SE2130127A1 - Safety head halter for a horse - Google Patents

Abstract

A safety head halter (1) for a horse comprising a strap (2) arranged in an eightshape comprising a nose loop (2a) designed to be arranged around nose of the horse; a neck loop (2b) designed to be arranged around neck of the horse, and a cross (2c) where the nose loop (2a) and the neck loop (2b) meet and that is designed to be arranged below jaw of the horse. The head halter (1) further comprises two side panels (3, 4) each comprising a lower channel (3a; 4a), an upper channel (3b; 4b) and a mid-section (3c; 4c), wherein the lower channel (3a; 4a) and the upper channel (3b; 4b) are elongated and the mid-section extends from the lower channel (3a; 4a) to the upper channel (3b; 4b). Each side panel (3, 4) is designed to extend from the nose loop (2a) to the neck loop (2b) at a respective side of a head of a horse wearing the safety head halter (1). The nose loop (2a) is slidably arranged in the lower channel (3a; 4a) and the neck loop (2b) is slidably arranged in the upper channel (3b; 4b) of each side panel (3, 4) whereby the eightshape of the strap (2) is maintained, and such that when the strap (2) is pulled with a pulling force, the strap (2) slides in at least one of the lower channels and/or upper channels (3a, 4a; 3b, 4b) and thereby extends in a direction of the pulling force.

Description

Safety head halter for a horse Technical Field The present disclosure relates to the field of head halters for horses, and in particular to a safety head halter for a foal.

Background A head halter is normally put on a foal within a couple of days from birth. The foal needs to get adjusted to the head halter, and horse breeders need to leave the head halter on so the young foal can get used to it faster. lt is however common that foals are injured or even killed because of entanglement of the head halter in an external object. The external object may be the foal's own hoof when the foal is scratching its head, or other objects in the pasture, paddock or stable such as fence, cribs, buckets, trees, bushes or stable box walls etcetera.

A conventional head halter for a foal is typically designed according to the physique and needs of an adult horse. A horse's first instinct when it becomes frightened is to escape in panic. lf the foal becomes entangled in an object with the head halter, it will react in panic and try to escape the entanglement by pulling itself away from the object. A foal is physically fragile and does not have closed growth zones. When the foal tries to escape the entanglement, the foal's neck and body might be exposed to pressure that can cause fractures, permanent neck injuries or torn ligaments. Hence, a foal wearing such head halter might break before the head halter does.

There is thus a need for an improved head halter that is designed for reducing risk of injury for a foal wearing the head halter.

Summary Thus, it an objective of the following disclosure to provide a safer head halter than previous head halters for horses such as foals. lt is a further objective to provide a head halter than enables the horse to get loose from an external object that has become trapped between the horse's head and the head halter _ 2 These object and others are at least partly achieved by a safety head halter according to the independent claim, and by the embodiments according to the dependent claims.

According to a first aspect, the disclosure relates to a safety head halter for a horse. The safety head halter comprises a strap arranged in an eight-shape comprising a nose loop designed to be arranged around nose of the horse; a neck loop designed to be arranged around neck of the horse, and a cross where the nose loop and the neck loop meet and that is designed to be arranged below jaw of the horse. The safety head halter further comprises two side panels each comprising a lower channel, an upper channel and a mid-section. The lower channel and the upper channel are elongated and the mid-section extends from the lower channel to the upper channel. Each side panel is designed to extend from the nose loop to the neck loop at a respective side of a head of a horse wearing the safety head halter. The nose loop is slidably arranged in the lower channel and the neck loop is slidably arranged in the upper channel of each side panel whereby the eight-shape of the strap is maintained, and such that when the strap is pulled with a pulling force, the strap slides in at least one of the lower channels and/or upper channels and is thereby extended in a direction of the pulling force.

