Equestrian leg training with user feedback and methods of using same

Abstract

A system for providing feedback to a horseback rider may include a pressure sensor configured to be attached to a leg of the rider. The pressure sensor may be configured to be located between the leg of the rider and a horse. The pressure sensor may be configured to activate when subjected to a pressure that exceeds a threshold. A haptic feedback device may be configured to be coupled to the leg of the rider and electrically coupled to the pressure sensor. The haptic feedback device may be configured to provide haptic feedback to the rider when the pressure sensor activates.

Description

EQUESTRIAN LEG TRAINING WITH USER FEEDBACK AND METHODS OF USING SAMERELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 578,895, filed August 25, 2023, which is incorporated, in its entirety, by this reference.BACKGROUND

[0002] An equestrian leg aid is a type of signal or command that a rider uses to communicate with their horse by using leg pressure in one or more different locations. Leg aids are used to cue specific movements or actions of the horse. It's one of the fundamental aids used in horseback riding, along with rein and seat aids. The leg aids are primarily used to control the horse's speed, direction, and the engagement of the horse's hindquarters. The placement and pressure of the rider's leg on the horse's sides can influence the horse's movements in nuanced ways.

[0003] Overuse of the leg aid during riding causes desensitization of the horse to that very aid. Riders of all skill levels are suspectable to overuse and causing desensitization of the horse. This is most often referred to as a horse being ‘dead to the leg’ or ‘behind the leg’. This overuse and sometimes constant use of the leg can also cause many conflict behaviors in the horse due to the lack of clarity and misunderstanding of the aid.

[0004] Trainers may observe riders and provide verbal feedback during training sessions about overuse of the leg aid. However, work in relation to this disclosure has shown that riders, even with verbal feedback from trainers are not aware of the amount and leg aid they are using in their attempts to command the horse and even when they think they are not commanding the horse. Riding instructors can often be heard yelling across arenas for riders to “stop using their legs,” “take their legs off,” “get a better response from your leg,” and more. This verbal feedback is valuable and helpful yet still somehow is not immediately effective.

[0005] In light of the above, devices and methods that overcome at least some of the above limitations would be helpful.SUMMARY

[0006] The systems, devices, and methods disclosed herein aid in fixing and enhancing a rider’s communication to their horse with and through leg aids. Theyimprove the rider’s kinesthetic awareness of their leg, and equally important, how their horse responded to their leg aid.

[0007] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide improved systems and methods for providing real-time, haptic feedback to the rider when they are using leg aids, such as when applying leg pressure to the horse.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] A better understanding of the features, advantages and principles of the present disclosure will be obtained by reference to the following detailed description that sets forth illustrative embodiments, and the accompanying drawings of which:

[0009] FIG. 1 shows a system for providing leg aid feedback to a rider, in accordance with some embodiments herein;

[0010] FIG. 2 shows an image of a system for providing leg aid feedback to a rider, in accordance with some embodiments herein;

[0011] FIG. 3 shows a leg wrap for attaching the pressure sensor to a leg, in accordance with some embodiments herein;[0012| FIG. 4 shows an arrangement of a system for providing leg aid feedback when used by a rider on a horse, in accordance with some embodiments herein;

[0013] FIGS. 5A and 5B show an arrangement of a system for providing leg aid feedback when used by a rider on a horse, in accordance with some embodiments herein;

[0014] FIGS. 6A and 6B show an arrangement of a system for providing leg aid feedback when used by a rider on a horse, in accordance with some embodiments herein; and

[0015] FIG. 7 shows a method for providing leg aid feedback to a rider, in accordance with some embodiments herein.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] The following detailed description provides a better understanding of the features and advantages of the inventions described in the present disclosure in accordance with the embodiments disclosed herein. Although the detailed description includes many specific embodiments, these are provided by way of example only and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the inventions disclosed herein.

