Training aid system for horses and use of the training aid system

Abstract

A training aid system for horses, comprising a double lunge (1) and auxiliary reins (2), wherein each auxiliary rein (2) has a first end region (3), for direct or indirect fastening to a fastening unit (5), e.g. a lunging girth, a vaulting girth or a saddle, worn by the horse behind the withers, and a second end region (11), wherein the second end region (11) is permanently or releaseably fastened directly or indirectly to the double lunge (1), is characterized in that each auxiliary rein (2) has a length which allows it to be fastened to the double lunge (1) behind the fastening unit as viewed from the head of the horse. For use of the training system, the auxiliary reins (2) and the double lunge (1) are placed on the horse in such a way that the second end regions (11) of the auxiliary reins (2) are behind the fastening unit (4) as viewed from the head of the horse. This makes it possible to give the horse an unrestricted freedom of movement in terms of the head position when lunging using auxiliary reins (2).

Description

[0001] Training aid system for horses and use of the training aid system

[0002] The invention relates to a training aid system for horses according to the preamble of claim 1 and to a use of the training aid system for training horses.

[0003] The goal when dealing with horses must be for them to recognize humans as living beings, toward whom no harm-avoiding reactions are necessary, and in whose presence they feel safe, even in seemingly threatening situations. This is called trust, and it is the basis of any appropriate interaction with horses. Horses have been herd and flight animals for millions of years. Therefore, the use of horses in competitive sports, riding, driving, and vaulting requires accepting humans as the leader, who is always aware of the horse's natural characteristics and needs and acts accordingly.

[0004] Horses were not born to carry humans on the most sensitive part of their backs or to pull heavy loads, so their mental and physical constitution, including their muscles, must be trained and prepared for this task. Lunging is recommended for this purpose and is recommended for all horses regardless of age or use, e.g. sport horses, leisure horses, driving horses, horses that have not yet been ridden, older horses or horses with health problems, even those following medical procedures, or as a supplement to the training of a riding or corrective horse. Lunging allows horses to be exercised in a relaxed manner, i.e. by minimizing influences such as the weight of the rider and leg aids.

[0005] A double lunge line is preferred, as the use of two reins allows for gymnastic work in all gaits, cavaletti and jumping training, as well as dressage lessons from basic training to collection and straightness. P 2725 where

[0006] 2

[0007] Different strapping techniques make it possible to adapt training to the horse's current level of training. Furthermore, changing hands is straightforward for the lunge leader, eliminating the need to change straps to the other side, as would be necessary with a single lunge. For an unridden horse, learning to hold the reins on a double lunge, similar to riding or driving, and appropriate gymnastics and training of specific muscle groups, will make it considerably easier for the horse to break in later. The rider's weight is eliminated, thus promoting balance rather than further disrupting it.

[0008] The double lunge line is usually detachably attached to a ring on the left and right sides of the bridle, e.g., a noseband or similar device, using a snap hook or similar device. It is common practice to use auxiliary reins in addition to the double lunge line.

[0009] Auxiliary reins are known which have a first end attached to a first fixing point on a fixing device worn by the horse, e.g. a lungeing girth or saddle girth, and a second end attached to another point on the horse, e.g. to a second fixing point on the same fixing device. If the second end is also attached to the fixing device, the auxiliary reins are usually guided so that they slide through a ring on the bridle, e.g. on the bit or in the bit area. This type of fixing is known, for example, from running reins. Alternatively, the second fixing device can be attached to the ring of the bridle, e.g. on the bit, noseband, cavesson or similar. This is achieved, for example, with side reins.