The safety head halter increases safety for a horse, especially for a foal, as it enables the horse to come loose from an external object that has become trapped in between its head and the head halter. Further, the safety head halter enables the horse to remove the object while the safety head halter remains on the horse's head. When the object becomes trapped in between the horse's head and the head halter, the horse may feel a resistance from moving away its head from the object and tries to escape the object by pulling away from it. When the strap becomes exposed to this pulling force, it will slide in one or more of the channels, and thereby create more space between the horse's head and the strap allowing the object to slide out from between the horse's head and the head halter and thereby releasing the object from being trapped between the horse's head and the safety head halter. 3 According to some embodiments, the safety head halter comprises an enclosing element enclosing the cross. Thereby a leading rope can easily be attached to the head halter.

According to some embodiments, the nose loop is slidably arranged in the lower channel and the neck loop is slidably arranged in the upper channel of each side panel such that when the strap is pulled with the pulling force, the one of the nose loop and the neck loop that is pulled becomes larger, and the other one becomes smaller. Thus, when the strap slides in one of more of the channels, the dimensions of the safety head halter become changed.

According to some embodiments, the strap is made in a single piece. Thus, the strap will more easily slide in the channels.

According to some embodiments, the strap comprises two ends, and wherein the head halter comprises a connecting mechanism connecting the two ends. Thus, the safety head halter can easily be put on and off a horse.

According to some embodiments, the head halter is arranged to fit various sizes of horse heads by adjusting the size of the nose loop and the neck loop by sliding the strap in at least one of the lower channels and upper channels and adjusting the length of the strap with the connecting mechanism. Thus, the size can be changed to fit various sizes of horses and breeds, and especially be adapted to various sizes of a growing foal's head.

According to some embodiments, the lower channel and the upper channel of each side panel are inclined towards each other. Thus, thereby the safety head halter will fit better to a head of a smaller horse, such as a foal. Hence, a tight fit to the horse's head is created. 4 According to some embodiments, the mid-section has a tapered shape. Thus, the mid-section may be adapted to inclined channels.

According to some embodiments, wherein the lower channel and the upper channel of each side panel are arranged along opposite sides of the mid-section of the panel. Thus, the side panels may be easily produced.

According to some embodiments, each side panel is made up of two pieces of material of the same size that are attached to each other making up the mid-section and the lower channel and the upper channel in-between the two pieces of material.

Thus, the side panels may be produced more easily, and become strong.

According to some embodiments, the mid-section of each side panel is rigid and upholds a distance between the lower channel and the upper channel of the side panel. Thus, thereby the safety head halter will more easily uphold the shape of the safety head halter and less easily collapse when the strap is pulled.

According to some embodiments, the lower channels and the upper channels comprise a coating on an inside surface of each of the lower channels and the upper channels for increased friction between the strap and each of the inside surfaces of the lower channels and the upper channels. Thereby the side panels will be prevented, at least to a greater extent, from gliding downwards towards the underside of the jaw because of the weight of the side panels (when not being pulled with force).

According to some embodiments, the strap is made of a stiff material. Thus, the strap may slide more easily in the channels, when exposed to a pulling force.

According to some embodiments, the two side panels are made of a stiff material. Thus, the shape of the side panels is more easily uphold and guides the strap in a desirable direction.

According to some embodiments, the strap is made of leather. Thus, the strap has all benefits that comes with a material such as leather. For example, it is durable, comfortable, environmentally friendly, it adjusts itself after the shape of the horse, does not cause chafing, and has some elasticity.

According to some embodiments, the two side panels are made of leather. Thus, the two side panels have all benefits that comes with a material such as leather _ According to some embodiments, the upper channels are longer than the lower channels. Thus, the side panels will mimic the shape of the horse's head, give the strap a desired direction and thereby fit better to the horse's head.

According to some embodiments, the lower channels and the upper channels have a length between 5 and 19 centimeters, more specially between 8 and 15 centimeters. These are example lengths that will make the strap slide more easily.

According to some embodiments, the head halter is designed to fit a foal. Thus, the head halter is especially adapted for the foal's head that for example has a very small neck and a fragile skeleton.

Brief description of the drawinos Fig. 1 embodiments. illustrates a foal wearing a safety head halter according to some Figs. 2-3 illustrate side views of the safety head halter, according to some embodiments. Fig. 4 illustrates a front view of the safety head halter, according to some embodiments. Fig. 5 illustrates an angled back view of the safety head halter, according to some embodiments. 6 Figs. 6A-6C illustrate a scenario when the foal wearing the safety head halter gets entangled with the head halter in its hoof.