[0017] FIGS. 1 and 2 show system 100 for providing leg aid feedback to a rider. The system includes a power supply 102, a pressure sensor 104, a feedback device 106, a controller 110, and a smartphone 108. The individual components of the system may beelectrically coupled to each other. For example, they may be electrically coupled to each other to provide electrical power from the power supply 102 to the other components. In some embodiments, the components may be coupled in wired or wireless electronic communication with each other. Electronic communication may include data and information in the form of data packets, for example, or other forms of data communication. Electronic communication may also include the closing of a circuit to provide electrical power to the feedback device 106, such as a motor, speaker, or other device or components.

[0018] The pressure sensor 104 may act as a trigger or switch. The pressure sensor 106 may detect a pressure between the rider’s body and the horse, such as between the rider’s leg, foot, or boot and the horse when the rider communities through cues, aids, signals to the horse with leg pressure. The feedback device 106, powered by the power supply 102, is activated either through a wired connection or wirelessly based on the signal from the pressure sensor. In some embodiments, a wired connection may act as a switch. The switch may be configured to close and complete an electrical circuit with the feedback device. For example, the feedback device may be a mechanical device configured (such as with one or more springs) to close a circuit when the pressure exceeds a configured amount. In some embodiments, the wireless connection may rely on wireless communication protocols to transmit control signals. For example, the pressure sensor 104 may measure the pressure between the rider and the horse and provide analog or digital data to a controller which then may compare the pressure to a pressure threshold for providing feedback and activating the feedback device. In some embodiments, the pressure sensor may determine whether the threshold is exceeded and send a signal to the controller or to the feedback device to activate. The system may also include a controller 110 which may send and receive signals from the pressure sensor 104 and the feedback device 106.

[0019] The pressure sensor 104 may be, for example, a membrane switch sensor or a thin film resistance type sensor. The membrane switch sensor, also known as a membrane keypad or membrane switch, is a flexible membrane with integrated electrical circuitry to detect and respond to the rider’s leg pressure. In some embodiments, the membrane sensor may function as a simple switch and its sensitivity may be adjustable, such as by using various pads or shims alongside it. The thin film sensor is a type of sensor that utilizes a thin film material with varying resistance properties to measure the leg pressure between the rider’s leg and the horse. The resistance of the thin film changes when legpressure is applied or removed, allowing for pressure sensing capabilities. The pressure sensor’s sensitivity may be adjustable, such as by the controller 110. The pressure sensor 104 may transmit a signal (either wired or wirelessly) to activate the feedback device 106 when the desired leg pressure level is detected.

[0020] The pressure sensor 104 may be located in a pocket in a wrap 300, which may be a leg or boot wrap, such that it lies between the rider’s leg and the horse’s side where the pressure cues, aids, or signals to the horse are normally given. Due to the differences in rider leg lengths, horse body sizes, and saddle types, the pressure sensor may be of various lengths or shaped to fit the rider’s leg, boot, etc. For example, a long legged rider on a shorter and / or narrow horse may use a longer sensor than a short legged rider on a taller and / or wider horse.

[0021] The power supply 102 may be electrically coupled to the pressure sensor 104, controller 110, and the feedback device 106. The power supply 102 may be a battery pack or a power bank. The power supply provides electrical energy to power the feedback device 106, the controller, etc. The power supply 102 may include one or more disposable or rechargeable batteries enclosed within a lightweight, portable, durable, and compact case with straps that may be worn around the rider’s leg, arm or waist. The power supply 102 may feature an on / off switch to control the power flow, user indicators and controls, safety features, multiple input and output ports, wired and / or wireless charging capabilities, integrated cables, communication modules, and control circuitry. The power supply 102 may also incorporate an integrated feedback device 106 and the circuitry to activate the device when a signal is received from the pressure sensor 104.

