Abstract: A safety device for use with reins for guiding a horse, includes a releasable fastener that allows the ends of the reins to separate in order to reduce the chance that a rider or driver entangled in the reins will be dragged on the ground by the horse or a horse drawn vehicle. The illustrative embodiment of the safety device employs a hook-and-loop fastener.

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: A safety rein includes an elongated strap member defining a free end, a central gripping portion, and a loop end, and a cord extending along the central gripping portion and around the loop end, and secured to the elongated strap member.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to animal harnesses and particularly to animal reins. More particularly, the invention provides a dual configuration continuous precision rein system which incorporates an adjustable loop on each rein, thus providing a correct contact between the bit and the rider's hands. The rein can be easily converted to a flat strap configuration. In one preferred embodiment, the continuous rein comprises a continuous rein segment attachable at opposed ends to the bit of an animal, wherein the rein contains one or more adjustable loop straps which can be held by the rider to provide correct contact between the rider and the animal when desiring a collected gait from the animal. Alternatively, the rider also has the option of releasing or flattening the loops and holding the continuous rein segment in an extended position to permit the animal to stretch its head down and forward if desired.

Abstract: A device, designed to be used in horse riding, includes hand grips linked to a collar enclosing a horse's neck. The hand grips are compact and do not hinder the use of reins, the element linking the hand grip to the collar partly consists of an elastic and the collar is fixed midway on the neck so as to allow the hands translational and lateral freedom. The device enables to avoid faulty handling on the experienced rider's part, enables the beginner to find the right balance and controls the horse's mouth.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a horse with an ultimate strength of at least about 480 pounds; the apparatus contains a line with a proximal end, a distal end, and fastening device. The line contains a portion made of three layers of nylon webbing connected to each other; this portion of the line has a length of at least about 6 inches.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a horse with an ultimate strength of at least about 480 pounds; the apparatus contains a line with a proximal end, a distal end, and fastening device. The line contains a portion made of three layers of nylon webbing connected to each other; this portion of the line has a length of at least about 6 inches.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling an animal includes a motorized and programmable actuator unit that is coupled to a bridle on the horse. The actuator unit includes a motor and a pulley to control tension on lines leading to the horse, the tension providing a control stimulus to the animal. A clutch coupling the motor and pulley provides a release function to automatically release tension on the lines once the motor is deactivated. A remote signal unit sends control signals to a controller in the actuator unit for controlling the animal remotely from the horse.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device, designed to be used in horse riding, consisting of hand grips (1) linked to a collar (5) enclosing a horse's neck. The invention is characterised, in that the hand grips (1) are compact and do not hinder the use of reins, the element linking the hand grip (1) to the collar (5) partly consists of an elastic (3) and the collar (5) is fixed midway on the neck so as to allow the hands translational and lateral freedom. The device enables to avoid faulty handling on the experienced rider's part, enables the beginner to find the right balance and controls the horse's mouth.

Abstract: A horse training system uses a set of reins that are attachable to a bit to form a loop, with the reins having a left gripping section and a right gripping section. A pair of gloves are worn by the rider with each glove having a mechanical fastener thereon such that when the user grasps the reins while wearing the gloves, the gloves and thus the rider's hands, are mechanically fastened to the reins.

Abstract: An equestrian rider training rein,the training device having an elastic portion in each rein between the bit and the rider's end of the reins. The elastic portion of the device trains the new rider in applying the proper pressure on the reins in order to closely control the mount while not applying excessive pressure which may irritate or injure the mount and make delicate control more difficult. In a second embodiment the elastic portion is backed by an inelastic portion of the rein which is of greater length than the unextended elastic portion so that if greater pressure is required to control the mount, as in the case of a runaway mount, the rider may apply direct pressure to the bit for emergency control.

Abstract: The invention provides a rein having a bit end that is directly attachable to an end ring of a bit, without the need for a separate connecting piece, to provide direct contact between the bit in the animal's mouth and the rider's hands. The bit end of the rein comprises a metal member that is integral with the rein and which has a connector portion that is preferably configured such that the metal member of the rein may be adjustably attached to the end ring, such that the attachment is tight or loose to the degree desired by the user. Because the entire length of the rein, including the portion that connects to the bit, is a continuous construction, the former problems of loose joints at the rein end and the bit end are eliminated.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved horse rein with a main leather rein member and a hook stud assembly. The main leather rein member has a hook stud area located between the bit end and the hand end. The hook stud assembly is a heterogeneous structure with: (i.) the hook stud area of the main rein member being a leather base; (ii.) a hook stud having a stem and a hook stud base, with the hook stud base being located on the leather base; (iii.) a synthetic fabric reinforcement layer atop the base and atop the hook stud base. The synthetic fabric reinforcement layer has an orifice thereon through which the hook stud stem passes. It is preferably formed of nylon; and (iv.) a leather backing atop the synthetic fabric reinforcement layer and having an orifice thereon through which the hook stud stem passes. The assembly is permanently attached to one another, e.g. by stitching. In other embodiments, plural hook studs are used, with and without a synthetic fabric interlayer.

Abstract: A braided romal rein having a bit end that is directly attachable to a bit, without the need for a separate connecting piece, provides direct contact between the bit in the animal's mouth and the rider's hands. The bit end of the rein comprises a rigid member that is integral with the rein and which has a connector portion that can be tightly connected to the end ring of the bit. Because the entire length of the rein, including the portion that connects to the bit, is a continuous construction, the former problems of loose joints at the rein end and the bit end are eliminated.

Abstract: A safety insert for a horse rein which separates under a predetermined tension to open the rein and reduce the risk to the rider without damage to the rein.

Abstract: A device for controlling a horse with a line which contains a first layer of material joined to a second layer of material, several filaments located between the first and second layers of material and extending through an opening in one of such layers of material, a locking device connected to such filaments for removably connecting the line to a horse's bit, a first crimping sleeve disposed around such filaments and above the layers of material, and a strap with fastening elements for connecting the line to a horse's bit.

Abstract: A horse training device is disclosed for encouraging straight line movement in a horse, for use with a bridle and a bit, and a set of reins attachable to the bridle to form a loop, the loop having a first side and a second side. The horse training device includes at least one substantially rigid tubular member, but most preferably includes two tubular members. One tubular member extends at least partially about the first side of the reins and another tubular member extends at least partially about the second side of the reins. The tubular members maintain substantially uniform pressure along a portion of the neck of the horse and restrict movement of the reins. A positioner is located between each tubular member and the bit and positions each tubular member at a predetermined location along the reins so as to prevent undesired travel of the tubular members toward the bit.

Abstract: Horse riding reins to facilitate the manipulation of a horse by a rider. The reins can be employed in training a rider or a horse, or simply to facilitate the maneuvering of a horse by a rider. The reins provide readily perceptible and identifiable indicia at corresponding locations from the bit so that a rider is able to properly position his hands on the reins to manipulate the horse in the desired manner. The readily perceptible and identifiable indicia can be utilized by an instructor to immediately and clearly instruct a trainee as to the proper positioning of the trainee's hands to control the horse in the desired fashion, or by the trainer to distinguish various tensions on the reins when getting a particular response from a horse. A rider can thus readily appreciate the proper hand positioning and corresponding feel to control the horse in such desired fashion.

Abstract: A training mechanism for training a horse to draw in its mouth substantially horizontally so that its head flexes at the poll. A strap is attached to the saddle at a level close to the level of the mouth of the horse and is slidable through an opening at the end of the bit. The other end is preferably attached to the rein at a selected location but may be held by the rider.