NO20190652A1

NO20190652A1 - Bridle for horse

Info

Publication number: NO20190652A1
Application number: NO20190652A
Authority: NO
Inventors: Pernille Venemyr Hansen
Original assignee: Pernille Design Pernille Venemyr Hansen
Priority date: 2019-05-22
Filing date: 2019-05-22
Publication date: 2020-11-23
Also published as: NO345498B1

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention regards a bridle for a horse, and more particularly a bridle that is comfortable to wear while at the same time making it easy for the rider to communicate instructions to the horse.

BACKGROUND

Bridles for horses has not changed much since mediaeval times. There are images of horses on the Bayeux tapestry with bridles that are much the same as the ones used today.

A bridle is one of the most important part of the equipment fitted on a horse. It is the main source for communication between the rider and the horse since the rider uses the bridle not only to steer the horse, but also to stop it.

A typical bridle is made up of six parts and the reins. A crownpiece, a browband, two cheekpieces, a throatlatch, a noseband and two reins. The different parts are usually connected with buckles to allow for individual adjustments to each horse.

A problem with typical bridles are the positioning of the individual parts. The traditional positioning tends to put pressure on vital nerve centres in the horse’s head, but they can also be placed dangerously close to their eyes and put harmful pressure on the horse’s nostrils and on the horse’s teeth and gums.

A rider can usually tell when the bridle starts to cause discomfort to the horse due to the horse’s tendency to push its head down when tacking up. Another sign that the bridle may discomfort a horse is when it starts to shake its head both side to side, but also up and down. It is particularly shaking of the head up and down that can be a sign of a bridle chafing on the skin and putting hurtful pressure on the nerves and teeth. The shaking of the head can be a sign that the bridle is chafing its skin or that it pushes at the nerve centres around the nose, eyes or ears giving the horse a tingling feeling.

From top of the horse’s head, the bridle comprises of a crownpiece and a browband. The crownpiece goes over the horse's head just behind the animal's ears, at the poll.

It is the main strap that holds the remaining parts of the bridle in place. The crownpiece runs through the browband. The browband runs from just under one ear of the horse, across the forehead, to just under the other ear. It was originally there to prevent the bridle from sliding behind the poll onto the upper neck. However, the browband has almost no real function in modern bridles and is mostly there for decorative purposes.

Because of the positioning of the crownpiece and the browband, the horse’s ears are wedged between these two parts of the bridle. The horse’s ears and hearing are one of its most important senses since they use them actively to listen for predators and to communicate, hence there are therefore large nerve centres situated around and below the ears both for listening, but also for moving the ears. The crownpiece and the browband put pressure on these nerve centres causing discomfort to the horse, but they can also restrict the movement of the ears.

The cheekpieces on most bridles are attached to either side of the crownpiece and run down the side of the horse's face, along the cheekbone and attach to the bit rings. The cheekpieces are usually placed close to the horse’s eyes risking hurting the eyes if the bridle moves or the horse shakes its head. Further, the cheekpieces run along the cheek of the horse which is a sensitive area due to the horse’s teeth running parallel with the cheekpieces. This can create pressure and chafing to the horse’s skin, but also its teeth and gums.

The noseband is the part that encircles the nose and jaw of the horse. It is often used to keep the horse’s mouth closed, or to attach other pieces of equipment. These parts are placed over the nerves around the nasal region, and in some cases, it is even placed partly over the horse’s nasal cavity, restricting air flow.

To overcome the problems with chafing the skin, padding has been put on the crownpiece and part of the noseband. However, the straps are still placed over the same parts of the head and they still press on the same nerve centres although less so. In some cases, a different bridle like e.g. a bitless bridle can be used. This may help in solving parts of the problem, but it by no means solve the main problem which is that the bridles still put pressure on the same areas around the ears and eyes of the head due to their similarities in design.

In GB2514811A there is described a bridle where the browband is removed and the crownpiece is moved down on the horse’s neck. This also ensures that the cheekpieces are placed lower on the horse’s head away from the sensitive areas around the teeth and gums. However, this solution does not solve the problem with the noseband pressing on the nerve centres around the horse’s nose.

DE 202015105875 U1 present a solution where the noseband is placed away from the horse’s nerve centres around the nose. However, the crownpiece is placed high up on the horse’s poll.

None of the solutions solve all the problems mentioned above. They can also be unstable, and it is hard for the rider to control the horse using the reins. It is therefore an object of the present invention to solve these problems while still making a stable bridle which makes it easy for the rider to control the horse.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is set forth and characterized in the independent claims, while the dependent claims describe other characteristics of the invention.