[0022] The feedback device 106 may be haptic feedback device that provides physical feedback such as mechanical vibration of the rider’s body, such as their leg, or an audio feedback device, such as a speaker, or a combination of audio and haptic feedback. The feedback device may use vibration motor. The amplitude and frequency of the vibration may be set or may be adjustable with an integrated microcontroller withing the feedback deice or with the controller 110. The vibration motor may be powered by the battery pack 102. In some embodiment, the feedback device may be incorporated into the battery pack 102 or incorporated into a wearable device on its own. In some embodiments, an audio feedback device may use various desirable notification noises in a headphone which may be adjustable so as not to be heard by the horse. The feedback device 106 may be activated when it receives a signal (either wired or wirelessly) from the pressure sensor 102, either directly or via the controller 110.

[0023] The controller 110 may be an app in a smartphone or it may be a separate durable compact unit having a processor and memory, such as a non-transitory computer readable medium having instructions thereon that when executed by the processor cause the system to carry out the functions described herein. The controller 110 may communicate with the pressure sensor 104 and the feedback device 106 with wireless communication protocols. The controller 110 may have a user interface, either physical or digital (such as through a touch sensitive display) or a combination of both, with buttons, sliders or other input elements to adjust settings and initiate actions. The controller may command the feedback device 106 to start or stop, adjust intensity, or specify vibration patterns. The controller 110 may command the pressure sensor 104 to adjust the amount of pressure, such as a threshold pressure, to trigger a signal to the feedback device 106. The controller 110 may acquire data, such as but not limited to frequency, strength and duration of leg pressure aids / cues / signals, from the pressure sensor 104. The controller 110 may process and display the data, provide feedback and notifications, and synchronize and store the data for analysis. The data may allow the rider to analyze their performance, identify areas for improvement and track their progress.

[0024] In some embodiments, the smartphone 108 may be a controller or the controller 110 may be incorporated into the smartphone 108, such as through software or a combination of software and hardware.

[0025] FIG. 3 shows a leg wrap 300 for attaching the pressure sensor to a leg. The wrap 300 may securely wrap around the lower part of the riders boot with a pocket on the inside that contains the pressure sensor 106. Depending on the stiffness of the riders boot various stiffeners can be added into the pocket to decrease or increase the sensitivity of the pressure sensor.

[0026] The wrap 300 may be made of any artificial or natural fabric such as, but not limited to leather, neoprene, or elastic. The wrap 300 may be fitted over the rider’s pant or boot with Velcro, snaps or buckles. It may be adjustable in size and it may have a heel strap to keep it from shifting. The wrap 300 may be located on the lower half of the riders lower leg from approximately mid-calf to heel. It may have a pocket for the pressure sensor on the inside of the lower leg where the rider typically cues / aids, signals the horse with leg pressure.

[0027] FIG. 4 shows an arrangement of a system 100 for providing leg aid feedback when used by a rider on a horse. FIGS. 5 and 6 depict use of the system 100 on a rider and horse 404. The power supply 102 and feedback device 106 may be configured to belocated on an upper part of the leg 402, such as a thigh. A strap, such as an elastic strap with a Velcro, magnetic, button, or other closure apparatus may secure the strap to the rider’s leg. The pressure sensor 106 may be located between the rider’s boot 406 and the horse.

[0028] FIGS. 6A and 6B show a system 200 for providing leg aid feedback to a rider. System 200 may have some or all of the features of system 100. The system 200 includes a power supply 102, a pressure sensor 104, and a feedback device 106 arranged with a wrap configured to wrap around a rider’s boot or leg. The individual components of the system may be electrically coupled to each other. For example, they may be electrically coupled to each other to provide electrical power from the power supply 102 to the other components. In some embodiments, the components may be coupled in wired or wireless electronic communication with each other. Electronic communication may include data and information in the form of data packets, for example, or other forms of data communication. Electronic communication may also include the closing of a circuit to provide electrical power to the feedback device 106, such as one or more of a motor, speaker, light, or other device or components.

