Dressage and posture training aids for horses
The horse dressage and posture system addresses the issue of mechanical constraints in existing devices by using a headrest with support organs to promote a natural neck descent and head-to-neck angle opening, thereby enhancing the horse's posture and movement while respecting its physiology.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- FR2023003175
- Authority / Receiving Office
- FR · FR
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2023-03-31
- Publication Date
- 2025-04-04
- Estimated Expiration
- 2043-03-31
AI Technical Summary
Existing horse dressage and posture devices generate mechanical constraints that can cause discomfort and physiological issues for horses, particularly by limiting the natural movement of the head and neck.
A dressage and posture system comprising a headrest with a frontal and retro-occipital part, featuring support organs that contact specific regions of the horse's head and neck to promote a reflexive descent of the neck and opening of the head-to-neck angle, while minimizing mechanical constraints.
The system effectively improves the horse's posture and movement during dressage by promoting a natural, physiological head and neck position, reducing discomfort and the risk of injury, and facilitating the rider's portage.
Smart Images
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Abstract
Description
Title of the invention: Dressage and posture reins for horses
[0001] The invention relates to a dressage and posture reins for horses intended to act on the attitude of the horse, in particular on the orientation and level of the neck and the head / neck closure angle, to improve its posture and movement during dressage and to promote the rider's carrying. Prior art
[0002] Reins are already used and known.
[0003] In particular, the so-called "WAUTERS" leather reins are known, comprising a strap to be fixed at one of its ends to the strap under the belly and bridles resting respectively on the horse's nose and neck and connected to the other end of the strap. Such reins have only a mechanical action and can exert, by the wide support of the leather on the horse's head, an inverse resistance reaction of the horse and, as a result, an over-contraction of the extensor muscles of the spine, in particular of the cervical spine. The strap on the nose generates a limitation of the opening of the angle of the head in relation to the neck when the head is lowered.
[0004] Patent application FR2709301Al describes a rein called "RAFFIT" comprising a leather harness which is attached to the horse's chest and long straps passing through the rings at the head then leaving laterally at the neck to take over at the front part of the latter and attach on each side to the surfait. The straps are adjusted so as to force the horse by pressing on its esophagus and trachea to lower the neck by avoidance with flexion of the cervicals. Such a rein creates mechanical stresses on the trachea and esophagus of the horse, in an intense and disproportionate manner, particularly when the latter has an untimely reaction.
[0005] The so-called "GONIN" reins, for its part, comprise a halter having a wide leather element which rests opposite the 2nd cervical vertebra and a system of ropes which is fixed to the strap under the horse's belly at one of its ends and to the edges of the straps by passing through loops at the level of the chamfer and the wide leather element. By this construction, the ropes exert an action on the chamfer which does not allow complete freedom of movement of the head towards the front.
[0006] All these reins generate mechanical constraints on the horse's head or neck which cause a counter reaction in force from the horse, which can generate discomfort for the latter, in particular due to the stress generated on the cervical and / or thoracic vertebrae and organs such as the esophagus and trachea which are essential for physiology.
[0007] There is therefore a need for an improved reins allowing the horse to have a posture with the head lowered to make the horse work while respecting its physiology. Statement of the invention
[0008] The invention meets this need with the aid of a dressage and posture reins comprising: - a headrest comprising a frontal part and a retro-occipital part connected to each other, and - at least one first support member mounted on the front part of the headpiece so as to come into contact with the fronto-parieto-temporal region of the horse, - at least one second support member mounted on the retro-occipital part so as to come into contact with the occipito-cervical region of the horse, at least the second support member being configured to come into localized support on a predetermined zone of the retro-occipital region and generate a muscular reflex action, in particular on the extensor muscles of the first cervical vertebrae.
[0009] The frontal and retro-occipital parts of the headpiece allow the reins to be held on the horse's head around the ears.
[0010] The localized support on the occipito-cervical region generates a reflex action on the muscles, in particular the extensors of the first cervical vertebrae, promoting the descent of the neck to avoid support and promoting the opening of the angle of the head in relation to the neck. This descent will create an opening of the vertebral spinae and therefore a vertebral arch, facilitating the carrying of the rider and limiting the pathology known as "conflict of the spinous processes."
