GB2257887A

GB2257887A - Horseriding spur.

Info

Publication number: GB2257887A
Application number: GB9113032A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Michael Stephen Smith; Jane Pamela Smith
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1991-06-17
Filing date: 1991-06-17
Publication date: 1993-01-27
Also published as: GB9113032D0

Abstract

A spur has a multiplicity of resilient protruberances (2) across the face of a flexible and elastic pad (3) forming a stimulation area (1), capable with the use of straps (4), to be conformed in shape and releasably secured to any chosen site on a horse rider's leg or ankle area, for the purpose of stimulating and controlling a horse without injury. <IMAGE>

Description

UNIVERSAL HUMANE PAD SPUR This invention relates to a universal humane pad spur.

Conventional spurs are well known horse riding aids comprising of a rigid or semi-rigid projection capable of being attached to a horse riders boot for the purpose of stimulating and controlling the horse when brought into contact with its side or girth area.

Conventional spurs are, however, considered unsuitable for anyone but expert horsepersons and are capable of injuring the horse if used incorrectly, moreover the siting of such spurs is limited by their construction, restricting their use by certain disabled or handicapped horse riders and do not necessarily take into account variances in rider technique, apparel, stature and physical ability.

According to the present invention there is provided a universal humane pad spur comprising of a stimulation area with a multiplicity of resilient protruberances arising from and distributed across one face of a pad, providing a heavily textured but essentially non-injurious surface with the pad having flexible and elastic properties capable of conformance to the shape of the anatomy or apparel of any chosen site on the leg or ankle or heel or foot or combination thereof of the horse rider. A strap or straps are attached to and extend from one or more ends of the said pad for releasably securing the said pad to any chosen site on the leg or ankle or heel or foot or combination thereof of the horse rider.

A specific embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawing in which : Figure I shows in perspective the pad spur with intgral straps and a fastening device.

Figure 2 shows a section through the stimulation area.

Figures 3 and 4 show the pad spur in two of a possible infinite variety of sitings.

Referring to the drawing the pad spur comprises of a stimulation area (I) with a multiplicity of resilient protruberances (2) arising from and distributed across the surface of the pad (3). Extending from two ends of the pad (3) are integral flexible and elastic straps (4) with a fastening and adjusting device (5) attached, for facilitating fitting the pad spur.

This specific embodiment shows the pad (3), resilient protruberances (2) and the straps (4) as an integral one piece construction from a rubber like material, capable of flexible and elastic behaviour as denoted by arrows (6).

In order to utilise the pad spur, the horse rider chooses the optimum site based on their personal requirements and physical considerations of both themself and the horse. With the stimulation area (I) positioned appropriately, the pad (3) and straps (4) are tensioned, making use of thier elastic properties, conforming the pad (3) to the shape of the chosen site and the fastening and adjustment device (5) is then operated to maintain adequate tension to secure the pad spur.

The pad spur would normally be used in pairs with one sited on each of the riders legs or ankles or heels or feet or combination thereof.

The essentially non-injurious textured surface provided by the resilient protruberances (2) gives the required stimulating and controlling response when brought into contact with the side or girth area of the horse, but is physically harmless if utilised overzealously or incorrectly, thus making the pad spur suitable for horse riders of all proficiencies, including riders of limited physical dexterity or control.

Claims

I. A universal humane pad spur, comprising of a stimulation area with a multiplicity of resilient protruberances arising from and distributed across one face of a pad, providing a heavily textured but essentially non-injurious surface with the said pad having flexible and elastic properties capable of conformance to the shape of the anatomy or apparel of any chosen site on the leg or ankle or heel or foot or combination thereof of a horse rider. A strap or straps are attached to and extend from one or more ends of the said pad for releasably securing the said pad to any chosen site on the leg or ankle or heel or foot or combination thereof of a horse rider.
2. A universal humane pad spur, as claimed in claim I where the strap or straps are integral with and as one piece with the said pad, having the same or similar flexible and elastic properties.
3. A universal humane pad spur, as claimed in claim I or claim 2 with the said resilient protruberances being integral with and as one piece with the said pad, having the same or similar flexible and elastic properties.
4. A universal humane pad spur, as claimed in claim I or claim 2 or claim 3 with a fastening and/ or adjustment device combined with the said strap or straps to facilitate the fitting of the pad spur.
5. A universal humane pad spur, as claimed in any preceeding claim where the material of the said pad or strap or straps has an inherent high coefficient of friction combined with the said flexible and elastic properties to aid in arresting movement of the pad spur from any chosen site on the leg or ankle or heel or foot or combination thereof of a horse rider.
6. A universal humane pad spur, substantially as described herein with reference to Figures I - 4 of the accompanying drawing.