[0029] The pressure sensor 104 may act as a trigger or switch. The pressure sensor 106 may detect a pressure between the rider’s body and the horse, such as between the rider’s leg, foot, or boot and the horse when the rider communities through cues, aids, signals to the horse with leg pressure. The feedback device 106, powered by the power supply 102, is activated either through a wired connection based on the signal from the pressure sensor. In some embodiments, a wired connection may act as a switch. The switch may be configured to close and complete an electrical circuit with the feedback device. For example, the switch may be a mechanical device configured (such as with one or more springs) to close a circuit when the pressure exceeds a configured amount. In some embodiments, the pressure sensor may determine whether the threshold is exceeded and send a signal to the feedback device to activate.

[0030] The pressure sensor 104 may be, for example, a membrane switch sensor or a thin film resistance type sensor. The membrane switch sensor, also known as a membrane keypad or membrane switch, is a flexible membrane with integrated electrical circuitry to detect and respond to the rider’s leg pressure. In some embodiments, the membrane sensor may function as a switch and its sensitivity may be adjustable, such as by using various pads or shims alongside it.

[0031] The pressure sensor 104 may be located in a pocket 304 in a wrap 300, which may be a leg or boot wrap, such that the pressure sensor 104 is located between the rider’s leg and the horse’s side when worn by the rider. The pocket may extend from an upper cuff of the wrap 300 towards a lower cuff of the wrap 300. In some embodiments, the pocket may extend from an upper cuff of the wrap 300 to a lower cuff of the wrap 300. The pocket may be longer than it is wide. The length of the pocket 304 may be measured in a direction extending between the foot and knee of the rider. The width of the pocket may be measured perpendicular to the length or in a direction around the leg of the rider, when worn by the rider. The wrap may be configured with the pocket 304 located on an inside or horse facing side of the wrap when the wrap is worn by the rider on the horse.

[0032] The power supply 102 may be electrically coupled to the pressure sensor 104 and the feedback device 106. The power supply 102 may be a battery pack or a power bank. The power supply provides electrical energy to power the feedback device 106 and the pressure sensor 104. In some embodiments, the power supply 102 provides electrical energy to power the feedback device 106 through the pressure sensor 104. The power supply 102 may include one or more energy storage devices, such as disposable or rechargeable batteries enclosed within a lightweight, portable, durable, and compact case within pocket bucket 308 of the wrap 300. The power supply 102 may feature an on / off switch to control the power flow, user indicators and controls, safety features, multiple input and output ports, wired and / or wireless charging capabilities, integrated cables, communication modules, and control circuitry. The power supply 102 may also incorporate an integrated feedback device 106 and the circuitiy to activate the device when a signal is received from the pressure sensor 104.

[0033] The power supply 102 may be located in a pocket 308 of the wrap 300, which may be a leg or boot wrap, such that the pressure sensor 104 is not located between the rider’s leg and the horse’s side when worn by the rider. In some embodiments, the power supply may be located on an outside of the rider’s leg, away from the horse when worn. The pocket 308 may extend from an upper cuff of the wrap 300 towards a lower cuff of the wrap 300. The pocket may be longer than it is wide. The length of the pocket 304 may be measured in a direction extending between the foot and knee of the rider. The width of the pocket may be measured perpendicular to the length or in a direction around the leg of the rider, when worn by the rider. The wrap may be configured with the pocket 304 located on an inside or horse facing side of the wrap when the wrap is worn by the rider on the horse.