The present invention is described by a bridle for a horse comprising two opposing cheekpieces, a noseband and a crownpiece wherein each cheekpiece has a first, and a second attachment point wherein the second attachment point is connected to one end of the crownpiece and the second attachment point is connected to the other end of the crownpiece. Further a third connection point connects the cheekpiece to the noseband.

Further, both cheekpieces has a bit strap which is connected at one end to the cheekpiece and at the other end to a bit ring and wherein the bit strap is a belt fastened to itself with a buckle and the belt goes through a bit ring and a ring in the cheekpiece.

Also, a browband can be connected at each end to the crownpiece wherein the browband is configured to be adjusted along the crownpiece by using loops at each end of the browband through which the crownpiece is guided.

The bridle can further comprise a lower noseband going from the top of the nose and around the jaw of the horse.

Further, the noseband and the two cheekpieces can be made up of one section. This makes it easier to place the noseband correctly above the nose and below.

The crownpiece is placed below the poll of the horse. This allows for a more comfortable wearing position since the crownpiece is not around the nerves in the ear region. Further, if the crownpiece is further down the neck, it is easier to get the cheekpieces to sit correctly below the row of teeth and the gums.

The noseband is placed above the nasal cavity of the horse, but below the point where it is visible for the horse. This ensures no discomfort since the noseband is not pushing on the nerve centres, and no restriction of air flow. Further the noseband and the cheekpieces is not limiting the horse’s eyesight.

The lower part of the crownpiece on either side is attached to the cheekpieces on the opposing side. This means that the cheekpieces are crossed under the throat of the horse ensuring that the bridle sits firmly, stable and comfortably on the horse’s head.

Each cheekpiece can have a bit strap connecting the cheekpieces with the bit. The bit strap holds the bit in place. This solution makes it easy to use the same bridle both with and without a bit.

Further, the bit strap and the cheekpieces can be made up of one section for improved stability of the bit.

The problem with the placements of the noseband, the crownpiece, the cheekpieces, the browband, throatlatch, and bit, is solved by moving the noseband higher up, removing the browband completely, moving the crownpiece further down the poll, the cheekpieces further towards the jawline and crossing cheekpieces underneath the throat.

This allows for a bridle that are comfortable for the horse to wear, it does not push on any nerve centres, it does not restrict the airflow, the field of view, or the movement of the ears. And yet it is easy to control the horse and it sits comfortably on the horse. The present invention hence solves the problems mentioned above while still maintaining a sturdy bridle that makes it easy to control the horse.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 is a perspective prior art drawing of a typical bridle mounted on a horse.

Figure 2 is a perspective drawing of an embodiment of the present invention wherein the bridle is not mounted on a horse.

Figure 3a-3e are side views of variations of a preferred embodiment of the present invention wherein the bridle is mounted on a horse.

Figure 4a-4d are side views of an alternative embodiment of the present invention wherein the bridle is mounted on a horse.

Figure 5 is a side view of yet another embodiment of the present invention wherein in the noseband goes all the way around the mouth of the horse.

Figure 6 is a side view of an embodiment wherein a browband is attached to the crownpiece.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Figure 1 is a perspective prior art drawing of a typical bridle mounted on a horse. This bridle comprises a crownpiece 1 going from one side, over the poll down the other side with a throatlatch 6, on either side the crownpiece 1 is threaded through a browband 2 going from one side over the brow, just under the ears to the other side. The throatlatch 6 and cheekpiece 5 are attached to the crownpiece 1 under where the browband 2 is threaded through. The cheekpieces 5 are attached to the bit 4 at the other end. The noseband 3 comprises of one part that goes around the horse’s nose and a strap that goes up along the cheekpiece 5, through the end of the browband 2, over the poll, through the browband 2 on the other side and follows the cheekpiece 5 down to the other side of the noseband 3.

A drawback with this solution is the crownpiece 1 and the browband 2 which are placed just above and below the ears of the horse. Further the cheekpieces 5 are placed close to the eyes of the horse and due to one end being attached to the browband 2 and the other end being attached to the bit 4 via the attachment below the ears of the horse, this solution cannot be used without a bit 4.

Figure 2 is a perspective drawing of an embodiment of the present invention wherein the bridle before it is mounted on a horse.

The bridle comprises a crownpiece 1. This crownpiece 1 is attached at either end to the both the cheekpieces 5. The crownpiece 1 sits over the muscular part of the neck and extend forward on either side of the head towards the jaw of the horse.