[0011] Localized support on the fronto-parieto-temporal region avoids excessive pressure on this region and limits the shearing effect that the frontal part of the headpiece could generate on this region. It can also generate an avoidance reflex in the horse.
[0012] The positioning of the head downwards by the reflex action generated by the second support members makes it possible to limit the force constraints on the horse's head.
[0013] Preferably, the first support member is configured to come into localized support on a predetermined zone of the fronto-parieto-temporal region and generate a reflex action of avoidance of the horse.
[0014] Preferably, the reins comprise a headpiece tensioning system at least partially downwardly connected to the headpiece on one side and configured to be connected to a element on the horse located below the neck on the other side, in particular on either side or between the forelimbs, in particular on a ventral strap.
[0015] The headpiece tension system allows the headpiece to have a mechanical action of limiting the high point of the horse's neck. This ensures that the neck descends at least below a high point. Headrest
[0016] Preferably, the reins do not have any constraining members between the horse's nose and the headstall, in particular no strap on the muzzle or connecting members at the jaw. Preferably, the reins are devoid of any element on the head except for the headstall.
[0017] The fact that only the headstall is present on the head means that the front of the head is not hindered in its movement. The horse can then freely move the tip of its nose forward.
[0018] This freedom of the head in connection with the maintenance of the headrest and the localized support of the second support organ for the retro-occipital part will limit the tensions on the supraspinous ligament by allowing the extension of the cervicals, which facilitates the mobility of the lumbars in the movement and limits the sagging of the last cervicals and the last thoracic vertebrae.
[0019] It is then possible to make the horse work on its attitude while allowing it to maintain a physiological posture.
[0020] Preferably, the retro-occipital portion of the headrest is configured to be positioned behind the ears in the area from the occipital to the second cervical, otherwise called the “axis” or C2, and preferably on the first cervical, otherwise called the “atlas” or CL.
[0021] Preferably, the front portion of the headpiece is configured to be positioned in front of the ears on the frontal, parietal and temporal bones of the horse.
[0022] Preferably, the frontal part and the retro-occipital part of the headpiece are each formed from a rope with a diameter of between 2 mm and 15 mm, better still between 4 mm and 12 mm, even better still between 5 mm and 7 mm or from a strap with a width of between 2 mm and 10 cm, better still between 4 mm and 6 cm, even better still between 1 cm and 3 cm. Such dimensions make it possible to limit injuries by shearing in the event of untimely movements and avoid having support over too great a width, which limits the risk of an effect of reverse muscular contraction in resistance of the horse.
[0023] Preferably, the frontal part and the retro-occipital part of the headrest are made of rope and not leather.
[0024] The frontal part and the retro-occipital part of the headpiece are connected to each other by connecting parts which can have any shape, in particular by a knot or a connecting loop, configured to come laterally on either side of the ears. Supporting body
[0025] Preferably, the reins comprise several first support members and several second support members which are separate from each other, in particular two first and two second support members which are separate.
[0026] Preferably, the first and second support members are configured so that the supports are punctiform.
[0027] The first and second support members may each be point reliefs on the front and retro-occipital part of the headrest, in particular one or more knots of a rope or strap forming the front and retro-occipital part of the headrest or one or more relief elements, such as balls, attached to the front and retro-occipital parts of the headrest.
[0028] Preferably, the first and second support members have a largest transverse dimension of between 2 cm and 7 cm, better still between 2 and 4 cm.
[0029] In the case of several first support members, in particular two first support members, they may be spaced apart on the front part of the headrest by a distance of between 2 and 12 cm, preferably between 4 and 8 cm.
[0030] In the case of several second support members, in particular two second support members, they can be spaced on the retro-occipital part of the headrest by a distance of between 2 cm and 15 cm, better between 4 cm and 9 cm. This makes it possible in particular to limit the tension on the nuchal ligament.