Detailed description ln the following disclosure, a safety head halter for a horse, especially for a foal, will be explained which decreases risks associated with wearing a head halter such as entanglement. Thereby, a safety head halter is provided that the breeder may leave on the foal also when the foal is not supervised, whereby the foal can wear the safety head halter for longer times and thereby faster become accepted by the foal. lf the safety head halter is exposed to a pulling force, typically caused by the horse's movement when it tries to escape entanglement in an external object, the safety head halter will be extended in a direction of the pulling force as the strap slides in one or more channels. The safety head halter may thereby enable the foal to remove the object while the safety head halter remains on the horse's head as there will be a greater distance from the head of the horse and the object which will allow the object to more easily slide out from between the horse's head and the safety head halter.

The safety head halter will now be described in more detail with reference to the Figs. 1 to 6C. Fig. 1 illustrates a horse 30, here a foal, wearing a safety head halter 1 according to some embodiments. The safety head halter 1, hereafter referred to as “head halter 1”, is arranged to a head 20 of the horse 30. The head halter 1 comprises a strap 2 and a two side panels 2, 4 (see Fig. 2). The strap 2 is typically made in a single piece. The strap 2 is arranged in an eight-shape comprising a nose loop 2a, a neck loop 2b and cross 2c. ln Fig. 1, the nose loop 2a lies against the nose bone just above the muzzle of the horse 30 and encircles the nose 21. The nose loop 2b ends below the horse's jaw 23. Thus, the nose loop 2a is designed to be arranged around the nose 21 of the horse 30. ln Fig. 1, the neck loop 2b lies against the neck just behind the horse's ears and further against both sides of the jaw 23 (along the cheeks). The neck loop 2b ends below the jaw 23. Thus, the neck loop 2b is designed to be arranged around the neck 22 of the horse 30. At the cross 2c the nose loop 2a and the neck loop 2b meet. The cross 2c is thus arranged 7 below the jaw 23 of the horse 30. Hence, the strap 2 extends diagonally at the cross 2c between the loops 2a, 2b (as part of the cross 2c and the loops 2a, 2b) below the jaw 23. The cross 2c also defines the end of the nose loop 2a and the end of the neck loop 2b, respectively, although the strap 2 is made in one piece. The nose loop 2a and the end of the neck loop 2b can change size with respect to each other, and the cross 2c is thus only a location along the strap 2 where the strap 2 cross itself. Thus, the nose loop 2a ends where the neck loop 2b starts, and the other way around. The cross 2c is here surrounded by an enclosing element 5 in the shape of a ring. The enclosing element 5 is movable arranged to the cross 2c. The strap 2 is for example threaded through the enclosing element 5. ln alternative embodiments the enclosing element 5 may have another shape that embraces the cross 2c, for example a rectangular, squared or oval shape. Thus, in some embodiments, the head halter 1 comprises an enclosing element 5 enclosing the cross 2c. The function of the enclosing element 5 is mainly for attaching a leading rope (not shown).

