Boot Ankle Guard for Horse Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions to prevent horse discomfort from spurs or riding boots are either cumbersome for the horse or inadequate in protection, as they either require the horse to wear additional devices or expose the horse to potential discomfort.
Innovation Solution
A protective apparatus that covers the area from the heel to the ankle of the rider, secured by an elastic strap and a hook-and-loop attachment, providing a layer of protection between the rider's boot and the horse's body, thus preventing chafing and discomfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If belly wrap or saddle pads are used to cover the horse, then protection from spur contact is provided, but the horse is burdened with additional devices to wear during riding
Solution Approach 1:
The protective function is extracted from the horse and transferred to the rider's boot. The apparatus is worn by the rider on their boot rather than requiring the horse to wear additional protective devices, thereby eliminating the burden on the horse while maintaining protection from spur contact
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus acts as an intermediary protective layer between the rider's boot/spur and the horse's body. This mediator absorbs the potential harmful contact, protecting the horse from direct spur contact while not requiring any modification or additional equipment on the horse
2Object-affected harmful factors
If spur protectors covering the spur with rubber are used, then some protection is provided, but the horse is still exposed to the spur and discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of covering the spur to protect the horse, the invention inverts the approach by covering the area where the boot contacts the horse. The protective apparatus wraps around the boot and ankle area, creating a barrier that prevents the boot and spur from directly contacting the horse's sensitive barrel area
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus uses a flexible, form-fitting cover that wraps around the rider's boot and ankle area. This flexible shell conforms to the boot's shape while providing continuous protection, ensuring that neither the boot nor the spur can directly contact the horse during riding movements
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The apparatus effectively prevents contact between the horse's body and the rider's boot or spur, providing relief and protection for the horse while allowing the rider to wear the boot without additional burden on the horse.
Implementation Method 1
The apparatus may be secured by an elastic strap under the bottom of the boot
Implementation Method 2
a hook and loop attachment or adjustable fastener across the top of the ankle
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus, a system, and a method for protecting a horse from a riding boot or spur is provided. The apparatus comprises a body section having a rear portion which is padded and configured to cover a lower rear part of a footwear item, and the body section is configured to wrap around an ankle section of the footwear item. The apparatus further includes an adjustable closure mechanism configured to close the apparatus and secure the apparatus around the ankle section of the footwear item; and an open top portion, an open bottom portion, and an open front portion, each of which is configured to receive a part of the footwear item therethrough. The apparatus may be worn over a riding boot having a spur, and the apparatus protects the horse from contact by the spur.