[0031] The first and second support members may be fixedly mounted on the front and retro-occipital parts of the headpiece. Alternatively, the first and second support members are in adjustable positions on the front and retro-occipital parts of the headpiece to adapt to the morphology of the horse. In the case of added elements, in particular balls, the latter may be fixed by knots in the rope or the strap forming the front and retro-occipital parts of the headpiece.
[0032] Preferably, the first and second support members are positioned in a fixed manner, whether or not they have been previously adjusted, during use of the reins. This is to prevent the support points from moving. Tension system
[0033] Preferably, the tensioning system is connected to the headrest on either side of the head, in particular at the connecting parts of the frontal part with the retro-occipital part. The tensioning system can be attached to the headrest by removable or fixed fasteners, in particular at the connecting parts of the frontal part with the retro-occipital part, or be formed by lateral extensions of the headrest, in particular of the rope or strap forming the frontal part or the retro-occipital part of the headpiece.
[0034] The tension system can be fixed or removable from the headrest.
[0035] Preferably, the tensioning system comprises at least one removable attachment member to the element on the horse located below the neck, in particular to the ventral strap.
[0036] The tensioning system may comprise a system for adjusting its length. Such an adjustment system may be a belt-type system or may be formed from a plurality of attachment positions on the tensioning system of the removable fastening member. Preferably, the tensioning system has a maximum useful length of between 50 and 170 cm, better still between 110 and 155 cm and even better still between 120 and 145 cm. Preferably, the tensioning system has a minimum useful length of between 20 and 120 cm, better still between 30 and 90 cm and even better still between 40 and 70 cm.
[0037] The adjustment system may comprise holes or attachment positions spaced apart by a distance of between 2 and 15 cm, better between 5 and 12 cm. The adjustment system may have a maximum length of 30 and 120 cm, better between 60 and 110 cm. The adjustment system may have a minimum length of between 5 and 50 cm, better between 5 and 20 cm, which is 95 cm, 10 cm between the knots and 10 cm before
[0038] The tensioning system may comprise two parts each connected to the headpiece on one side of the horse's head at one of their ends and connected to each other at their other end, in particular by a junction to the adjustment system.
[0039] Preferably, the tension system is flexible and adjustable. This allows free movement of the head below the high point defined by the length of the adjustable tension system.
[0040] Preferably, the adjustment system and the portion of the tension system between the adjustment system and the headrest are not made of an elastic material. They may be made of rope or leather.
[0041] Alternatively or additionally, the tensioning system may comprise at least one elastic portion.
[0042] The tensioning system may comprise an elastic part in parallel with the adjustment system on the tensioning system on which the fixing member can be fixed alternatively. This makes it possible, as desired, by the elongation capacity, to minimize inappropriate reactions of the horse. This may be more suitable for mounted work and warming up the horse.
[0043] Alternatively or additionally, the tensioning system may comprise an elastic or non-elastic portion extending along the length of the tensioning system, in particular in the continuity of the adjustment system. Said elastic portion may connect two nodes of the adjustment system by bringing them closer together when not in tension with the elastic part. Thus, the connection between the headpiece and the element on the horse located below the neck has an elongation capacity allowing to release length in tension, which limits the counter reaction in force of the horse and allows better respect for the physiology of the horse. In addition, such an elastic part can make it easier to remove the reins from the horse by providing useful play to unhook the reins from its lower attachment area. Preferably, the tension system with the elastic part has an elongation capacity of a maximum length between 2 and 10 cm, better between 4 and 6 cm.
[0044] The invention also relates to a method for training the horse using the reins as described previously, comprising the positioning of the headpiece on the horse's head by positioning the first and second support members on the corresponding zone, in particular on a zone on which they generate a reflex avoidance action, in particular on the extensor muscles of the first cervical vertebrae for the second support members.
[0045] The method may include adjusting the position of the support member(s) according to the morphology of the horse.
[0046] The method may include attaching the tensioning system to the element on the horse located below the neck.
[0047] The method may include adjusting the length of the tensioning system according to the morphology of the horse.
[0048] The method may comprise fixing the fixing member to an elastic part of the tensioning system parallel to the adjustment system.
