Abstract: A headpiece for a bridlery item for use with a horse or other equine animal is disclosed, which provides for improved communication between a horse and a rider, and/or improved comfort for the horse. Such a headpiece is connectable to a browband and has a first side piece and a second side piece wherein the first and second side pieces are connected by an articulated linkage above a connection between the headpiece and said browband. Articulation provides a degree of freedom of movement so that the first side piece and second side piece may move relative to one another and in doing so reduce the amount of tension transmitted between them and thus between reins, in use.

Abstract: A horse training device which is adjustable to fit various sizes of horse heads and neck sizes. The training device includes a generally U-shaped bosal-like member having a forward end and first and second legs extending rearwardly therefrom. A first ring is secured to the rearward ends of the first and second legs. A first U-shaped strap has its lower ends secured to second and third rings secured to the first and second legs respectively. A second strap has one end thereof secured to a cross-member which extends between the first and second legs. The other end of the second strap has a fourth ring member secured thereto. The lower ends of a U-shaped third strap are secured to the fourth ring. A U-shaped fourth strap is connected to the first and third straps and extend around the head of the horse below the ears of the horse.

Abstract: The disclosure of the present invention relates to a HORSE BRIDLE BIT or more specifically to a horse bridle bit where the purchase portion of the side shank includes an articulated headstall ring and an articulated curb chain ring allowing the side shank to conform to the side of the horse's cheek or jaw. A less intrusive bit allows for improved rider control and a more comfortable and predicable horse.

Abstract: A horse training aid has a strap and a bungee assembly. The strap has a primary ring attached to a first end, a buckle attached adjacent a second end, and a plurality of secondary rings provided in spaced-apart manner along the strap between the primary ring and the buckle. The bungee assembly has a first bungee cord and a second bungee cord, the two bungee cords connected together at about their central portions by a sleeve with each bungee cord having opposing first and second ends, and each having a clip secured at each of the first and second ends of each bungee cord.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a bridle for an equine. Such a bridle comprises a headstall, opposite ends of which presenting a respective bifurcation providing a cheek piece and a noseband, a browband, opposite ends of which being connected to the headstall near the bifurcation, a bit connector, provided at an end of one of the cheek pieces, and a noseplate, adapted to extend over the equine's nose. The headstall presents a varying width, with a maximum width being at least 200% of a minimum width. The browband is releasably connected to the headstall, such that it can be removed while the bridle is fitted to the equine. The bit connector comprises an inner loop and an outer loop, the inner loop being more resilient than the outer loop, whereby the inner loop is enclosed by the outer loop and smaller than the outer loop, such that the bit ring is simultaneously receivable in the inner and outer loops.

Abstract: An equestrian rein set comprises at least one first rein, one end thereof attachable to a component of a bridle, and at least one second rein. The second rein has attachment means at each end thereof. The attachment means at one end of the second rein is configured for attachment to a saddle and the attachment means at another end of the second rein element is configured for attachment to the first rein.

Abstract: A dog leash is adapted to assist a person in teaching, reinforcing and testing a learned behavior to a dog. The aid is especially effective in teaching a dog to watching and focusing on the head and/or upper body of a handler of the dog. The leash includes a chin controlling member that is placed under the chin of the dog and a guide connected to the controlling member. The handler and the dog can control contact between the dog and the chin controlling member. Methods of using the leash to allow the dog to focus on the handler are also described.

Abstract: A latching system is operable to prevent inadvertent total release of two straps secured by the latching system as the two straps are being latched together. The latching system includes a buckle affixed to an end of a first strap and a plurality of fixed studs affixed to a second strap to be secured to the first strap. The plurality of fixed studs successively latch with the buckle as the second strap is pulled through a first section of the buckle. One of the fixed studs will catch in the buckle even if the first strap is pulled away from the second strap before latching is completed. Latching is completed by passing the second strap through a second portion of the buckle. In one embodiment, when latching is complete, two fixed studs engage the buckle to secure the second strap to the first strap.