[0034] The feedback device 106 may be haptic feedback device that provides physical feedback such as mechanical vibration of the rider’s body, such as their leg, a visual feedback device, such as a light source, including an LED, or an audio feedback device, such as a speaker, or a combination of audio, visual, and / or haptic feedback. The feedback device may use vibration motor. The vibration motor may be powered by the battery pack 102. In some embodiments, the feedback device may be incorporated into the battery pack 102 or incorporated into a wearable device on its own. In some embodiments, the feedback device may be electrically connected to the battery and / or the pressure sensor. The feedback device may be configured with a length of wire so that the feedback device may be tucked into the boot of the rider. In some embodiments, the feedback device may be configured to be tucket between the leg wrap and the rider’s leg, such as directly between the leg wrap and the rider’s leg. In some embodiments, the leg wrap may include a third pocket for receiving the feedback device. In some embodiments, the feedback device may be located on the wrap, the power supply, and / or the pressure switch. The wire may be at least 12 inches long. In some embodiments, the feedback device may be attached to and / or incorporated into a leg strap, such as depicted in FIGS. 5A and 5B. The leg strap may be configured to extend about the thigh or the upper calf of the rider, below the knee. The leg strap may be elastic and include a pocket or receptacle for receiving the feedback device. In some embodiments, an audio feedback device may use one or more notification noises in a headphone which may be adjustable so as not to be heard by the horse. In some embodiments, a visual feedback device may use one or more notification illuminations to a rider, such as by a light source attached to a saddle, bridle, reigns, ring, bracelet, and / or gloves which may be adjustable so as to be seen by the rider. In some embodiments, the light source may be located on the wrap, such as on the power supply or within a clear pocket on the wrap. In some embodiments, the visual feedback device may be located proximate an aperture 330 in a pocket of the wrap to allow visual observation of when the pressure sensor is activated, and feedback is provided to the rider. The visual feedback device may flash when the pressure sensor is activated or when haptic feedback is provided to the rider. The feedback device 106 may be activated when it receives a signal (either wired or wirelessly) from the pressure sensor 102.

[0035] The wrap 300 may also include a strap that extends between a first and a second location on the lower end of the wrap 300. The strap may be a foot or boot strap that is configured to extend from the first location on the wrap 300 across the bottom ofthe rider’s foot and / or boot, to the second location on the wrap 300 when the wrap is worn by the rider.

[0036] The wrap may also include a closure system 306. A first portion of the closure system 306 may be located at a first end of the wrap 300 and a second portion of the closure system 306 may be located at a second end. The pockets 304, 308, the power supply 308, and the pressure sensor 304 may be located between the first and second portions of the closure system. The closure system may be a hook and loop closure system with a first portion comprising a hook portion and a second portion comprising a loop portion. In some embodiments, the closure system may include zippers, button, snaps, or other couplings. When the first portion of the closure system engages with the second portion of the closure system the first end and the second end are coupled to each other and an aperture 310 is formed though the leg wrap. The aperture configured to revie one or more of a leg or boot of a rider.

[0037] FIG. 7 depicts a process 700 for providing rider feedback. The process 700 may include sensing a pressure from a pressure sensor located between a rider’s leg and a horse at block 710. At block 720 when the pressure exceeds a threshold, such as by closing a pressure switch or by comparing a measured pressure to a pressure threshold a signal, and when the threshold is exceeded or the switch is closed, activating the feedback device to provide feedback to the rider at block 730.

[0038] The process parameters and sequence of steps described and / or illustrated herein are given by way of example only and can be varied as desired. For example, while the steps illustrated and / or described herein may be shown or discussed in a particular order, these steps do not necessarily need to be performed in the order illustrated or discussed. The various example methods described and / or illustrated herein may also omit one or more of the steps described or illustrated herein or include additional steps in addition to those disclosed.

[0039] Although illustrated as separate elements, the method steps described and / or illustrated herein may represent portions of a single method.

[0040] A person of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that any process, system, or method disclosed herein can be modified in many ways. The process parameters and sequence of the steps described and / or illustrated herein are given by way of example only and can be varied as desired. For example, while the steps illustrated and / or described herein may be shown or discussed in a particular order, these steps do not necessarily need to be performed in the order illustrated or discussed.

[0041] The various exemplary methods described and / or illustrated herein may also omit one or more of the steps described or illustrated herein or comprise additional steps in addition to those disclosed. Further, a step of any method as disclosed herein can be combined with any one or more steps of any other method as disclosed herein.

