WO1995020871A1 - Training device for horses - Google Patents

Training device for horses Download PDF

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Publication number
WO1995020871A1
WO1995020871A1 PCT/GB1995/000183 GB9500183W WO9520871A1 WO 1995020871 A1 WO1995020871 A1 WO 1995020871A1 GB 9500183 W GB9500183 W GB 9500183W WO 9520871 A1 WO9520871 A1 WO 9520871A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
fluid
animal
training device
bit
mouth
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB1995/000183
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Peter Lister
Original Assignee
Peter Lister
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Peter Lister filed Critical Peter Lister
Priority to AU15405/95A priority Critical patent/AU1540595A/en
Publication of WO1995020871A1 publication Critical patent/WO1995020871A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01K—ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; CARE OF BIRDS, FISHES, INSECTS; FISHING; REARING OR BREEDING ANIMALS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; NEW BREEDS OF ANIMALS
    • A01K15/00—Devices for taming animals, e.g. nose-rings or hobbles; Devices for overturning animals in general; Training or exercising equipment; Covering boxes
    • A01K15/02—Training or exercising equipment, e.g. mazes or labyrinths for animals ; Electric shock devices ; Toys specially adapted for animals
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B68—SADDLERY; UPHOLSTERY
    • B68B—HARNESS; DEVICES USED IN CONNECTION THEREWITH; WHIPS OR THE LIKE
    • B68B1/00—Devices in connection with harness, for hitching, reining, training, breaking or quietening horses or other traction animals
    • B68B1/04—Bridles; Reins
    • B68B1/06—Bits
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B68—SADDLERY; UPHOLSTERY
    • B68B—HARNESS; DEVICES USED IN CONNECTION THEREWITH; WHIPS OR THE LIKE
    • B68B1/00—Devices in connection with harness, for hitching, reining, training, breaking or quietening horses or other traction animals
    • B68B1/04—Bridles; Reins
    • B68B2001/044—Bridles with arrangements for fluid flow

Abstract

The present invention relates to a training device for a horse. The training device comprises a fluid outlet (13) adapted for placement into the horse's mouth for releasing a supply of fluid directly into the horse's mouth for rewarding or deterring the animal, a reservoir (10) for holding a supply of fluid; a delivery pipe (11) connecting the reservoir to the outlet; and means (20) for controlling the release of the fluid into the animal's mouth. A sugar or salt solution may be delivered directly into the animal's mouth to encourage or deter behavioural aspects of the horse when training.

