Device for checking and controlling the hand position of the reins while riding
A posture-measuring device with a plate and rolling element provides immediate feedback to riders, addressing the challenge of maintaining consistent rein control and correcting posture, thereby improving communication with the horse.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- DE202025102351
- Authority / Receiving Office
- DE · DE
- Patent Type
- Utility models
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-04-29
- Publication Date
- 2025-06-18
- Estimated Expiration
- 2035-04-30
AI Technical Summary
Riders, especially beginners, struggle to maintain consistent and correct rein control during riding, lacking the sensitivity to use weight and leg aids effectively, making it difficult to correct their rein hand position and posture, which is crucial for effective communication with the horse.
A posture-measuring device with a plate and rolling element that provides immediate feedback on rein hand position, ensuring even contact with the horse's mouth, featuring a plate with slots for reins, a rolling element guided in grooves, and a hand strap for stability, allowing riders to correct their posture and train rein control.
Enables riders to maintain consistent rein contact and correct their posture by providing immediate visual and auditory feedback, enhancing their ability to communicate effectively with the horse through subtle rein aids.
Smart Images

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Abstract
Description
[0001] In equestrian sports, the reins form the connection between rider and horse, or more precisely, between the rider's hand and the horse's mouth or head. Generally speaking, the more steady the rider's hand is on the reins, the less irritated the horse will be and the more freely it can move through its gaits.
[0002] To apply rein aids correctly, the rider needs a light and flexible connection to the horse's mouth. Both reins should maintain even, consistent, and calm contact with the horse's mouth at all gaits. Only when this connection is established can the reins be applied, which can be accepting, yielding, holding, holding, or pointing sideways.
[0003] The reins initially provide the horse with a specific head and neck position, thus providing a specific framework. They also guide the horse and, in this function, influence its speed, gait, direction, and bend. The reins should be considered merely a subordinate part of the rider's aids, influencing the horse along with the weight and leg aids. Even a slight change in body tension has an effect on the reins via the arms and hands, and thus also on the horse's mouth, without the rider having to consciously apply a rein aid.
[0004] Ideally, the reins should only be used when the horse doesn't respond to the weight and leg aids. For this, the rider must have good body control. At an advanced level, for example, they can bring their horse to a halt 80 to 100 percent through their seat and with a maximum of 20 percent of the reins, so that the rein aid is barely noticeable to the observer.
[0005] Typically, the reins aren't pulled, regardless of the riding style. Instead, a gentle finger play is used to provide an incentive until the horse responds in the desired way. The reins can then be released slightly as a "praise," which often requires just a slight opening of the fingers.
[0006] Especially for beginners, this sensitivity or the ability to influence the horse with weight and leg aids is lacking. Rather, it requires years, if not a lifetime, of training. However, it's difficult to correct oneself while riding. Even external corrections, such as those from a riding instructor, aren't always possible, as some rein positions look good and the potential for improvement isn't apparent.
[0007] Against this background, the present invention aims to create a device for checking and controlling the rein hand position while riding, which allows riders to check and train their rein control and hand position while riding. According to the invention, this object is achieved with the features of claim 1.
[0008] The invention provides a device for checking and monitoring rein hand position while riding, allowing riders to check and practice their rein control and hand position while riding. The posture-measuring device provides the rider with immediate information about whether their hands, while holding the reins, are at the same height. This allows them to correct their posture. Because the posture-measuring device features an end piece that is wider than the slot, the posture-measuring device is captively attached to the device according to the invention. The running element, which rolls along the plate, ensures smooth and unobstructed display of the hand position.
[0009] Preferably, the rolling element consists of two balls connected by a rod. This simple yet reliable design of the rolling element allows the posture measuring device to roll smoothly along the plate.
[0010] Because the running element is guided in grooves, the running element does not deviate from its predetermined path, which further increases the reliability of determining the posture during use.
[0011] The plate advantageously features slots for the rider's reins. This not only creates an ergonomic design, but also prevents incorrect use by the rider.
[0012] In a further development of the invention, a hand strap is provided. This hand strap prevents the device from falling if the rider is unable to hold onto it, for example, in an emergency situation.
[0013] Further developments and refinements of the invention are specified in the remaining subclaims. An embodiment of the invention is illustrated in the drawings and described in detail below. They show: Fig. 1 shows a three-dimensional representation of a device according to the invention; Fig. 2 which in Fig. 1 shown device in a different three-dimensional perspective.