Abstract: A bitless bridle with double cross under reinstraps for riding, driving, and training horses and similar animals that achieves improved control, comfort, and communication with the animal. The bridle is composed of a solid crownpiece that bifurcates, after a brow band attachment, into a cheek strap and an elongated reinstrap. The cheek strap connects to two nosebands which have solid rings attached to each end. The elongated reinstraps cross under the horse's jaw and pass through the first set of rings then cross under the jaw a second time and pass through the second set of rings to continue back to the rider's hands. Pulling on a single reinstrap applies pressure to the horse's nose and poll causing it to turn in the direction pulled. Pulling on both reinstraps cinches the noseband in place, causing the horse to slow down or stop.

Abstract: A longeing device for attachment to equine headgear includes a flexing segment having first and second ends. The segment is configured with a length so that when its ends are attached to opposite lateral sides of headgear on an equine head in a normal standing position, the segment's midpoint hangs freely below the head. The segment includes at least one rigid element configured to apply force to a side of the head when the segment is pulled laterally. First and second fasteners, each coupled to a respective first and second end of the flexing segment, couple to attachment points of the headgear.

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 chin and crown guard to be used between horse and the bridle; made to enhance the horse's comfort and protection as well as enhancing the rider's performance. Made from machine-cut closed-cell chloroprene and styrene-butadiene-rubber (SBR) neoprene, the chin and crown guard cushions and protects the horse's chin and/or crown (top-of-head) from chaffing and discomfort from the bridle. It has a polyester fabric lining on one side (back side) to enhance the horse's comfort. The neoprene rubber is flexible for easy application and it maximizes durability and security for the rider. It is both washable and re-usable. The chin and crown guard is place between the horse and the bridle under the chin and/or on the crown (top-of-head). The fabric is placed against the horse for comfort. Each guard is 2¼? wide×7? long×8.5-to-9 mm thick.

Abstract: A shank assembly adapted for use with an interchangeable mouthpiece wherein the shank assembly comprises upper and lower shank portions that may disconnect to permit removal or replacement of the interchangeable mouthpiece, and re-connect and lock to secure placement of the mouthpiece. An adjustable bit kit is also provided comprising sets of upper and lower shank portions of different lengths which may be combined to form various shank assembly portion ratios in accordance with the training, comfort and response needs of the bridled animal.

Abstract: A bridle includes a head piece with first and second end portions, and brow and nose bands operably connected to the head piece. An auxiliary strap extends in a channel in the head piece, and passes through the thickness of the head piece adjacent the first and second end portions thereof. A cushion is provided on the underside of the head piece.

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 method for producing a thermal barrier coating/environmental barrier coating system on a silicon containing material substrate includes applying an environmental barrier coating (EBC) over the silicon containing material substrate; and applying a thermal barrier coating (TBC) over the EBC. The thermal barrier coating includes a compound having a primary constituent portion and a stabilizer portion stabilizing the primary constituent. The primary constituent portion of the thermal barrier coating includes hafnia present in an amount of at least about 5 mol % of the primary constituent, and the stabilizer portion of the thermal barrier coating includes at least one metal oxide comprised of cations with a +2 or +3 valence present in the amount of about 10 to about 40 mol % of the thermal barrier coating.

Abstract: A chin chain for bits/bridles for use on a horse (for example, curb bit), includes a first chain element turning out to the left and a second chain element turning out to the right, the chain elements connected by a connecting element. In one example, the connecting element is formed from one piece and engages at least two links of the first chain element turning out to the left and at least two links of the second chain element turning out to the right.

Abstract: A double chain in one example includes two chains lying flatly adjacent to each other, where the chains have chain elements turned out to the right and respectively to the left, which are securely connected with each other at one location.

Abstract: A bitless bridle with crossover reinstrap stabilizer in English and Western style for riding, driving and training horses and like animals that achieves improved turning and slowing/stopping by threading reinstraps through a crossover reinstrap stabilizer under the horse's jaw, lining the inside of the noseband with rubber gripping or similar textured material, and improved arrangement of component straps. In both styles, a single crownpiece strap over the poll attaches on each side of the face to reinstraps that pass across the animal's cheek, through a crossover rein strap stabilizer under its jaw, then through rings attached to a noseband, and finally to reins. Pulling on a single rein places pressure on the reinstrap on the cheek of the opposite side of the animal's head, causing it to turn in the direction pulled. Pulling on a both reins places pressure on the noseband and the poll, causing the animal to slow or stop.