The two side panels 3, 4 each comprises a lower channel 3a; 4a, an upper channel 3b; 4b and a mid-section 3c; 4c. Thus, one side panel 3 comprises one lower channel 3a, one upper channel 4b and a mid-section 3c. The mid-section 3c extends (has an extension) from the lower channel 3a to the upper channel 3b. The other side panel 4 comprises the other lower channel 4a, the other upper channel 4b and the other mid-section 4c. The other mid-section 4c extends (has an extension) from the other lower channel 4a to the other upper channel 4b. As seen from Fig. 1, each side panel 3, 4 is arranged on a different side of the horse's head 20 when the head halter 1 is arranged to the horse 30. Thus, one side panel 3 is arranged on the right-hand side of the horse's head 20, and the other side panel 4 is arranged on the left-hand side of the horse's head 20, when seen from the front of the horse 30. Each mid-section 3c, 4c thus extends along a cheek of the horse's head 20. The lower channels 3a; 4a and the upper channels 3b; 4b are elongated. Thus, they have a longitudinal extension that is greater than their transverse extension. 8 Each side panel 3, 4 extends from the nose loop 2a to the neck loop 2b at a respective side of the head 20 of the horse 30. Thereby each side panel 3, 4, connects the nose loop 2a and the neck loop 2b. The nose loop 2a is further slidably arranged in the lower channel 3a; 4a, and the neck loop 2b is slidably arranged in the upper channel 3b; 4b of each side panel 3, 4. Thus, the nose loop 2a runs in the two lower channels 3a, 4b, and the neck loop 2b runs in the two upper channels 3b, 4b. Thereby the eight-shape of the strap 2 is maintained. Further, the nose loop 2a is slidably arranged in the lower channel 3a; 4a, and the neck loop 2b is slidably arranged in the upper channel 3b; 4b of each side panel 3, 4 such that if the strap 2 is pulled with a pulling force, the strap 2 slides in at least one of the lower channels and/or upper channels 3a, 4a; 3b, 4b and thereby extends in a direction of the pulling force. Thus, the strap 2 can move inside any one of the channels 3a, 4a, 3b, 4b, if it is pulled. lf it is not pulled, it will not slide, and should remain at the same place with respect to the channels 3a, 4a, 3b, 4b. As the strap 2 is slidably arranged in the channels 3a, 4a, 3b, 4b, the dimensions or shape of the head halter 1 can change to facilitate removal of an external object from between the horse's head and the head halter 1, thereby making it more “safe” than other conventional head halters. This is particularly beneficial for foals, that with their curious nature often get more easily entangled in external objects. An external object is for example an object that is not part of the head halter 1, for example the foal's own hoof when the foal is scratching its head, or other objects in the pasture, paddock or stable such as fence, cribs, buckets, trees, bushes or stable box walls etcetera.

Referring to Fig. 1 again, one can see that the strap 2 of the nose loop 2a is partly uncovered between the lower channels 3a, 4a at the nose and under the jaw. Thus, parts of the nose loop 2a are not covered in the lower channels 3a, 4a. lf the nose loop 2a for example gets stuck in an object where the nose loop 2a is uncovered, the horse might in panic try to escape the object by for example pulling the head from the object. The horse for example moves backwards, whereby a pulling force will act from the object on the strap 2 of the nose loop 2a where it is uncovered. As the strap 2 is slidably arranged in the channels 3a, 4a, 3b, 4b, the strap 2 will then slide and extend (be prolonged or extended) in the direction it is pulled, thus in the 9 direction of the pulling force. Hence, the head halter 1 becomes extended. When the strap 2 is extended in length at one place, it is reduced in length at another place. For example, if the nose loop 2a is pulled at the nose of the horse 30, where the nose loop 2a is uncovered, this part of the strap 2 will extend and other parts of the strap 2 are reduced in length to some extent. For example, the strap 2 of the nose loop 2a below the jaw 23 becomes reduced as the lower channels 3a, 4a will become closer to the cross 2c, and/or the neck loop 2b becomes reduced as strap 2 slides and tightens the neck loop 2b. The strap 2 may thus also slide in the enclosing element 5 that embraces the cross 2c. Thus, in some embodiments, the nose loop 2a is slidably arranged in the lower channel 3a; 4a and the neck loop 2b is slidably arranged in the upper channel 3b; 4b of each side panel 3, 4 such that when the strap 2 is pulled with the pulling force, the one of the nose loop 2a and the neck loop 2b that is pulled becomes larger, and the other one becomes smaller. The sliding is facilitated by the side panels 3, 4 as they strive to maintain the eight- shape and the distance between the nose loop 2a and the neck loop 2b and counteracts any collapse of the head halter 1. The side panels 3, 4 thereby rigidly upholds the channels 3a, 4a, 3b, 4b to slide in and do not create any disadvantageous relation between the strap 2 and the channels 3a, 4a, 3b, 4b, such as edges or similar, that might obstruct the sliding of the strap 2 in the channels 3a, 4a, 3b, 4b. As should be understood, the strap 2 may be pulled at any place along its extension and create similar reaction. For example, the strap 2 may be pulled by pulling any of the nose loop 2a, the neck loop 2b, the cross 2c and any of the side panels 3, 4.