Description

TRAINING DEVICE FOR HORSES Technical field
The present invention relates to training devices, and particularly although not exclusively a training device for a horse.
Background art
It is known, when training horses for showjumping, dressage- gymkhana events etc. to reward a horse for a good response or good performance by giving the horse a sugar lump or other pleasantly tasting tit bit.
However, it is difficult to carry and administer a supply of tit bits and sugar lumps from a riding position on the horse, since this requires leaning over to reach the horse's mouth, with a danger of being bitten or falling from the horse.
Alternatively, the rider can dismount to reward the horse for a good response to a command, but this is time consuming and inconvenient, and can be ineffective, since the horse may not associate the giving of the tit bit with the good response due to the delay incurred in dismounting and administering the tit bit.
Specific embodiments of the present invention aim to address the above mentioned problems.
Background of the invention
According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a training device for horses or like animals, comprising; a fluid outlet adapted for placement into the animal's mouth for releasing a supply of fluid directly into the animal's mouth for rewarding or deterring the animal;
a reservoir for holding a supply of the fluid;
a delivery pipe connecting the reservoir to the outlet for delivering fluid from the reservoir to the outlet; and
means for controlling the release of the fluid into the animal's mouth.
Preferably, the means for controlling the release of fluid into the animal's mouth can be activated by a rider seated on the animal.
Thus, a rider can controllably administer a reward from a riding position on the animal, without having to lean over and touch the animal's mouth.
This may enable the rider to maintain their riding position, poise and posture, whilst releasing the fluid to the animal's mouth.
Preferably the fluid outlet comprises a bit for insertion into the animal's mouth, the bit having a hollow channel extending along a length of the bit, and terminating in one or a plurality of outlet apertures through which the fluid is released into the animal's mouth. Thus, the reward can be administered directly into the animal's mouth quickly and cleanly. The bit may comprise a one piece elongate member in which the hollow channel is provided centrally along a main axis thereof.
The bit may comprise a two piece broken bit, one piece of the broken bit having the hollow channel provided centrally along a main axis of the piece.
The training device may be adapted for dispersing first and second fluids into the animal's mouth, the second fluid being of a disparate flavour to the first liquid. For example, the first fluid may be a pleasant tasting fluid, eg a fruit juice or sugar based solution, and the second fluid may be a bitter taste, such as a salt solution. This may have an advantage that either a reward for a good behaviour or a deterrent for undesired behaviour can be administered.
Preferably, the reservoir is external of the bit.
Preferably, the reservoir is positioned in use, remote from the bit, and the fluid is transferable from the reservoir to the bit via the delivery pipe. These features may have an advantage that a bulky fluid reservoir need not be placed at the animal's mouth, and the bit need be no larger in dimension than a conventional bit.
The reservoir may comprise a flexible bag which is mountable to a saddle on the animal. The reservoir may be adapted for fitment onto the top of the animal's head, so that the fluid can flow by gravity into the animal's mouth. This may have an advantage of simplicity of operation and low cost.
The reservoir may be squeezable, the squeezing causing pressure on the fluid inside the reservoir, such that the fluid is delivered to the animal's mouth. The means for controlling the release of fluid into the animal's mouth may comprise the squeezable reservoir.
The reservoir and/or delivery pipe may comprise a hollow rein.
The means for controlling the release of the fluid into the animal's mouth may comprise a manually operated pump, or an electrically operated pump. Thus, the reward or deterrent may be effectively administered without delay to the animal on performance of the desirable or undesirable behaviour.
Preferably the pump is operable by a rider of the animal from his or her riding position on the animal.
The means for controlling the release of fluid may comprise a valve.
The delivery pipe may have one end which is attachable to the hollow channel and another end attachable to the reservoir, the pipe being adapted to fit to a bridle which also carries the bit. The reservoir and/or delivery pipe may comprise a hollow rein.
Preferably the training device is adapted for an equine animal, in particular a horse. The invention includes a bit for placement in the mouth of an animal, the bit comprising a plurality of holes to release a solution into the mouth from a hollow channel within the bit, the bit being connected to a flexible tube into which is introduced a solution from a reservoir by a means for means controlled by a rider or trainer of the animal.
Preferably, the means for controlling the release of the fluid into the animal's mouth can be activated by a rider seated on the animal.
The means for controlling the release of fluid is preferably quick to respond to activation by a rider of the animal. Preferably the means for controlling release of the fluid can release fluid within 0.25 to 4.0 seconds of being activated.
The invention includes a bit for a horse, the bit comprising an elongate tube having a central passageway therein, and a plurality of holes for releasing a fluid which may be supplied to the channel, and a connection means for connecting the channel to a reservoir in which said fluid may be stored, the reservoir being positioned remote from the bit. The reservoir is preferably external of the bit.
Description of the figures
For a better understanding of the invention, and to show how the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings, in which:
Figure 1 shows a training device according to a specific embodiment of the present invention. Best mode for carrying out the invention
Referring to figure 1 of the accompanying drawings, the training aid for a horse comprises a reservoir (10) containing a solution to reward the animal, a bit (13) containing a hollow channel (14) and a plurality of holes (15) leading from the hollow channel to the surface of the bit to release the solution into the horses mouth, a flexible delivery tube (11) for delivering the solution from the reservoir to the bit, the flexible delivery pipe being attached to a set of reins (12), to which is also attached the bit (13), and mechanical means (20) controllable by the rider for pumping the fluid from the reservoir to the bit, and for releasing the solution from the bit.
The reservoir (10) may be a flexible container bag which is attachable to the saddle of the horse. In one embodiment, the flexible saddle bag may be operated by squeezing the bag with the riders knee to pressurise the fluid to travel down the delivery pipe (11) and issue from the holes (15) in the bit to deliver the fluid into the horses mouth.
In other embodiments, delivery of the fluid may be effected by squeezing a flexible rubber or plastics bulb (21) to increase the pressure from the reservoir and force fluid down the delivery pipe (11) to the bit.
In yet another embodiment, a small battery pack and electric pump may be provided to electrically pump the fluid from the reservoir to the horses mouth. In this embodiment, an on/off switch is provided to activate the electric pump, and the pump may be controlled, in response to a signal to deliver the fluid, to run for a limited period of time and thereby deliver a fixed amount of fluid. Whilst in figure 1. a straight one piece bit is sh*own, the bit may be of the broken bit type, comprising first and second bit pieces being movably linked centrally, the movable link being inserted into the horses mouth. In this embodiment, delivery pipes may be supplied to either piece of the broken bit, and either piece of the broken bit may have a central hollow passage and fluid outlet for supply of fluid into the horses mouth.
In use, the rider will train the horse to do particular routines, such as found in show jumping, gymkhana or dressage, and if the horse successfully does the routine, the rider will immediately reward the horse by activating the fluid release means, and thereby activating delivery of a pleasantly tasting fluid from the reservoir via the delivery pipe and bit, and into the horse's mouth. The horse will come to associate the correct manoeuvre with the pleasantly tasting reward.
In order that the horse associates the reward with the correct manoeuvre, it is important that the fluid is released with minimum delay in response to an activation of the fluid release means. Typically, a response time between activation of the release means and release of the fluid of between 0.25 and 4 second will provide optimum release of fluid. A response time of 4 seconds may be achieved by a manually operated release means, for example a manually operated group such as the afore-mentioned rubber or plastics bulb. For a quicker response time, eg. 0.25 seconds the electrically operated pump may be used to pump the fluid from the reservoir and through a release nozzle at the horses mouth, in order to quickly reward the horse. Where the horse is being trained to perform a series of manoeuvres, in quick succession, or a complex series of manoeuvres, a relatively quick response time of 0.25-1.0 seconds may be required so that the horse associates the release of the fluid with a particular part of the series of manoeuvres.
For certain training exercises it is important for the rider to maintain his or her posture and riding position. The provision of a fluid release means which is activatable by a rider from the riding position, without significantly affecting the posture or riding position of the rider may have an advantage of allowing training of the horse and rider at the same time, and enable a better performance from both horse and rider working together.
Where the horse is trained without a rider, by being driven in a circular path on the end of a tether, the fluid release means may be remotely activated, either by an electrical switch at the end of the tether or by mechanically pulling a string attached to the fluid release means, to activate the fluid release means.
In a further embodiment, as well as providing a reservoir for the pleasantly tasting fluid, a second reservoir for unpleasantly tasting fluid e.g. a salt solution, can be provided. A second delivery pipe can be provided from the second reservoir to the bit to deliver the unpleasantly tasting fluid to the bit. A separate activation means for the second reservoir can also be provided.
In use of the further embodiment, if the horse performs an undesirable manoeuvre, release of fluid from the second reservoir can be activated, so that the horse associates the unpleasant taste in its mouth with the undesirable manoeuvre, and with time and conditioning, the horse avoids doing the undesirable manoeuvre. Where a desirable manoeuvre is accomplished, the pleasant fluid can be released from the first reservoir by releasing the first fluid release means, so that the horse associates the desirable manoeuvre with a pleasant taste in its mouth.
The reservoir(s) can be adapted to fit on top of the horse's head, so that the fluid(s) can be delivered to the bit by gravity feed. In this case, the fluid release means may comprise one or more simple on/off valves positioned at the bit, or somewhere along the delivery pipe(s).
In another embodiment, the reservoir is flexible, and squeezing of a reservoir by the rider causes pressurisation of the fluid, so that the fluid is squeezed down a delivery pipe into the horse's mouth.
The reservoir may comprise a hollow rein, which also comprises the delivery pipe, so that squeezing of the rein causes the fluid therein to be delivered to the horse's mouth.
The reader's attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.
All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive. Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.
The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment (s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims

1. A training device for horses or like animals, characterised by comprising;
a fluid outlet adapted for placement into the animal's mouth for releasing a supply of fluid directly into the animal's mouth for rewarding or deterring the animal;
a reservoir for holding a supply of the fluid;
a delivery pipe connecting the reservoir to the outlet for delivering fluid from the reservoir to the outlet; and
means for controlling the release of the fluid into the animal's mouth.
2. A training device according to claim 1. characterised in that the means for controlling the release of fluid into the animals mouth can be activated by a rider seated on the animal.
3. A training device according to claim 1. characterised in that the fluid outlet comprises a bit for insertion into the animal's mouth, the bit having a hollow channel extending along a length of the bit, and terminating in one or a plurality of outlet apertures through which the fluid is released into the animal's mouth.
4. A training device according to claim 3. characterised in that the bit - comprises a one piece elongate member in which the hollow channel is provided centrally along a main axis thereof.
5. A training device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised by being adapted for dispensing first and second fluids into the animal's mouth, the second fluid being of a disparate flavour to the first fluid.
6. A training device according to claim 3 or 4, characterised in that the bit comprises a two piece broken bit. one piece of the broken bit having the hollow channel provided centrally along a main axis of the piece.
7. A training device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that a said fluid comprises a solution of sugar in water.
8. A training device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that a said fluid comprises a solution of a salt in water.
9. A training device according to any one of the preceding claims characterised by being adapted for an equine animal, particularly a horse.
10. A training device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the reservoir is external of the bit.
11. A training device according to claim 10, characterised in that the reservoir is positioned, in use, remote from the bit, and the fluid is transferrable from the reservoir to the bit via the delivery pipe.
12. A training device according to any one of the preceding claims characterised in that the reservoir comprises a flexible bag which is mountable to a saddle on the animal.
13. A training device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the reservoir is adapted for fitting onto the animal's head, so that the fluid contained therein may feed under gravity to the animal's mouth.
14. A training device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the reservoir can be squeezed, the squeezing causing pressure on the fluid inside the reservoir to effect delivery of the fluid to the animal's mouth, the squeezing of the reservoir comprising the means for controlling the release of fluid into the animal's mouth.
15. A training device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the means for controlling the release of the fluid into the animal's mouth comprises a manually operated pump.
16. A training device according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterised in that the means for controlling the release of the fluid into the animal's mouth comprises an electrically operated pump.
17. A training device according to claim 15 or 16, characterised in that the pump is operable by a rider of the animal from his or her riding position on the animal.
18. A training device according to any one of" the preceding claims, characterised in that the means for controlling the release of fluid comprises a valve.
19. A training device appendant to claim 3, characterised in that the delivery pipe has one end which is attachable to the hollow channel and another end attachable to the reservoir, the pipe being adapted to fit to a bridle which also carries the bit.
20. A training device according to any one of the preceding claims characterised in that the reservoir and/or delivery pipe comprises a hollow rein.
21. A training device according to any one of the preceding claims in which the means for controlling the release of fluid is responsive to release fluid, within a period of 0.25-4.0 seconds after activation of the means.
22. A bit for placement in the mouth of an animal, characterised in that the bit comprises a plurality of holes to release a solution into the mouth from a hollow channel within the bit, the bit being connected to a flexible tube into which is introduced a solution from a reservoir by means for controlling the release of fluid, said means being controlled by a rider or a trainer of the animal.
23. A bit according to claim 22. characterised in that the means for controlling the release of fluid into the animal's mouth can be activated by a rider seated on the animal.
PCT/GB1995/000183 1994-02-04 1995-01-30 Training device for horses WO1995020871A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU15405/95A AU1540595A (en) 1994-02-04 1995-01-30 Training device for horses