[0010] The auxiliary reins fixed in this way only allow the horse limited head movements and can enforce a position, but this constraint prevents the horse from being psychologically ready and physically able to wait. With auxiliary reins fixed in this way, the horse cannot perform the natural movements of the head, neck and thus the entire musculoskeletal system. For example, a nodding movement of the neck and head is not possible at a walk. A stretching position is prevented. If the horse lets its neck and head fall, it falls behind the reins. A correct longitudinal bend is hardly possible, since every step or P 2725 where

[0011] 3

[0012] A single step causes a backward or sideways jerk in the horse's mouth. Because the auxiliary reins, secured with the techniques described above, do not give, the horse's extremely sensitive mouth may become insensitive or even numb. The horse will back out and fall onto its forehand instead of learning to use its hindquarters for support.

[0013] When training horses, it is important that they find their equilibrium. They should learn to take the load with closed hindquarters and thus carry themselves. To do this, the horse should first come into the stretching position with a lowered neck and arch its back, making it swing. This is the prerequisite or basis for the entire training, regardless of whether a horse is ridden or driven. If the hindquarters become more closed through driving, the horse will move freely and delicately on the reins if the stretching position is correct. This is a form of gymnastics, especially for the neck, back, stomach, and hindquarters muscles. When the horse lets itself relax in this way with closed hindquarters, it is physically and mentally relaxed and full of confidence. It is therefore disadvantageous to try to force this desired state with the rigid side reins described above.It would be desirable if the horse would move into the desired position voluntarily, without stress or excitement, and would approach the reins or hand gently.

[0014] Since horses are flight animals, the restriction of movement caused by the side reins can also exacerbate a panic reaction, such as a startle. Furthermore, the restriction of movement can lead to internal injuries (e.g., to the spine) or even falls.

[0015] Aside from the risk of injury, one could correctly use side reins or similar well-known auxiliary reins by actually making the inside rein slightly shorter than the outside rein each time the rider changes sides. Also, with each change of gait or tempo, the lengths would have to be adjusted to the respective task. Unfortunately, experience has shown that this is not possible in practice. However, it should also be mentioned here that such a conventional auxiliary rein can certainly be justified, especially with P 2725, where

[0016] 4 for this purpose, appropriately experienced trained horses, e.g. when teaching novice riders who often have restless rein control, incorrect aids and balance problems, because it gives the experienced horse trained for this purpose support in the event of incorrect influences from the rider.

[0017] EP 2248762 A1 discloses a training aid system for horses according to the preamble of claim 1 and a method for training horses. The cited prior art discloses providing a noseband with at least one pulley. A rope with the function of an auxiliary rein can run over the pulley, which is buckled as an auxiliary rein in the form of a triangular rein, a running rein, or a side rein. Attaching the pulley to the noseband is intended to distribute the pressure exerted by the auxiliary rein on the bridge of the nose. It is also disclosed to attach a lunge line to a ring of the noseband. In one embodiment, it is disclosed to use the rope as a connecting element between a double lunge line, the horse's mouth, and the lungeing girth or saddle.In this case, the cited state of the art provides for the rope to be secured at one end to the lungeing girdle or saddle, run over a pulley located on the bit, and secured at the other end to the double lunge line. The double lunge line is attached to rings on the noseband, not to the bit. Thus, with this state of the art, the attachment of the double lunge line and the pulley for the auxiliary rein are clearly separated from each other on the horse's head. The attachment of the auxiliary rein to the double lunge line is positioned between the pulley and the lungeing girdle in a manner that clearly limits the horse's head movement, even in the event of a panic reaction.The length of the rope between the pulley on the bit and the attachment on the double lunge line, as well as the length of the double lunge line between the attachment on the rope and the ring on the noseband, is at most 20 to 30 cm according to the drawing. If the horse's head were to be jerked upwards, the attachment between the double lunge line and the rope would quickly reach the pulley and prevent further upward or forward movement of the head. In the worst case, a structure that provides the attachment between the double lunge line and the auxiliary reins could get caught in the pulley and block further movement of the head. P 2725 where.

[0018] 5

[0019] Thus, this state of the art does not effectively address the disadvantages of the auxiliary reins fixed at both ends, as described above.