Furthermore, the head halter 1 is easily put on or off the horse's head 20. The strap 2 comprises two ends, and the head halter 1 comprises a connecting mechanism 6 connecting the two ends. By opening the connecting mechanism 6, the head halter 1 can be put on or removed from the horse's head 20. The connecting mechanism 6 for example comprises a buckle arranged to one end of the strap 2 that engages with mating holes at the other end of the strap 2. The other end of the strap 2 is further kept in place by hobs 8 (Fig. 2). Further, in some embodiments, the head halter 1 is arranged to fit various sizes of horse heads. By adjusting the lO size of the nose loop 2a and the neck loop 2b by sliding the strap 2 in at least one of the lower channels and upper channels 3a, 4a; 3b, 4b and adjusting the length of the strap 2 with the connecting mechanism 6, the head halter 1 is easily adjusted to different horse head's sizes. This is especially beneficial for the growing foal, as the size of the head halter 1 can be adjusted to fit the foal as it grows. The need to buy several head halters in different sizes for the same foal, or having the foal wearing an often too large head halter that may cause injury, is thereby removed. The foal may thus wear the safety head halter for a longer time.

Fig. 2 is illustrating the head halter 1 in isolation. The same references numbers are used throughout the description for the same features and will not be repeated. As can be seen from the figures, each side panels 3, 4 has a tapered shape along the cheeks and towards the lower part of the jaw 23 of the horse. Especially, the lower channel 3a; 4a and the upper channel 3b; 4b of each side panel 3, 4 are inclined towards each other. As the channels are inclined, the head halter 1 is adapted to the anatomy of the horse's head and thereby fit more snugly to the horse's head. The risk of an object getting caught in between the head and the head halter 1 is thereby decreased. Hence, a compact and functional design is obtained, together with a comfortable fit to the horse's head. ln Fig. 2, hatched lines are aligned with a longitudinal extension of each channel of a side panel, here the side panel 3 at the right-hand side seen in a front view when arranged to a horse is illustrated. Thus, the hatched lines illustrate directions of the channels. An angle oi indicates the angle between the hatched lines, and thus the angle between the lower channel 3a and the upper channel 3b of the side panel 3. The angle oi is typically between 209 to 409, more preferably between 25 9 and 35 9. ln one embodiment, the angle oi is n 309. The same applies for the other side panel 4. The angle oi is chosen so the head halter 1 will stay in a desired position on the foal's neck 22 and nose 21 when arranged to the foal's head 20. For example, the neck loop 2b will stay at the neck 22 of the foal 30 just behind the ears. Thus, it will not slide down the neck 22 of the foal 30 (a foal 30 does not have a neck as marked as an adult horse). The mid- section 3c, 4c of each side panel 3, 4 here also has a tapered shape, as it is arranged between the lower channel 3a, 4a, and the upper channel 3b, 4b, ll respectively. Thus, here the lower channel 3a; 4a and the upper channel 3b; 4b of each side panel 3, 4 are arranged along opposite sides of the mid-section 3c; 4c of the panel 3, 4. The lower channel 3a; 4a and the upper channel 3b; 4b of each side panel 3, 4 thus defines edges of each side panel 3, 4, respectively. Alternatively, the mid-section 3c, 4c may have a larger longitudinal extension and the lower channel 3a; 4a and the upper channel 3b; 4b of each side panel 3, 4 may be arranged on an outer surface of the mid-section 3c, 4c. The upper channels 3b; 4b are typically longer than the lower channels 3a; 4a. The upper channels 3b; 4b are for example between 2 and 5 centimeters longer than the lower channels 3a; 4a. This relation corresponds to the shape of the horse's head; thus the cheek part is larger than the nose part, and the head halter 1 will fit better in place on the horse's head 20. The neck loop 2b will also be guided to a greater extent in a desired direction and thus more easily be held in place on the neck of the horse. The lower channels 3a; 4a and the upper channels 3b; 4b have a length between 5 and 19 centimeters. ln some embodiments, the lower channels 3a; 4a and the upper channels 3b; 4b have a length between 8 and 15 centimeters. ln some embodiments, the lower channels 3a; 4a are between 5 and 12 centimeters, for example between 8 and 11 centimeters. ln some embodiments, the upper channels 3b; 4b are between 9 and 19 centimeters, for example between 12 and 15 centimeters. ln some embodiments, the channels 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b have an outer width of between 2 and 4 centimeters, for example between 2.5 and 3.5 centimeters. ln some embodiments, the channels 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b have an inner width of between 1.5 and 3 centimeters, for example between 1.5 and 2 centimeters. ln some embodiments, the strap 2 has a length of between 100 to 200 centimeters, for example between 140 and 150 centimeters. ln some embodiments, the strap 2 has a width between 1 and 3 centimeters, for example between 1.5 and 2 centimeters, in some embodiment 2 centimeters. ln some embodiments, the strap 2 has a thickness of between 0.2 and 0.5 centimeters, for example between 0.3 and 0.4 centimeters. Of course, the dimensions of the strap 2 and the dimensions of the channels 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b are adapted to each other, such that desired behavior of the head halter 1 will be obtained. These measures typically depend on the breed or type of horse, thus a breed like Shire would typically need a head halter with 12 dimensions from an upper scale of the mentioned measures, and a breed like Falabella would need a head halter with dimensions from a lower scale of the mentioned measures. Horses that may be referred to as sport horses or race horses such as warmblood or thoroughbreds may need a head halter with dimensions from a middle scale of the mentioned measures, typically indicated in the above dimensions by the smaller (smallest) ranges.

