Modular balance and training pad for horses made of thermoplastic elastomer

Abstract

Modular balance and training pad for animals, especially horses, comprising several elastic mat elements made of thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), the mat elements can be detachably connected to each other and together form a load-bearing, deformable overall surface, which is dimensioned in such a way that an animal with several limbs can stand on the entire surface at the same time, and whereby the mat elements create a springy instability to train balance, coordination and muscles.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to training and rehabilitation aids for animals, in particular for horses. It relates to a modular balance and training pad made of thermoplastic elastomer, which is used to train balance, coordination and muscles.

[0002] Balance pads made of foam materials, particularly EVA, PU, ​​or thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), are known from the prior art. Originally developed for human use, they are sometimes also used in horse training. These known balance pads are generally designed as single pads and only allow the placement of one hoof or a maximum of two hooves simultaneously.

[0003] Balance pads specifically designed for horses are typically limited in size, meaning they are not intended for placing all four hooves on the pad simultaneously. A disadvantage of these solutions is that the horse can easily lose contact with the pad during natural balancing movements or slight lateral weight shifts. In particular, if a hoof is moved laterally, it leaves the pad's effective range, interrupting the training or rehabilitation process and requiring the horse to be repositioned.

[0004] These interruptions make a continuous training process difficult and reduce the effectiveness of balance and stabilization training.

[0005] Against this background, the invention aims to provide a balance and training pad for horses that enables a continuous balancing and stabilization effect, even if the horse performs natural compensatory movements or slightly shifts its hooves during training, without interrupting the training process.

[0006] This task is solved by a modular balance and training pad in accordance with the patent claims. The balance pad consists of several individual mat elements made of thermoplastic elastomer, which can be detachably connected to each other and together form a continuous, elastically deformable surface.

[0007] The modular connection of the mat elements creates a training area that is preferably dimensioned so that a horse can stand with all four hooves on the connected surface simultaneously. Within this area, the horse can perform limited movements without losing contact with the training surface, thus maintaining a continuous balance challenge.

[0008] The individual mat elements preferably consist of an elastic TPE foam with a spring-like recovery force. The mat elements can be connected by positive locking, friction locking, or a combination thereof, for example via interlocking contours, plug connections, or similar fasteners.

[0009] The mat elements can have a generally rectangular, square, or other suitable basic shape. Thickness, density, hardness, and surface texture of the mat elements can vary to accommodate different training intensities or rehabilitation needs. The surface can be designed to be slip-resistant to ensure a secure footing for the hooves.

[0010] The modular design allows the overall size of the training area to be flexibly adapted to different horse sizes, training situations or space conditions.

[0011] A key advantage of the invention is that the horse can perform natural balancing and stabilizing movements on the connected training surface without the training being interrupted by slipping or leaving individual balance pads. This enables a consistent, effective, and safe training and rehabilitation process.

[0012] Furthermore, the modular design allows for flexible expansion or reduction of the training area, as well as easy transport and space-saving storage of the individual mat elements. Brief description of the drawings

[0013] The invention is explained in more detail below using exemplary embodiments, without being limited thereto. The following are shown: Fig. 1 a single mat element in top view, Fig. 2 several interconnected mat elements forming a continuous training area, in top view, Fig. 3 A side view of a mat element to illustrate its thickness and elasticity.

Claims

[1] Modular balance and training pad for animals, especially horses, comprising several elastic mat elements made of thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), the mat elements can be detachably connected to each other and together form a load-bearing, deformable overall surface, which is dimensioned in such a way that an animal with several limbs can stand on the entire surface at the same time, and whereby the mat elements create a springy instability to train balance, coordination and muscles. [2] Pad according to claim 1, wherein the mat elements are connected to each other via form-fitting and / or force-fitting connecting elements, which prevent the elements from shifting laterally under point load. [3] Pad according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the TPE has a Shore hardness that allows permanent elastic deformation under the weight of a horse and returns to its original shape after unloading. [4] Pad according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the connected total area has a minimum size that allows all four hooves of a horse to be placed on it simultaneously. [5] Pad according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one surface of the mat elements has a non-slip structure suitable for hoof contact. [6] Pad according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the mat elements are constructed in one or more layers to provide defined damping and instability properties. [7] Pad according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a flexible, removable protective cover is provided which at least partially encloses the mat elements and facilitates cleaning.

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