[0042] Unless otherwise noted, the terms “connected to” and “coupled to” (and their derivatives), as used in the specification and claims, are to be construed as permitting both direct and indirect (i.e., via other elements or components) connection. In addition, the terms “a” or “an,” as used in the specification and claims, are to be construed as meaning “at least one of.” Finally, for ease of use, the terms “including” and “having” (and their derivatives), as used in the specification and claims, are interchangeable with and shall have the same meaning as the word “comprising”.

[0043] It will be understood that although the terms “first,” “second,” “third”, etc. may be used herein to describe various layers, elements, components, regions or sections without referring to any particular order or sequence of events. These terms are merely used to distinguish one layer, element, component, region or section from another layer, element, component, region or section. A first layer, element, component, region or section as described herein could be referred to as a second layer, element, component, region or section without departing from the teachings of the present disclosure.

[0044] As used herein, the term “or” is used inclusively to refer items in the alternative and in combination.

[0045] As used herein, characters such as numerals refer to like elements.

[0046] Embodiments of the present disclosure have been shown and described as set forth herein and are provided by way of example only. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize numerous adaptations, changes, variations and substitutions without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Several alternatives and combinations of the embodiments disclosed herein may be utilized without departing from the scope of the present disclosure and the inventions disclosed herein. Therefore, the scope of the presently disclosed inventions shall be defined solely by the scope of the appended claims and the equivalents thereof.

Claims

CLAIMS:WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A system for providing feedback to a horseback rider, the system comprising: a pressure sensor configured to be attached to a leg of the rider and located between the leg of the rider and a horse, wherein the pressure sensor is configured to activate when subjected to a pressure that exceeds a threshold; and a feedback device configured to be coupled to the leg of the rider and electrically coupled to the pressure sensor, wherein the haptic feedback device is configured to provide haptic feedback to the rider when the pressure sensor activates.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the feedback device includes a haptic feedback device.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the pressure sensor is a pressure switch that is configured close an electrical circuit when activated to cause the feedback device to provide the haptic feedback to the rider.

4. The system of claim 2, further comprising a power supply electrically coupled to the pressure sensor and the haptic feedback device, wherein, when the electrical circuit is closed, energy from the power supply is provided to the haptic feedback device to cause the haptic feedback device to provide the haptic feedback to the rider.

5. The system of claim 3, wherein the pressure sensor activates when the pressure sensor measures a pressure or force value greater than the threshold.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the feedback device includes a visual feedback device.

7. The system of claim 4, wherein the power supply is coupled to the feedback device through the pressure sensor.

8. The system of claim 1, further comprising a leg wrap.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein the leg wrap comprises a first pocket configured to receive the pressure sensor therein.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein the pressure sensor is located within the first pocket.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein the leg wrap comprises a second pocket configured to receive the power supply therein.

12. The system of claim 11, wherein the power supply is located within the first pocket.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein the leg wrap extends between a first end and a second end and further comprising: a first potion of a closure system at the first end; and a second portion of a closure system at the second end.

14. The system of claim 13, wherein engaging the first portion of the closure system w ith the second portion of the closure system causes the wrap to form an aperture configured to receive a leg or boot.

15. The system of claim 14, wherein the first pocket and the second pocket are arranged between the first end and the second end.

16. The system of claim 14, wherein the first pocket is configured on the wrap to be located on an inside side of the leg when the wrap is worn by a rider.

17. The system of claim 14, wherein the first pocket is configured on the wrap to be located between a leg of the rider and a horse when the wrap is worn by a rider.

18. The system of claim 2, further comprising an elastic leg strap that comprises the haptic feedback device.

19. The system of claim 18, further comprising an electrically conductive wire extending between the feedback device and the switch.

20. The system of claim 2, further comprising: a controller electrically coupled to the pressure sensor and the haptic feedback device, the controller configured to receive pressure information from the pressure sensor and to cause the haptic feedback device to provide the haptic feedback to the rider when the pressure sensor activates.

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