As can be seen from Fig. 2, each mid-section 3c, 4c extends between the lower channel 3a, 4a and the upper channel 3b, 4b, respectively. Thus, each mid-section 3c, 4c extends (has an extension) from the lower channel 3a, 4a to the upper channel 3b, 4b, respectively. “d” generally denotes the longitudinal extension of the mid-section 3c, 4c. This longitudinal extension is for example between 10 and 22 centimeters. The longitudinal extension is aligned with the longitudinal extension of the horse's head 20. The longitudinal extension of the mid-section 3c, 4c varies and is greater between an upper end of a lower channel 3a, 3b and an upper end of the upper channel 3b, 4b (respectively), than between a lower end of the lower channel 3a, 4a and a lower end of the upper channel 3b, 4b (respectively). This because the channels are inclined. A lower end is closer to the ground than an upper end of the same channel, when arranged to a horse's head. Each mid-section 3c, 4c has a transversal extension, a width, denoted w that is perpendicular to the longitudinal extension d. The transversal extension is aligned with a transversal extension of the horse's head 20 (e.g. along a line from below the jaw to the nose bone of the horse), that is perpendicular to the longitudinal extension of the horse's head 20 (along a line from the mule to the neck of the horse). Each side panel 3, 4 has a tapered waist along its longitudinal extension d from the lower channel 3a, 4a and the lower channel 3b, 4b to the center of the side panel 3, 4, respectively. A smallest width w of the waist is typically between 2 and 8 centimeters, for example between 3 and 4 centimeters. This design is shaped to fit ideally to the anatomy of the horse and to not disturb the horse when the head halter 1 is arranged to the horse (for example block the eyesight). Alternatively, each side panel 3, 4 has a larger transversal extension where the width w is made greater. A wider waist makes the side panel 3, 4 more rigid. 13 ln some embodiments, each side panel 3, 4 is made up of two pieces of material of the same size that are attached to each other making up the mid-section 3c, 4c, and the lower channel 3a; 4a and the upper channel 3b; 4b in-between the two pieces of material. The pieces of material are typically sewed to each other, whereby sewed lines delimits the channels. ln alternative embodiments, the midsection 3c, 4c is made of one piece of material, and the lower channel 3a, 4a and the upper channel 3b, 4b are attached to the midsection 3c, 4c, or made up of side parts of the mid-section 3c, 4c. ln some embodiments, each side panel 3, 4 has a thickness corresponding to twice the thickness of the strap 2. ln some embodiments, each side panel 3, 4 has a thickness between 0.4 to 1 centimeter.