[0049] Alternatively or additionally, the method may include a possibility of lengthening the tensioning system by an elastic part of the tensioning system, in particular in the continuity of the adjustment system. Brief description of the drawings
[0050] [Fig.lA] schematically represents an example of a reins according to the invention,
[0051] [Fig. IB] schematically represents an example of a reins according to the invention,
[0052] [Fig.2] schematically represents an example of mounting on a horse of the reins according to the invention in profile view,
[0053] [Fig.3] schematically represents an example of mounting on a horse of the reins according to the invention in front view,
[0054] [Fig.4] schematically represents an example of mounting on a horse of the reins according to the invention seen from the back,
[0055] [Fig.5] represents an example of mounting on a horse of the reins according to the invention in training, and
[0056] [Fig.6] shows the detail of the headpiece of the reins according to the invention. Detailed description
[0057] Figures 1 to 6 illustrate a reins comprising a headstall 10, first and second support members 2 mounted on the headstall 10 and, in the case illustrated, a headrest tensioning system 20 connecting the headstall 10 to a strap 9 at the horse's belly between the forelimbs. The headrest comprises a frontal part 1 configured to be positioned in front of the ears on the frontal, temporal and / or parietal area and a retro-occipital part 3 configured to be positioned behind the ears and the occiput in the occipital area at the second cervical, otherwise called the “axis” or C2, and preferably on the first cervical, otherwise called the “atlas” or Cl. The parts of the headrest 1 and 3 are preferably each made of a cord with a diameter of between 5 mm and 12 mm or a strap with a width of between 1 cm and 3 cm.The two parts of the headpiece 1 and 3 are connected to each other on either side of the horse's ears by connecting parts 4, in particular in the form of a knot or connecting loop.
[0058] The first support members 2, preferably 2 in number, are mounted on the frontal part 1. The second support members 2, preferably 2 in number, are mounted on the retro-occipital part 3 of the headrest so as to generate a reflex avoidance reaction by their localized contact with precise predetermined zones, in particular on extensor muscles of the first cervical vertebrae. The first and second support members 2 are preferably in the form of balls attached to the corresponding part of the headrest 1 or 3 and fixed in position by knots in the corresponding part of the headrest 1 or 3 or by any other means. Alternatively, they could be in the form of a knot in the rope or strap of the corresponding part of the headrest 1 or 3 or in the form of any relief on the corresponding part of the headrest 1 or 3 allowing punctiform support to be produced on the predetermined localized zones.They can have a larger transverse dimension of between 2 and 4 cm.
[0059] The first and second support members can be of adjustable position according to the morphology of the horse to be equipped, in particular by moving the knots or the elements for locking the balls in position.
[0060] When there are two of them, the first and second support members can be spaced at least 2 cm apart.
[0061] The tension system 20 comprises two cords or straps for connection to the headrest, which can be attached to the connecting parts 4 of the headrest or be a continuation of the cord or strap of one of the two parts 1 and 3 of the headrest, connecting to each other by a junction 5 at mid-neck, in particular in front of the 3rd to 5th cervical vertebrae. tension system 20 also comprises an adjustment system 25 for the length of the tension system 20 extending between the junction 5 and configured to be fixed on a lower element of the horse, in particular a ventral strap 9 of a saddle or a surcingle passing between the forelimbs of the horse. The adjustment system may comprise a plurality of attachment nodes 27 spaced apart by a distance of between 5 and 10 cm, better between 2 and 6 cm. The adjustment system 25 may comprise a member 8 for attachment to the lower element which can be positioned on any of the attachment nodes 27 according to the desired length of the tension system according to the desired action at the headpiece.
[0062] Preferably, the adjustment system is made of a substantially non-elastic material, in particular in the form of a rope or strap.
[0063] The tensioning system 20 may comprise an elastic part 6 in parallel with the adjustment system 25 which can be attached to the junction and to each attachment node 27. It is then possible to attach the attachment member 8 to the elastic part to take advantage of the elongation capacity and minimize inappropriate reactions of the horse, in particular when it is mounted or during warming up and first use.