[0020] The present invention is based on the technical problem of providing a training aid system of the type mentioned above and a method with improved possibilities for training and education for any horse, in particular a new option for action in the event of panic or flight reactions without restrictions of movement and thus without risk of accidents, with the possibility of longitudinal bending of the horse, changes of gait and tempo and also changes of hand, without having to change settings on the training aid system during training or gymnastics.

[0021] The technical problem is solved with regard to the training system by the characterizing features of claim 1 and with regard to the use of the training system for training horses by the features of claim 8.

[0022] Advantageous embodiments arise from the dependent claims.

[0023] Ponies are also considered horses in the sense of this invention.

[0024] With regard to a training aid system for horses according to the preamble of claim 1, it is thus proposed that each auxiliary rein has a length which allows its fixation on the double lunge behind the fixation unit as seen from the horse's head.

[0025] This arrangement allows the horse to be given unrestricted freedom of movement for head movements by a lunge leader, if necessary. The enormous advantages associated with this are explained in detail in connection with the figure description. The required length of the auxiliary reins depends on the horse's physique. Preferably, the training aid system according to the invention is designed so that each auxiliary rein has a length of P 2725 where

[0026] 6 at least 2.30 m, preferably at least 2.50 m, more preferably at least 2.70 m. This means that - depending on the horse's size and the type of buckle - a clearance of 1.20 to 1.60 cm remains on both sides of the horse between the fixing unit and the coupling point which fixes the reins of the double lunge line and the auxiliary reins together, which in turn gives the horse unrestricted freedom of movement for its head position. This offers a considerable advantage over the small clearance of approximately 20 to 30 cm of the auxiliary rein with subsequent blockage according to the above-described prior art from EP 2248762 A1 and the corresponding restrictions for the horse.

[0027] In an advantageous embodiment, the training system according to the invention comprises at least one fixing means for fixing the first end regions of the auxiliary reins to the fixing unit, wherein the at least one fixing means is designed to be variable such that different distances between the respective first end region and the fixing unit can be realized. In this way, the length of the entire auxiliary rein and fixing means can be varied, allowing the same auxiliary reins to be used for different horse body proportions.

[0028] A separate fastening device can be provided for each auxiliary rein. However, it is also conceivable to attach both auxiliary reins to the fastening unit using the same fastening device.

[0029] The training system according to the invention can be designed such that the at least one fixing means is a belt, wherein the belt has an engagement element and at least two engagement options for the engagement element. The entry element can be implemented, for example, by hooking, and the engagement options can be implemented by eyelets.

[0030] The training system according to the invention can be designed in such a way that the auxiliary reins and double lunge are fixed directly to one another, e.g. by sewing.

[0031] In a further alternative, the auxiliary reins and the double lunge line can be indirectly fixed to each other in the second end areas, e.g., by means of a coupling ring. Auxiliary reins P 2725 where

[0032] 7 and / or the corresponding reins of the double lunge can be attached to the coupling detachably by means of separate elements, for example snap hooks, or permanently, e.g. by sewing to the coupling.

[0033] The training system according to the invention can also be designed so that the auxiliary reins and the reins of the double lunge line are visually distinguishable, particularly through different colors. This can – as is clear from the figure description – make lunging considerably easier, for example, for the untrained eye in lessons.

[0034] For use of the training system according to the invention for training horses, it is proposed that the auxiliary reins and the double lunge line be attached to the horse in such a way that the second end sections of the auxiliary reins are positioned behind the fixing unit, as seen from the horse's head. This allows the lunge leader to give the horse greater freedom of movement for the head and neck compared to the prior art. The associated advantages are described in detail below.

[0035] The auxiliary reins and double lunge line can be guided through guides on the fixing unit. These guides can be eyelets or rings through which the auxiliary reins and double lunge line slide. It is advantageous to guide the auxiliary rein and the corresponding rein of the double lunge line, which run on the same side of the horse, through a common guide. However, they can also be guided through separate guides.