The head halter 1 may be made of the same or different material for the different parts of the head halter. The head halter 1 is preferably made of a durable material. ln one embodiment, the strap 2 and/or the side panels 3, 4 are made of a stiff material. The material is for example leather. ln other embodiments, the material may be a synthetic material, such as synthetic fibers or nylon. Thus, when the strap 2 is pulled, it will be extended/prolonged as it slides in one or more channels. The strap 2 will thus retain its original length and will not be extended/prolonged because of elasticity. Hence, after the strap 1 has been pulled, the head halter 1 can be corrected to its original shape by sliding the strap 1 in the channels.

As explained, the strap 2 is slidably arranged in the channels 3a; 3b; 4a; 4b. ln some embodiments, friction between the strap 2 and an inside surface of the channels 3a; 3b; 4a; 4b is increased by providing the strap 2 and/or the inside surface of the channels 3a; 3b; 4a; 4b with a coating that increases friction therebetween. Thus, slip resistance is increased. Thereby the side panels 3, 4 will be, or at least to a greater extent will be, prevented from gliding down along the nose loop 2a and neck loop 2b towards the cross 2c because of the weight of the side panels 3, 4. However, the strap 2 is still free to slide in the channels 3a; 3b; 4a; 4b when pulled with a pulling force. The pulling force needs to be greater than the friction force created between the inside of a channel 3a; 3b; 4a; 4b and the 14 strap 2 to cause the strap 2 to slide inside the same channel. The coating may be provided as a friction creating surface or material. The coating may be for example be polymer-based, such as latex milk, or rubber. Thus, in some embodiments, the lower channels and the upper channels 3a, 3b; 4a, 4b comprises a coating on an inside surface of each of the lower channels and the upper channels 3a, 3b; 4a, 4b for increased friction between the strap 2 and each of the inside surface of the lower channels and the upper channels 3a, 3b; 4a, 4b.

Figs. 3, 4 and 5 illustrates a side view, a front view and an angled back view of the head halter 1, respectively.

Figs. 6A, 6B and 6C illustrate a scenario when a foal 30 becomes entangled with its hoof in its own head halter 1 and thereafter comes loose. As seen in Fig. 1, the foal 30 wants to scratch its head with one of its back hoof's and moves the hoof towards the head. The direction of the hoof when it is moved towards the head is indicated with the arrow However, the foal 30 becomes stuck in between the strap 2 and the head with its hoof in an uncovered part of the neck loop 2b, as illustrated in Fig. 6B, and starts pulling its hoof to make the hoof come loose from the head halter 1. A direction of a pulling force is indicated with an arrow “F” that the foal 30 use when trying to pull away its hoof is illustrated with an arrow. The hoof is thus moved in the direction of the arrow The strap 2 thus becomes exposed to this pulling force. As the foal 30 pulls its hoof with the pulling force F, the strap 2 of the uncovered part of the neck loop 2b is extended (is prolonged/expanded) in the direction of the pulling force F, thus in the direction the foal 30 pulls its hoof, as the strap 2 slides in at least the upper channels 3b, 4b. The distance between the strap 2 and the foal's head then increases and allows the hoof to more easily come loose from between the foal's head and the head halter 1 as the foal 30 can move the hoof more easily in the increased space created between the horse's head and the strap 2. After the head halter 1 has been expanded, the foal moves the hoof obliquely upwards-backwards in the direction of the arrow in its attempts to loosen the hoof, and as the distance between the strap 2 and the foal's head has increased the hoof comes loose. The foal then lowers its hoof towards the ground, in a direction illustrated with the arrow The expansion of the head halter 1 may remain until the breeder corrects the head halter 1 by pulling back the strap 2.

The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described preferred embodiments. Various alternatives, modifications and equivalents may be used. Therefore, the above embodiments should not be taken as limiting the scope of the disclosure, which is defined by the appending claims.