[0064] As a variant, illustrated in [Fig.lB], the tension system 20 comprises an elastic part 11, in particular between two attachment nodes of the adjustment system by bringing them together outside of elongation, in the continuity of the adjustment system 25 allowing to have an elongation capacity for the tension system of between 4 cm and 6 cm maximum. Such an elastic part makes it possible to limit the counter reaction in force of the horse and allows better respect for the physiology of the horse.
[0065] The invention is not limited to the example just described. For example, the adjustment system may comprise any other means for adjusting the length of the tensioning system, in particular a belt-type system. Part of the reins, in particular of the tensioning system, may be elastic.
Claims
Claims
1. Dressage and posture reins comprising: - A headpiece (10) comprising a frontal part (1) and a retro-occipital part (3) connected together, and - At least one first support member (2) mounted on the frontal part (1) of the headpiece (10) so as to come into contact with the fronto-parieto-temporal region of the horse, - At least one second support member (2) mounted on the retro-occipital part (3) so as to come into contact with the occipito-cervical region of the horse, at least the second support member (2) being configured to come into localized support on a predetermined zone of the retro-occipital region and generate a muscular reflex action, in particular on extensor muscles of the first cervical vertebrae.
2. Rein according to claim 1, without a constraining member between the horse's nose and the headpiece (10), in particular without a strap on the chamfer or connecting members at the jaw.
3. Training device according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising several first and several second support members (2) separate from each other, in particular two first and two second support members (2) separate from each other.
4. Training device according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the first and second support members (2) are configured so that the supports are point-shaped.
5. Training device according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the first and second support members (2) are one or more knots of a rope or strap forming the front (1) and retro-occipital (3) part of the headpiece or one or more relief elements, such as balls, attached to the front (1) and retro-occipital (3) part of the headpiece.
6. A training aid according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the front part (1) and the retro-occipital part (3) of the headpiece are each formed from a rope with a diameter of between 2 mm and 15 mm, better still between 4 mm and 12 mm, even better still between 5 mm and 7 mm, or from a strap with a width of between 2 mm and 10 cm, better still between 4 mm and 6 cm, even better between 1 cm and 3 cm.
7. Training aid according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the frontal part (1) and the retro-occipital part (3) of the headpiece are connected to each other by connecting parts (4) which may have any shape, in particular by a knot or a connecting loop, configured to come laterally on either side of the ears.
8. Rein according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the support member(s) (2) are in adjustable positions on the frontal (1) and retro-occipital (3) part of the headpiece to adapt to the morphology of the horse.
9. Rein according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a tension system (20) of the headpiece at least partially downwards connected to the headpiece (10) on one side, in particular on either side of the head at the level of the connecting parts (4) of the frontal part with the retro-occipital part, and configured to be connected to an element on the horse located below the neck on the other side, in particular on either side or between the forelimbs, in particular to a ventral strap (9).
10. Training device according to claim 9, in which the tensioning system (20) comprises an adjustment system (25) of its maximum useful length between 50 and 170 cm, better still between 110 and 155 cm and even better still between 120 and 145 cm.
11. Rein according to claim 10, in which the tensioning system (20) comprises an elastic part (6), in particular in parallel with the adjustment system (25) on which a removable fixing member to the element on the horse located below the neck, in particular to the ventral strap, can be fixed alternately.
12. Method for training the horse, using the reins according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising the positioning of the headpiece (10) on the horse's head by positioning the first and second support members on the corresponding zone, in particular on a zone on which they generate a reflex avoidance action, in particular on extensor muscles of the first cervical vertebrae for the second support members.
13. Method according to claim 12, comprising adjusting the position of the support member(s) (2) according to the morphology of the horse.
14. A method according to claim 12 or 13 using the reins of any one of claims 9 to 11, comprising attaching the tension system (20) to the element (9) on the horse located below the neck.
15. A method according to any one of claims 12 to 15, comprising a possibility of lengthening the tensioning system (20) by an elastic part (11) of the tensioning system (20).