Abstract: The present invention provides a bridle for an animal, such as a horse, wherein the bridle can be adjusted, and readjusted, simply, and without altering buckles, clasps, and/or fasteners. Such an adjustable bridle for mounting on the head of an animal includes a mouthpiece including an elongate bit having a first end and a second end, a first strap, a second strap and a pulley ring, wherein the first strap is shorter in length than the second strap, wherein the first strap has a first end and a second end, such that the first end of the first strap is attached to the first end of the bit, and the second end of the first strap is attached to the pulley ring.

Abstract: A chin chain for bits/bridles for use on a horse (for example, curb bit), includes a first chain element turning out to the left and a second chain element turning out to the right, the chain elements connected by a connecting element. In one example, the connecting element is formed from one piece and engages at least two links of the first chain element turning out to the left and at least two links of the second chain element turning out to the right.

Abstract: A bitless bridle for horses includes a pair of substantially rigid sidepieces, each including a shaft and at least four attachment eyelets associated therewith. The at least four attachment eyelets each include a single, end eyelet extending longitudinally from a lowermost end of the sidepiece and three eyelets grouped about an opposite end of the sidepiece in a cloverleaf configuration. One of the three eyelets is a chinband eyelet configured to be coupled to a chinband of the bridle. Supporting headgear is coupled to the pair of substantially rigid sidepieces and is configured to maintain the sidepieces in position on sides of the head of the horse. An enhancing link is coupled between the end eyelet and the chinband. The enhancing link has at least one enhancing eyelet associated therewith and located intermediate the end eyelet and the chinband.

Abstract: A harness (1), such as a horseriding bridle or snaffle bridle, intended to be fixed to the head of an animal of the family Equidae, includes a crownpiece (2) for passing over the top of the head, behind the ears of the animal, extended on respective opposite sides by a first cheekpiece (3) and a second cheekpiece (3?) provided with a fixing element (4) for a leverage effect bit (5). The bridle (1) includes an elastic return element (6) adapted to stretch to allow displacement of the fixing element (4) of the leverage effect bit (5) if a traction force is applied to the fixing element (4), in order to absorb the pressure exerted by the crownpiece (2) on the nape of the animal, and to revert to their initial position if no force is applied to the fixing element (4).

Abstract: A chin chain for bits/bridles used in equestrian sports (e.g. curb bits) has a first chain element and a second chain element. The first element has members formed of loops that are twisted in one direction, and the second element has members formed of loops that are twisted in the opposite direction. The first element and the second element are linked by at least one connecting ring and are capable of being connected to the bridle.

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 throat support device comprising a main throat support section having one or more lifting mechanisms, each with a tip, each tip adapted to fit into a location immediately adjacent to and behind a basihyoid bone, a thyroid cartilage and/or a cricoid cartilage of an animal to control upper airway dysfunction. In one embodiment, the throat support device further comprises a bridle. In one embodiment, the upper airway dysfunction is dorsal displacement of the soft palate (DDSP) and the animal is a horse. Unlike conventional treatments involving surgery, the throat support device provides a non-invasive and convenient means of diagnosing and treating upper airway dysfunctions.

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: A pair of ear retaining members designed to hold the ears of an animal in a substantially forward position to control undesired behavior. A Strap attaches both ear retaining members together and further holds the ears in the ear retaining members. The ear retaining members are held in place by straps which go thru slots in the ear retaining members and proceed under the throatlatch of the animal and attaches to its own end. Ear retaining members are made from semi-flexible material.

