzzle assembly that connect to two rings on the collar that are disposed on opposite sides of the dog's head. The collar can be worn as a conventional collar. The muzzle assembly is easily attached to the two rings when needed by simple connectors.

Abstract: A humane horse headgear having one or more portions, encircling and conforming to a horse's head, constructed, in whole or in part, of a resilient material, preferably exhibiting elastic properties, softness and conformability to the horse's head at one or more pressure points on the horse's head. A contoured crown piece and a curb device are also disclosed.

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 multi-directional, dynamic, and self-equalizing shock-absorbing harness system for small animals. The system has a collar, to which a length of elastic, or shock, cord is attached. The length of shock cord connects to a ring, through which passes a second shock cord that is generally perpendicular to the first shock cord. The second shock cord is attached to a body strap. A standard leash is then attached to the ring. In this way, the system is able to spread the energy of violent pulling on the leash. This energy is absorbed by the shock cords and is dissipated over the animal's body. Moreover, because the system is self-equalizing, it better enables the handler to keep the animal in proper position, making handling the pet easier.

Abstract: An animal harness is formed from a length of rope and includes a leash loop closed with a first rope locking mechanism, a top connecting line which terminates at a second rope locking mechanism, a shoulder loop, and a bottom connecting line which terminates at another rope locking mechanism. A girth loop is included in the animal harness. A method of restraining an animal includes placing the animal harness on the animal such that the girth loop encompasses the animal's torso just behind the chest of the animal. The animal's head is placed through the shoulder loop and the leash loop and a leash is attached to the leash loop. When the leash is pulled, the girth loop tightens around the abdomen of the animal which produces an instinctive submissive response and the animal ceases to pull against the leash.

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 restrainer for mounting on the head of a horse is in the form of a generally oval shaped rigid, toroidal like member dimensioned and configured to slidably fit over the facial crest of the nose, under the lower jaw and intermediate the nose tip and eyes of a horse. Attachments are affixed to opposite sides of the rigid member and straps affixed to the attachments extend behind the head of the horse to retain the member on the horse's nose.

Abstract: An animal control halter includes rigid co-acting sides with protrusions positioned to exert inward pressure on the nose of an animal at its tear bone. The sides are connected through a resilient bridge on one end, and by a control line at the other. The control line is secured on one side, looped through the other side, and back through the first side, and extends therefrom. When tension is applied on the control line, the sides are pulled together, against the bias of the bridge, to apply pressure on the animal's nose and teir bone. Upon slackening the control line, pressure is removed by the bridge bias. Harness straps are used to secure the halter to the animal.

Abstract: An animal control halter comprising flexible strapping to girdle the bridge of the animals nose connected to an underchin strap to form a loop around the animal's nose. A bridge strap can be positoned rearwardly of the nose strap. By connecting a lead to the nose strap or chin strap the animal can be respectively trained or tethered.

Abstract: A combination collar and leash with built-in muzzle loop for use as a humane approach to controlling, restraining and achieving obedient behavior of animals, especially dogs. An adjustable collar loop encircles the neck of the animal at a comfortable position on the animal. A leash attaches to a ring secured to the collar. Built into the leash is a fully adjustable muzzle encircling loop. The muzzle encircling loop can be readily loosened or tightened, shortened or lengthened to accommodate different sizes and types of muzzles without interfering with the integrity and functioning of the leash. The muzzle encircling loop passes through a ring attached to the collar to form a control device which can be tightened down into a muzzle or left in a loosened position to be used as a humane control or restraining device to aid in achieving obedient or desired behavior.

Abstract: An animal training apparatus includes an elongated main cord with an enlarged member connected to each end thereof. A pair of pressure beads are connected to the cord proximal to and spaced equidistant from a median point on the cord. A pair of pressure beads are slidably connected to the cord on opposing sides of the median point. A pair of attachment members each have a loop portion slidably threaded onto the cord with hook members projecting from the loops. The pressure members may also include magnets, creating a magnetic field surrounding the pressure beads. In the method of the invention, the main cord is placed over the horse's head with the pressure beads located directly behind the horse's ears and the median point of the cord centered between the horse's ears. The attachment members are connected to cheek rings on a halter on the horse's head such that the enlarged members of the cord hang below the cheek rings of the halter.