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

Abstract

Device (1) for measuring the pressure on the horse's mouth or muzzle exerted by the bit (3) or the bridle (4). Each pressure point results from the tension of the hand or a fixed point (point of attachment on another part of the horse or outside the horse) transmitted by a belt (5) (reins, lunge line, training aid in particular). Depending on the number of pressure points, proportional to the number of belts (5), the device (1) is composed of one or more measuring elements (2), one per belt, 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 belt, or on a part of the belt between the bit or bridle and the rider's hand or the fixed point using a fixing 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, for example.

Description

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

[0001] Since the beginning of the 21st century, animal welfare has been increasingly taken into account. To address certain concerns regarding the work and attitude of horses at work or in 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 reins or fixed point. This data makes it possible to establish thresholds as well as acceptable limits but also to establish monitoring for educational purposes and progress towards a reduction of this pressure to improve the horse's welfare. The present invention provides a device for measuring the pressure on the horse's head, in particular on the mouth or the muzzle, exerted either by the bit or by the bridle worn by the horse in the absence of a bit (or action on it), in particular of the halter, sidde-pull, hackamore type. A pressure point on the horse's mouth or muzzle results from the tension either of the rider's hand or of a fixed point (on another part of the horse or outside the horse), the tension is transmitted through a strap whatever its material, in particular leather, plastic, vegetable (for example cotton or linen), metal, and whatever its elasticity and length. The strap can in particular take the form of reins, reins, working or tethering lunges.

[0002] To achieve the above aim, and according to one of the aspects of the present invention, a device (1) is proposed composed of one or more measuring elements (2) corresponding to the mouthpiece (3) or bridle (4) configuration, advantageously at the rate of one measuring element per belt (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 traction force sensor advantageously supplemented by an accelerometer and a gyroscope. Each measuring element - either inserted between a part of the mouthpiece (3) or the bridle (4) and the belt (5) used ([Fig.l]), - either integrates directly into the strap (5) according to two possible configurations: the first configuration by separating it into two parts ([Fig.2]), one taking attachment on the mouthpiece side (3) or bridle (4), the other extending towards the rider's hands or a fixed point; the second configuration by relaxing 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, used to add a fixing device to the mouthpiece (3), bridle (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 a collection and monitoring of data over time, - either in order to have the values ​​in real time, - either both. The wireless transmission is carried out to a specific device or advantageously to a computer, a tablet or a 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 the measurements of the whole simultaneously, 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 mouthpiece or halter

[0008] [Fig.3] View of the device inserted in a strap with 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.

Images