The cheekpieces 5 has at least two attachment points. A first attachment point 11 is to the end of the crownpiece 1 at the same side of the horse’s head as the respective cheekpiece 5. The second attachment point 10 is to the end of the crownpiece 1 on the opposing side of the horse’s head. The second attachment point 10 hence extend underneath the horse’s cheeks to the end of the crownpiece 1 on the opposing side of the horse’s head. As an alternative solution a lower part on either end of the crownpiece 1 can be extended over underneath the horse’s throat to the opposing side of the horse’s head and attach to the cheekpiece 5 on the other side of the horse’s head.

The bridle is hence crossed underneath the cheeks of the horse ensuring a comfortable and secure fit.

Each cheekpiece 5 can have an additional third attachment point 13. This attachment point connects the cheekpiece 5 with the noseband 3.

The noseband 3 and both of the cheekpieces 5 can alternatively be made up of one piece of material.

Further, to both cheekpieces 5 there is attached a bit-strap 8. The bit-strap 8 is attached at one end to the cheek-strap. The other end is attached to the bit 4. This solution makes it easy to use the same bridle both with and without a bit.

Alternatively, the bit-strap 8 and cheekpiece 5 can be made up of one piece.

The bit-strap 8, both cheekpieces 5, and the noseband 3 are adjustable. In the solution presented here it is used buckles, but any other means for adjustable attachments can be used.

In this embodiment the noseband 3 also has a lower noseband 7. The lower noseband 7 is attached at the upper side to the noseband 3 and goes around the nose and the mouth of the horse in front of the bit 4. The lower noseband 7 helps stabilizing the jaw. Further, the lower noseband 7 stops the horse from opening its mouth too wide.

Figure 3a-3e are side views of variations of a preferred embodiment of the present invention wherein the bridle is mounted on a horse, similar to the one described in figure 2. This solution presents a bridle with a crownpiece 1, two cheekpieces 5, a noseband 3, and a lower noseband 7. However, the different drawings represent variations on the noseband 3 and the lower noseband 7.

In figure 3a the noseband 3 and the lower noseband 7 is joined at the top. The noseband 3 is attached to the cheekpiece 5 at the third attachment point. The lower noseband 7 goes around the nose and mouth of the horse in front of the bit 4.

The noseband 3 and the lower noseband 7 starts of at the top as a wide strap. The benefit of a wide strap over the nose is that the pressure on the nose is spread out over a wider area. This makes it more comfortable for the horse to wear.

Figure 3b is a solution wherein the part over the top of the nose is narrower, but longer. The top part splits into the noseband 3 and the lower noseband 7 further down the side of the horse’s head than in the solution presented in figure 3a. The benefit of the solution presented in figure 3b is that it makes it easier to avoid the nerve centre around the nostril of the horse if the bridle should move while in use.

Figure 3c represents a solution wherein the noseband 3 and the lower noseband 7 are two separate straps joined at the top. The noseband 3 and the lower noseband 7 can be joined at the top by being sewn together, or by them both being joined by a loop holding them together. This is a simple solution that makes it easier to individually position the straps to fit the horse better.

Figure 3d presents a solution wherein the top part to which the nose strap and the lower noseband 7 is connected is padded 12. This is more comfortable for the horse to wear. Further, in this solution the noseband 3 and the lower noseband 7 is made of one continuous strap in this solution. The noseband 3 is fastened to one cheekpiece in at a first end. The noseband 3 goes from the first cheekpiece 5 through a loop in the top part going over the nose, and from there under the mouth of the horse to the other side of the head and through a loop in the top part on the other side of the head and is fastened to the opposing cheekpiece 5. The noseband 3 can be fastened to the cheekpieces 5 with a buckle either at one end or at both ends. The benefit of this solution is that it is possible to adjust both the noseband 3 and the lower noseband 7 by tightening the buckle at one or both ends and by moving the padded part 12 up and down.

Figure 3e is a solution much like the one described in figure 3a, but the top part placed over the nose is padded 12 and a bit 4 narrower. This is to show that all the solutions for top part, noseband 3 or lower noseband 7 can be padded 12.

Figure 4a-4d are side views of an alternative embodiment of the present invention wherein the bridle is mounted on a horse. In this solution the bridle has not got a lower noseband 7.