[0014] The device chosen as an exemplary embodiment for checking and controlling the reins' hand position while riding consists of a plate 1. A plate, within the meaning of the present invention, is any essentially flat structure that has a greater width than depth. In the exemplary embodiment, the plate 1 has a barrel-like shape. In a modification of the exemplary embodiment, it can also be rectangular, oval, or similar. The plate 1 is preferably made of wood; it can also be made of other materials such as plastic, metal, or the like.
[0015] The plate 1 has a slot 2 in its center, which extends partially along the longitudinal center line of the plate 1. A posture measuring device 3 is guided in the slot 2. The posture measuring device 3 essentially consists of a web 4, which has a height greater than the thickness of the plate 1. The web 4 therefore completely penetrates the slot 2 and protrudes beyond the plate 1 with both its ends.
[0016] The web 4 is provided at one end (on the underside of the device) with an end piece 5, which is wider than the slot 2. In the exemplary embodiment, the end piece is formed by a circular plate that is screwed to the web 4. Other designs, e.g., in the form of a pin or the like, are also possible. The attachment of the end piece 5 to the web 4 can also be done differently, e.g., by gluing. If made of metal, the end piece 5 can also be welded to the web.
[0017] At the other end of the web 4, and thus on the top side of the device, the posture measuring device 3 has a running element 6 that can roll on the plate 1. In the exemplary embodiment, the running element 6 is formed by two balls 7 that are connected to each other via a rod (not shown). The rod is guided through the web 4 via a bore, so that the balls 7 are arranged on both sides of the web 4. Other shapes for the running element 6, for example, in the form of rollers or barrels, are also possible.
[0018] On the top side of the plate 1, grooves 8 are formed in the surface of the plate 1, parallel to and on both sides of the slot 2. The running element 6 and its running elements 6 are guided in the grooves 8. Furthermore, a marking 9 is provided in the center of the top side of the plate 1. In the exemplary embodiment, the marking 9 is milled into the surface of the plate 1. In a modification of the exemplary embodiment, the marking can also be painted, glued, or similarly applied to the surface of the plate 1.
[0019] In the area of the front ends of the device, ridges 10 are formed on the top side of plate 1 to improve the handling of the device. Adjacent to one of the ridges 10, a hole 11 is provided in plate 1 for attaching a hand strap (not shown).
[0020] On the underside of the plate 1, in the area of the front ends, receptacles 12 are formed, which in the exemplary embodiment extend over the entire depth of the plate 1. The rein fists with the rider's thumbs rest in the receptacles 12 during use of the device according to the invention.
[0021] At right angles to the longitudinal center line of the receptacles 12, a groove 13 extends on the underside of the plate 1 from the recess 12 in the direction of the front end of the plate 1, along which groove the rein runs during use of the device according to the invention.
[0022] The device according to the invention provides an aid for checking and correcting hand and rein position while riding. To use the device, the plate is placed loosely on the rider's rein fists so that the thumbs rest in the receptacles 12. At the same time, the reins run through the grooves 13. If the plate 1 is aligned horizontally, the posture measuring device 3 is located exactly in the center of the plate 1, where the marking 9 is located. If the rein fists shift to different heights, the posture measuring device 3 moves towards the lower rein fist. This is immediately noticeable to the rider, allowing them to make corrections.If the rider does not have the posture measuring device 3 in view at this moment, he will be made aware of the incorrect posture by the noise when the posture measuring device 3 hits the end of the slot 2 and can make a correction.
[0023] The use of the running elements 6, which are guided in the grooves 8, ensures a very smooth rolling movement of the posture measuring device 3 on the plate 1, so that even the smallest changes in angle lead to a movement of the posture measuring device 3 and the rider is alerted to the incorrect posture. The design of the end piece 5 and the running element 6 also ensures that the posture measuring device 3 is captively attached to the device. The loop that can be attached to the hole 11 and which the rider places around their wrist during use further secures the device against falling off. Overall, the device according to the invention enables training and correction of rein holding. Due to its small dimensions and low weight, the device can be taken to every riding lesson and integrated into every training session.
Claims
[1] Device for checking and controlling the hand position of the reins when riding, consisting of a plate (1) which has a slot (2) in its center, which extends at least partially along the longitudinal center line of the plate (1), wherein a posture measuring device (3) is guided in the slot (2), which is provided at one end with an end piece (5) which is wider than the slot (2), and at its other end has a running element (6) which rolls on the plate (1). [2] Device according to claim 1, characterized by that the running element (6) is formed by at least one ball (7). [3] Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the running element (6) is formed by two balls (7) which are connected to one another via a rod. [4] Device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by that the running element (6) is guided in grooves (8). [5] Device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by that the plate (1) has receptacles (12) for the rider's reins. [6] Device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by that a hand strap is provided.