Claims (19)

2. 2. A safety head halter (1) for a horse comprising: a strap (2) arranged in an eight-shape comprising a nose loop (2a) designed to be arranged around nose of the horse; a neck loop (2b) designed to be arranged around neck of the horse, and a cross (2c) where the nose loop (2a) and the neck loop (2b) meet and that is designed to be arranged below jaw of the horse, and two side panels (3, 4) each comprising a lower channel (3a; 4a), an upper channel (3b; 4b) and a mid-section (3c; 4c), wherein the lower channel (3a; 4a) and the upper channel (3b; 4b) are elongated and the mid-section extends from the lower channel (3a; 4a) to the upper channel (3b; 4b); wherein each side panel (3, 4) is designed to extend from the nose loop (2a) to the neck loop (2b) at a respective side of a head of a horse wearing the safety head halter (1 ), and wherein the nose loop (2a) is slidably arranged in the lower channel (3a; 4a) and the neck loop (2b) is slidably arranged in the upper channel (3b; 4b) of each side panel (3, 4) whereby the eight-shape of the strap (2) is maintained, and such that when the strap (2) is pulled with a pulling force, the strap (2) slides in at least one of the lower channels and/or upper channels (3a, 4a; 3b, 4b) and thereby extends in a direction of the pulling force.
3. 3. The head halter (1) according to claim 1, comprising an enclosing element (5) enclosing the cross (2c).
4. 4. The head halter (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the nose loop (2a) is slidably arranged in the lower channel (3a; 4a) and the neck loop (2b) is slidably arranged in the upper channel (3b; 4b) of each side panel (3, 4) such that when the strap (2) is pulled with the pulling force, the one of the nose loop (2a) and the neck loop (2b) that is pulled becomes larger, and the other one becomes smaller.4. The head halter (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the strap (2) is made in a single piece.
5. 5. The head halter (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the strap (2) comprises two ends, and wherein the head halter (1) comprises a connecting mechanism (6) connecting the two ends.
6. 6. The head halter (1) according to claim 5, wherein the head halter (1) is arranged to fit various sizes of horse heads by adjusting the size of the nose loop (2a) and the neck loop (2b) by sliding the strap (2) in at least one of the lower channels and upper channels (3a, 4a; 3b, 4b) and adjusting the length of the strap (2) with the connecting mechanism (6).
7. 7. The head halter (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lower channel (3a; 4a) and the upper channel (3b; 4b) of each side panel (3, 4) are inclined towards each other.
8. 8. The head halter (1) according to claim 7, wherein the mid-section (3c, 4c) has a tapered shape.
9. 9. The head halter (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lower channel (3a; 4a) and the upper channel (3b; 4b) of each side panel (3, 4) are arranged along opposite sides of the mid-section (3c; 4c) of the panel (3, 4).
10. 10.The head halter (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each side panel (3, 4) is made up of two pieces of material of the same size that are attached to each other making up the mid-section (3c, 4c) and the lower channel (3a; 4a) and the upper channel (3b; 4b) in-between the two pieces of material.
11. 11.The head halter (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the mid-section (3c, 4c) of each side panel (3, 4) is rigid and upholds a distance between the lower channel (3a; 4a) and the upper channel (3b; 4b) of the side panel (3, 4).
12. 12.The head halter (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lower channels and the upper channels (3a, 3b; 4a, 4b) comprises a coating on an inside surface of each of the lower channels and the upper channels (3a, 3b; 4a, 4b) for increased friction between the strap (2) and each of the inside surfaces of the lower channels and the upper channels (3a, 3b; 4a, 4b).
13. 13.The head halter (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the strap (2) is made of a stiff material.
14. 14.The head halter (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the two side panels (3, 4), are made of a stiff material.
15. 15.The head halter (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the strap (2) is made of leather.
16. 16.The head halter (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the two side panels (3, 4), are made of leather.
17. 17.The head halter (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the upper channels (3b; 4b) are longer than the lower channels (3a; 4a).
18. 18.The head halter (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lower channels (3a; 4a) and the upper channels (3b; 4b) have a length between 5 and 19 centimeters, more specially between 8 and 15 centimeters.
19. 19.The head halter (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the head halter (1) is designed to fit a foal.