Abstract: A humane horse headgear is disclosed 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 caveson which may be used with horses is disclosed in which the caveson allows for limited movement of the horse's mouth during breaking and training of the horse and thereafter. The caveson has a noseband constructed at least in part of a resilient material, allowing enough movement of the horse's mouth to prevent pain or discomfort while exerting progressive and constant pressure on the horse's nose when the horse opens its mouth or crosses its jaws, ensuring that the trainer or rider will maintain control and communication with the horse through the bit. The noseband together with an adjustable jaw strap form a circular segment that fits around the horse's nose and is maintained in position on the horse's head by a headstall which is connected at opposite ends to the circular segment and which is configured to run behind the horse's ears.

Abstract: A magnetic equine hood for applying magnetic therapy to an equine neck, cervical vertebrae, atlas, axis, head, back, and shoulders is disclosed. A head portion shaped to substantially conform to an equine neck is attached to a neck portion defining a volume substantially conforming to an equine neck. Magnetic strips are strategically coupled to the neck portion to create magnetic fields radiating towards areas where therapeutic treatment is desired to increase circulation in those areas. For instance, magnetic strips may be detachably coupled to the neck portion on either side of a cervical vertebrae. Additionally, an optional atlas and axis magnetic strip can be detachably coupled in position along the equine neck to create a magnetic field radiating towards the equine atlas, axis, and poll. Moreover, the hood can be permanently or detachably coupled to an equine blanket that may also use magnetic therapy.

Abstract: A caveson which may be used with horses is disclosed in which the caveson allows for limited movement of the horse's mouth during breaking and training of the horse and thereafter. The caveson has a noseband constructed at least in part of a resilient material, allowing enough movement of the horse's mouth to prevent pain or discomfort while exerting progressive and constant pressure on the horse's nose when the horse opens its mouth or crosses its jaws, ensuring that the trainer or rider will maintain control and communication with the horse through the bit. The noseband together with an adjustable jaw strap form a circular segment that fits around the horse's nose and is maintained in position on the horse's head by a headstall which is connected at opposite ends to the circular segment and which is configured to run behind the horse's ears.

Abstract: The horse bit assembly with shank clips for interchangeable mouthpieces is a horse bit assembly that uses resilient clips to facilitate the quick and easy replacement of the mouthpiece. The assembly includes two shanks, an interchangeable mouthpiece and a curb chain. Each shank has a clip that is adapted to receive a ring-shaped end of the mouthpiece and the curb chain helps maintain the bit assembly in an optimal position on a horse.

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 snaffle bridle in accordance with this invention comprises a broad nose band strap (24), to which the nose band (26) and the throat lash (28) are connected, and a second, similarly broad head strap (30) which carries the bit (14) by way of the cheek straps (32a, 32b). A cushioning pad is utilised, which is laid over the horse's head prior to mounting the nose band strap (24), spreading the load which is applied to the head during the use of the bit. Similarly, a weymouth bridle comprises a nose band strap (70), carrying the nose band (74) and throat lash (78), whilst a second head strap (80) carries the weymouth bit straps (84a and 84b) and snaffle bit straps (88a and 88b).

Abstract: A training headstall combines headgear with a suspended rigid noseband hanging loosely encircling the horse's muzzle, being relatively free to deliver attention-getting taps. The noseband is oblong along a major axis that defines left and right halves, and has left and right eyes on opposed sides of the major axis for attachment of corresponding lines from the headgear. The headgear also has a third line that hangs down from under the horse's chin-to-throat area and attaches to a rearward portion on the noseband for imposing a measure of damping on the noseband's motion. The noseband is produced with various asymmetries such as line-eyes that are offset as referenced along the major axis in order to enhance quicker settling of the motion with the noseband so that the horse may more surely learn that this annoying if not frightening motion can be settled by stopping to a standstill.

Abstract: A bitless bridle for humanely, physiologically and effectively restraining and controlling a horse or other animal at rest and at exercise comprises an elongated strap which includes a center piece at the poll, and two crossover straps at the sides, attachable to a pair of reins providing a direct link between the centerpiece and the reins. The crossover feature of the bitless bridle provides for persuasive, but non-painful, pressure to be applied to the whole of the opposite side of the head of the horse, from poll to chin or for rapid alternate pressure to be applied to both sides of the head. The centerpiece may include a plurality of holes for receiving studs for applying painless pressure on regions of special acuity at the poll and behind each ear of the animal, or may receive a separate sleeve which includes the studs in order to apply pressure over areas of special acuity.

