Device for measuring the pressure exerted on the horse's mouth or muzzle

Abstract

Device (1) for measuring the pressure exerted on the horse's mouth or muzzle by the bit (3) or bridle (4). Each pressure point results from the tension of the rider's hand or a fixed point (an attachment point on another part of the horse or external to the horse) transmitted by a strap (5) (reins, lunge line, training aid, etc.). Depending on the number of pressure points, which is proportional to the number of straps (5), the device (1) comprises one or more measuring elements (2), one per strap, each consisting of a traction force sensor advantageously supplemented by an accelerometer and a gyroscope. Each measuring element is positioned between the bit or bridle and the strap, or on a section of the strap between the bit or bridle and the rider's hand or the fixed point, by means of a fastening device, advantageously consisting of eyelets at the ends of the force sensor.The measurement data can be recorded on the measuring elements or transmitted wirelessly to a device or computer, among other things.

Description

Title of the invention: Device for measuring the pressure exerted on the mouth or muzzle of the horse

[0001] Since the beginning of the 21st century, animal welfare has been increasingly taken into account. To address certain concerns regarding the work and behavior of horses during work or competition, it appears necessary to provide a solution aimed at obtaining factual data, particularly concerning the pressure exerted on the horse's mouth or muzzle by the rider's hand(s) or any other training aid or fixed point. This data makes it possible to establish thresholds and acceptable limits, as well as to establish monitoring for educational purposes and to guide progress towards reducing this pressure in order to improve the horse's welfare. The present invention provides a device for measuring the pressure on a horse's head, particularly on the mouth or muzzle, exerted either by the bit or by the bridle worn by the horse in the absence of a bit (or any action on it), such as a halter, side-pull, or hackamore. A pressure point on the horse's mouth or muzzle results from tension applied either by the rider's hand or by a fixed point (on another part of the horse or external to the horse). This tension is transmitted through a strap of any material, including leather, plastic, plant-based materials (e.g., cotton or linen), or metal, and regardless of its elasticity or length. The strap may take the form of reins, training aids, or lunge lines.

[0002] To achieve the above goal, and according to one aspect of the present invention, a device (1) is proposed, consisting of one or more measuring elements (2) corresponding to the mouthpiece (3) or bridle (4) configuration, advantageously with one measuring element per strap (5) (for example 1 or 2 for a halter, 2 for a bridle and 4 for a bridle, i.e. one measuring element per rein).

[0003] Each measuring element (2) incorporates a tensile force sensor advantageously supplemented by an accelerometer and a gyroscope. Each measuring element - either is inserted between a part of the mouthpiece (3) or the bridle (4) and the belt (5) used ([Fig.1]), - either integrates directly into the strap (5) according to two possible configurations: the first configuration by separating it into two parts ([Fig.2]), one attaching to the mouthpiece (3) or bridle (4), the other extending towards the rider's hands or a fixed point; the second configuration by loosening the strap (5) to insert the measuring element (2) at the ends of the area of ​​the belt (5) thus distended ( [Fig.3]).

[0004] The measuring elements (2) have at each of their ends locations (6), advantageously in the form of an eyelet, for attaching a fastening device to the mouthpiece (3), flange (4) or belt (5).

[0005] The measurements can be recorded on the measuring element (2) or transmitted to a device: - either in order to obtain data collection and monitoring over time, - either in order to have real-time values, - or both. Wireless transmission is carried out to a specific device or, advantageously, to a computer, tablet, or smartphone, preferably via Bluetooth. When the device (1) comprises several measuring elements (2), the data transmitted by each measuring element (2) are combined so as to obtain measurements of the entire system simultaneously and advantageously superimposed for each instant.

[0006] [Fig-1] View of the device between the mouthpiece, or bridle, and the belt

[0007] [Fig.2] View of the device integrated into a 2-part belt with mouth or halter

[0008] [Fig.3] View of the device intercalated in a strap with a mouthpiece or halter

Claims

Claims

1. Device (1) for measuring the pressure exerted globally on the mouth or muzzle of a horse, characterized in that it comprises at least one measuring element (2) per pressure point, pressure resulting from the tension transmitted via a belt by the hand of a rider or an attachment point which can be fixed or on another part of the body of a horse;

2. Measuring element (2) of the device (1) according to claim 1 characterized in that it integrates a traction force sensor positioned on the path of the belt going from the head of a horse to the hand of a rider or to the fixed attachment point or on another part of the body of a horse;

3. Measuring element (2) of the device (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that it advantageously integrates an accelerometer and a gyroscope for the purpose of acquiring additional data.

4. Measuring element (2) of the device (1) according to claim 2 characterized in that the measurement data can be recorded on the measuring element (2) or transmitted wirelessly, preferably via Bluetooth, to a dedicated device or advantageously to a computer or smartphone

5. Device (1) according to claim 1 characterized in that when the device (1) comprises several measuring elements (2), the data transmitted by each measuring element (2) are combined so as to obtain the superimposed measurements for each instant.

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