In figure 4a it is shown a cavesson which is attached at one end to a first cheekpiece 5. From this first cheekpiece 5 it goes over the face of the horse and is connected to a second cheekpiece 5 on the opposite side of the horse’s head. The cavesson is connected to the first and the second cheekpieces 5 with buckles. Although this is shown in the drawings, this is not a limitation to the solution, any other fastening method can be used. The cavesson is padded 12 and there are rings attached to it. There is one ring at the top of the top part and one ring to either side of the top most ring. These rings can be used to fasten a strap that is used for handling the horse, a lunging rope or regular reins. This is a bitless variation.

Figure 4b is a variation on the bridle shown in figure 3a. here the lower noseband 7 is fastened to the bit 4 on either side of the head. This gives a sturdy bridle while at the same time allowing the horse to fully open its mouth. Further this allows the pressure on the horse’s tongue by the bit 4 to be distributed partly to the nosebridge.

Figure 4c is a solution where the noseband 3 is similar to the one in figure 4a but with a noseband 3 rather than a cavesson. This noseband 3 is also padded 12 to make it more comfortable for the horse. Further this allows for the horse to open its mouth.

Figure 4d is a solution where the noseband 3 is similar to the one in figure 4a but with a noseband 3 rather than a cavesson. This noseband 3 is also padded 12 to make it more comfortable for the horse. Further this allows for the horse to open its mouth. In this solution the reins are fastened directly in the d-rings on the cheekpieces 5 where normally the bit-strap 8 would be fastened.

Figure 5 is a side view of yet another embodiment of the present invention wherein in the noseband 3 goes all the way around the mouth of the horse. However, in this solution the noseband 3 goes around the jaw of the horse behind the bit 4. The benefit of this solution is that the bridle is sturdier than the ones without a full noseband 3, and the horse has limited possibility to open its mouth. In this solution the noseband 3 will also not interfere with the bit 4. The benefit of this is that with limiting the opening of the mouth and the letting the bit 4 rest in the mouth of the horse without any pressure from the lower noseband 7 it is gentler on the gums and teeth of the horse. As an increased comfort to the horse the top part of the noseband 3 is also padded 12.

Figure 6 is a side view of an embodiment wherein a browband 2 is attached to the crownpiece 1. As described above the browband 2 has almost no real use. The browband 2 however, allows for a more personalized impression bridle.

This browband 2 is attached to one side of the crownpiece 1 goes over the brow of the horse and is attached to the crownpiece 1 on the other side. The browband 2 in this solution can be attached to the crownpiece 1 at either end by the crownpiece 1 running through loops at either end of the browband 2. this allows for the browband 2 to be slid up and down over the horse’s brow. The benefit of this is that the browband 2 can be positioned in such a way that it is not putting pressure on the horse’s nerve centres around the ear while still not being pushed so far down that it is in danger of hurting the horse’s eyes or the nerves around the eyes. Another fastening method is by snap fasteners. This allows for the browband 2 to be easily changed to suit.

Although all the solutions presented here is a bridle with a bit 4 attached at either end to a bit-strap 8, the bridle can just as well be used without a bit 4 by removing the bit 4 and the bit-straps 8 attached to the bridle.

Claims

1. A bridle for a horse comprising two opposing cheekpieces (5), a noseband (3) and a crownpiece (1) c h a r a c t e r i s e d i n that each cheekpiece (5) has a first (11), and a second attachment point (10) wherein the first attachment point (11) is connected to one end of the crownpiece (1) and the second attachment point (10) is connected to the other end of the crownpiece (1).

2. Bridle according to claim 1 wherein a third connection point (13) connects the cheekpiece (5) to the noseband (3).

3. Bridle according to claim 1 wherein the noseband (3) and the two cheekpieces (5) are made of one continuous piece of material.

4. Bridle according to claim 1 wherein both cheekpieces (5) has a bit strap (8) which is connected at one end to the cheekpiece (5) and at the other end to a bit ring.

5. Bridle according to claim 4 wherein the bit strap is a belt fastened to itself with a buckle and the belt goes through a bit ring and a ring in the cheekpiece (5).

6. Bridle according to claim 1 wherein a browband (2) can be connected at each end to the crownpiece (1).

7. Bridle according to claim 6 wherein the browband (2) is configured to be adjusted along the crownpiece (1) by using loops at each end of the browband (2) through which the crownpiece (1) is guided.

8. Bridle according to claim 1 further comprising a noseband (3) going from the top of the nose and around the jaw of the horse.

9. Bridle according to claim 1 wherein all the parts of the bridle can have padding (12) and be adjustable.

10. Bridle according to claim 1 can have a bit (4).

11. Bridle according to claim 1 wherein the two bit-straps (8) and the two cheekpieces (5) are made of one continuous piece of material.