[0036] The use according to the invention can also be carried out in such a way that the second end regions of the auxiliary reins, as seen from the horse's head, are arranged so far behind the fixing unit that the auxiliary reins can be yielded over the double lunge in such a way that the horse has unrestricted freedom of movement for its head without the second end regions reaching the guide means. P 2725 where

[0037] 8

[0038] For the use according to the invention, it can be provided that the auxiliary reins are each passed through a guide element provided on the bridle, e.g., a snaffle ring or halter ring, with the double lunge line being attached to the same guide element. A separate element can also be provided for securing the double lunge line.

[0039] In the following, exemplary embodiments of the training system according to the invention and of the method according to the invention are illustrated by means of figures.

[0040] It shows

[0041] Fig. 1 : a horse connected to the double lunge reins and slack auxiliary reins without influence in a first fastening variant with several fixation alternatives and correct self-carriage of the horse,

[0042] Fig. 2: the horse with connection to the double lunge reins and hanging auxiliary reins in a second buckle variant,

[0043] Fig. 3: the horse with double lunge and auxiliary reins in the first fastening variant jumping over an obstacle without hindrance by reins,

[0044] Fig. 4: the horse with connection to the double lunge reins and hanging auxiliary reins in the first buckle variant with lunge leader,

[0045] Fig. 5: the horse with connection to the double lunge reins and hanging auxiliary reins in the first fastening variant with carriage and coachman,

[0046] Fig. 6: the horse with double lunge and auxiliary reins in the first fastening variant in an escape reaction without restriction of movement during a panic reaction.

[0047] Fig. 1 shows a horse with a first fastening variant of double lunge 1 and two auxiliary reins 2. Each auxiliary rein 2 is provided with a first end area 3, which is connected by the left P 2725 where

[0048] 9

[0049] The front leg of the horse is covered, is fixed to a fixing unit 5 via a fixing device 4 that is detachably connected to the associated auxiliary rein 2, e.g., via a snap hook, or permanently connected (only one visible here). The fixing of both auxiliary reins 2 to the same fixing device 4 is also conceivable. The fixing unit 5 is shown here as a lungeing girth, but can also be designed differently, e.g., as a saddle or saddle girth. One of the fixing devices 4 is enlarged in section a) and shown as an example as a fixing strap, which is placed around the fixing unit 5 and to which the first end portion 3 of the associated auxiliary rein 2 is fixed.

[0050] The fixation unit 4 has several engagement options 6, of which only two are provided with a reference symbol here, for an engagement element 7, so that different lengths of the closed fixation means 4 can be provided. This provides a possibility for adaptation, e.g., to different horse sizes, auxiliary rein lengths, or to changed training goals.

[0051] Each auxiliary rein 2 glides through ring-shaped elements on the horse's head, e.g., a snaffle ring 8, as shown in section b1), or a halter, noseband, or cavesson ring 9, as shown in section b2). Of course, the expert is free to devise other options for the auxiliary rein deflection.

[0052] The double lunge line 1 is also secured in the head area, here, for example, via a snap hook 10 on the snaffle ring 8 or halter ring 9 (sections b1) or b2)), through which, in the present example, the corresponding auxiliary rein 2 also passes. The snaffle ring 8 or halter ring thus serve, for example, as a guide element, which can also be designed differently, e.g., with a pulley. The same guide element, here the same ring 8 or 9, does not necessarily have to be used to secure the double lunge line and guide the auxiliary rein 2 through, but this is recommended.

[0053] The reins of the double lunge 1 and the auxiliary reins 2 preferably pass together through a guide element 15 on each side of the horse at the fixing unit 5. P 2725 where

[0054] 10 Second end regions 11 of the auxiliary reins 2 are each fixed to a coupling point 16 on the double lunge line 1, here for example by means of a snap hook 10 (enlarged section c1 )) or by sewing (enlarged section c2)) to a coupling 12 or by direct sewing to the double lunge line 2 (section c3)). Only one of the two coupling points is provided with the reference number 16. In the case of the coupling ring 12 or another element used instead of the coupling ring 12, the respective partial element of the double lunge line 1 is interrupted and the double lunge line 1 and the associated auxiliary rein 1 are sewn to the coupling ring 12 or to the other element or fixed in some other way (see sections c1 ) and c2)).