Abstract: A combined hackamore bridle and bit assembly for a horse has an improved arrangement of straps and pivoting hinge connections between various elements of the hackamore. Pivot pins are provided for pivotally securing the nose band to the rein levers. In addition, a chin engaging curb or chin chain is pivotally secured to the rein levers. A bit is provided which is attached to left and right bit rings. A cheek strap is attached to each bit ring and a cheek strap is attached to each pivot pin. Connecting straps are provided between the bit rings and the ends of the rein levers and a rein is attached to the connecting straps so that pulling the rein causes the connecting straps to simultaneously pull the bit rings and the rein levers.

Abstract: An animal ear holder apparatus capable of being easily, comfortably and securely placed on the head of an animal, wherein the ears of the animal are comfortably restrained in a forward position, thereby preventing undesirable animal behaviors, such as for exemplary purposes only, kicking, biting or bucking.

Abstract: According to the first aspect of the invention, a perch-shank device includes a perch having an upper, central, and lower portion. The upper portion has a means for attaching a headstall and chinstrap. The lower portion is configurable for attaching a mouthpiece. The perch-shank device also includes a shank having an upper and lower portion. The lower portion has a means for attaching a rein. The upper portion of the shank is connected adjacent to the central portion of the perch, such that the shank extends perpendicularly outward from the perch, then downwardly, forming an “S” shape, respectively. The shank is normally longer than the perch.

Abstract: A bitless bridle for humanely, physiologically and effectively restraining and controlling a horse or other animal at rest and at exercise comprises an elongated strap which includes a center piece at the poll, and two crossover straps at the sides, attachable to a pair of reins providing a direct link between the centerpiece and the reins. The crossover feature of the bitless bridle provides for persuasive, but non-painful, pressure to be applied to the whole of the opposite side of the head of the horse, from poll to chin or for rapid alternate pressure to be applied to both sides of the head. The centerpiece may include a plurality of holes for receiving studs for applying painless pressure on regions of special acuity at the poll and behind each ear of the animal, or may receive a separate sleeve which includes the studs in order to apply pressure over areas of special acuity.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a head gear for a horse in combination with a bridle that is placed on the horse's head. It is a headband to be worn by a horse on the forehead below the ears. The headband is made of a stiff but flexible material and includes a forwardly directed visor which will shade the horse's eyes. The head band has on each of its sides fabric extensions that have placed on their inner surfaces thereof hooks of a loop and hook fastener system. On an inner surface of said head band there is placed a strip of fabric having loops thereon of a loop and hook fastener system. In use, the fabric extensions are doubled back upon themselves so that the hooks of said extensions can engage the loops on said strip of fabric while at the same time surrounding each of the side bands of said bridle. The forward surface of the head band is useful for displaying logos thereon.

Abstract: Measuring apparatus in the form of a fitting bridle (10) for use in making equine tack includes a strap of adjustable length, the strap being made up of a first strap member and a second strap member joined by connection means (34, 44) whereby the position of the first or second strap member within the connection means (34, 44) may be adjusted to thereby adjust the length of the strap. The strap may form a cheek piece, brow band, throat lash or part of a nose band of the fitting bridle.

Abstract: Apparatus 10 for measuring the head of a horse 12 incorporates various components, such as cheek straps 14, each of which is movable (slidable) relative to another component in order to produce an overall desired fit of the apparatus 10, which is generally in the form of a bridle, to the head 12. Once the desired fit has been achieved, windows 16 and numerals 18 allow measurements to be taken, indicating the relative positions of the slidable components. These measurements may give direct measurements of the lengths required of various components of the bridle to be made, or may be other measurements from which strap lengths can be deduced. The apparatus 10 generally resembles the bridle which will be constructed, and thus allows the user to ensure a good fit to a particular head (which is partly an aesthetic judgement, and partly based on measurement and experience), so that a bridle can then be made with reasonable confidence that it will be a good fit.