[0055] In the illustration in Fig. 1, the horse assumes an optimal stretching position. The auxiliary reins 2 hang loosely in a bow and are not taut. The lunge leader (not shown here) can lead the horse over the double lunge line 1 and work as if the auxiliary reins 2 were not present.

[0056] If the horse withdraws from this position, the connection is transferred to the auxiliary reins 2 and the double lunge reins 1 slacken. If the lunge leader asks the horse to resume the stretching position by gently taking up the double lunge 1 with the auxiliary reins 2 in place and the horse complies with the request, the distance between the fixation unit 5 and the snaffle ring 8 or halter ring 9 or another guide on the horse's head is shortened again. If the horse achieves the correct position, the auxiliary reins 2 would slacken again. An optional different color design of the auxiliary reins 2 on the one hand and the reins of the double lunge 1 on the other can be advantageous and help the lunge leader to recognize which type of rein is slack. This can facilitate lunging and in particular the training of the lunge leader.

[0057] If, however, the lunge leader continues to give in because the horse is not yet mentally or physically ready to cooperate, the auxiliary reins 2 would remain connected to the horse despite the double lunge reins 1 being released, and the double lunge 1 between the horse's head and the coupling ring 12 or the connection point between auxiliary rein 2 and double lunge 1 would continue to sag. P 2725 where

[0058] 11

[0059] Thus, the training system according to the invention offers, on the one hand, a clear indicator for correct posture and thus for correct movement and correct gymnastics of the horse, and, on the other hand, a gentle correction option for the horse. The correction should preferably only be applied when the horse is mentally and physically ready. If the horse is not yet ready, the lunge leader can decide to give the horse more time.

[0060] Experience has shown that the collaboration between lunge leader and horse is only optimal when both the human and the animal are thoughtful, and neither the human nor the horse is forced. With the training system proposed here, the horse is repeatedly encouraged to think along and consider whether it wants to continue on the path it has chosen or whether it decides to rebel. All options remain open to the horse when used correctly. Experience has shown that no horse has ever decided not to ultimately follow this path because it senses how good it feels, both mentally and physically.

[0061] Fig. 2 shows an alternative fastening variant in which the first end regions 3 of the auxiliary reins 2 are fastened to the fixing unit 5 on the left and right of the horse in a higher position than in the variant according to Fig. 1. Reference numerals are only shown in Fig. 2 for the auxiliary rein 2 which runs on the side of the horse facing the viewer of the figure. Here too, the band-shaped, length-adjustable fixing means 4, of which only one is visible, are provided. Alternative fixing options can also be used by a person skilled in the art. With regard to the guidance of the auxiliary reins 2 in the head region of the horse and for the fixing of the auxiliary reins 2 to the double lunge 1, reference is made to Fig. 1. The same should also apply to the following figures. Fig. 2 shows a horse that has already been trained in a relative upright position developing from back to front and with increasing carrying capacity, which steps smoothly into the reins.The auxiliary reins 2 are hanging, so that in the situation shown, the lunge leader has contact solely via the double lunge reins, without any influence from the auxiliary rein. P 2725 where.

[0062] 12

[0063] Fig. 3 shows a horse during jumping training over an obstacle 13. During the jumping phase, the horse's movement is not influenced by the auxiliary reins 2 or the lunge reins of the double lunge line 1. A smooth yielding of the back (bascule) and muscles can be seen. The auxiliary reins 2 are largely loose and can be adjusted at any time by the lunge leader, depending on the horse's bascule, simply by tightening or loosening the double lunge line.

[0064] Fig. 4 shows a lunge leader 14 behind the horse working on the long reins. This means that the lunge reins of the double lunge line 1 act on the horse like the reins of a rider. The auxiliary reins 2 are hanging free and, at this moment, do not influence the horse, which moves with a soft, supple, and trusting contact with the reins and an arched back.

[0065] Fig. 5 shows a horse during driving training. The lunge leader 14 is also using the double lunge line 1 as reins for the horse, which also shows a stretched position with an arched back. The auxiliary reins 2 are also hanging loose.

[0066] Alternative fastening techniques are possible in all embodiments illustrated in Figures 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5. For example, the double lunge line 1 and / or the auxiliary reins 2 can pass through guide elements 15 located further down (see Figure 1) on the fixing unit 5. It is conceivable to provide different guide elements 15 for the double lunge line 1 and the auxiliary reins 2, or to use guide elements 15 at different heights on both sides of the horse.

[0067] Fig. 6 finally shows a horse in panic or high spirits with slack lunge reins of the double lunge line 1 and sufficiently slack auxiliary reins 2, which can gently encourage contact without forcing the horse to do anything. P 2725 where

[0068] 13

[0069] List of reference symbols

[0070] 1 double lunge

[0071] 2 auxiliary reins

[0072] 3 First end area

[0073] 4 Fixatives

[0074] 5 Fixing unit

[0075] 6 Intervention options

[0076] 7 engagement element

[0077] 8 snaffle ring

[0078] 9 Halter ring

[0079] 10 snap hooks

[0080] 11 Second end area

[0081] 12 coupling ring

[0082] 13 Obstacle

[0083] 14 longe leaders

[0084] 15 Guide element

[0085] 16 Fixation point

Claims

Patent claims 1 . Training aid system for horses, comprising a double lunge (1) and auxiliary reins (2), each auxiliary rein (2) having a first end region (3) for direct or indirect fixation to a fixation unit (5) worn by the horse behind the withers, e.g. a lungeing girth, a vaulting girth or a saddle, and a second end region (11), the second end region (11) being directly or indirectly permanently or detachably fixed to the double lunge (1), characterized in that each auxiliary rein (2) has a length which allows its fixation to the double lunge (1) behind the fixation unit as seen from the horse's head.

2. Training system according to claim 1, characterized in that each auxiliary rein (2) has a length of at least 2.30 m, preferably at least 2.50 m, more preferably at least 2.70 m.

3. Training system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by at least one fixing means (4) for fixing the first end regions (3) of the auxiliary reins (2) to the fixing unit (5), wherein the at least one fixing means (4) is designed to be variable in such a way that different distances between the respective first end region (3) and the fixing unit (4) can be realized.

4. Training system according to claim 3, characterized in that the at least one fixing means (4) is a belt, wherein the belt has an engagement element (7) and at least two engagement possibilities (6) for the engagement element (7).

5. Training system according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that in the second end regions (11) the auxiliary reins (2) and the double lunge (1) are fixed directly to one another, e.g. by sewing.

6. Training system according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that in the second end regions (11) the auxiliary reins (2) and the double lunge (1) are indirectly fixed to one another, e.g. by means of a ring.

7. Training system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the auxiliary reins (2) and reins of the double lunge (1) are designed to be visually distinguishable, in particular by different colors.

8. Use of the training system according to one of claims 1 to 7 for training horses, in which the auxiliary reins (2) and the double lunge (1) are applied to the horse in such a way that the second end regions (11) of the auxiliary reins (2) are arranged behind the fixing unit (4) as seen from the horse's head.

9. Use according to claim 8, characterized in that the auxiliary reins (2) and double lunge (1) are guided by guide means (15) on the fixing unit.

10. Use according to claim 9, characterized in that the second end regions (11) of the auxiliary reins (2) are arranged so far behind the fixing unit (4) as seen from the horse's head that the auxiliary reins (2) can yield via the double lunge (1) in such a way that the horse is given unrestricted freedom of movement for its head without the second end regions (11) reaching the guide means (15).

11. Use according to one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that the auxiliary reins (2) are each connected to a guide element (8, 9) provided on the bridle, the double lunge (1) being fixed to the same guide element (8, 9).

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