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB9402130A GB2286324B (en) 1994-02-04 1994-02-04 Training device for horses
GB9402130.0 1994-02-04

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO1995020871A1 true WO1995020871A1 (en) 1995-08-10

Family

ID=10749850

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/GB1995/000183 WO1995020871A1 (en) 1994-02-04 1995-01-30 Training device for horses

Country Status (3)

Country Link
AU (1) AU1540595A (en)
GB (1) GB2286324B (en)
WO (1) WO1995020871A1 (en)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US8955461B2 (en) 2009-09-11 2015-02-17 Susan Jane Lloyd Animal training apparatus
US20220315410A1 (en) * 2021-03-30 2022-10-06 Thinline, Llc Horse relaxation device

Families Citing this family (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6546703B1 (en) * 2000-11-13 2003-04-15 Judy Cotter Equine communication enhancement
WO2010105309A1 (en) * 2009-03-20 2010-09-23 Phil Cornell An apparatus for administering oral fluids and soluble solids to an equine
CH705153A1 (en) * 2011-06-24 2012-12-31 Heidi Hall Mors and system to send a viscous substance and / or liquid into the mouth of an animal.
CN103250655B (en) * 2013-05-08 2014-08-13 公安部南京警犬研究所 High jump platform for training police dog

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DE34156C (en) * C. HÜBNER in Berlin, Langestrafse 2a Snaffle bars and curbs for introducing refreshments or medicines
FR476139A (en) * 1914-08-21 1915-07-13 Jacques Marius Jean Thomas Mar Injector jaws
US3837142A (en) * 1973-08-23 1974-09-24 R Hill Horse bit assembly
US4535724A (en) * 1984-08-02 1985-08-20 David Constant V Training and care apparatus for horses
DE9400402U1 (en) * 1994-01-12 1994-03-03 Troppmann Otto Bridle with a bridle

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB1184341A (en) * 1966-01-03 1970-03-11 John Henry Gidden Improvements in and relating to Bits for Horses and Ponies
US4040422A (en) * 1976-03-17 1977-08-09 Akdov Animal Health Care Products, Inc. Animal medication dispenser
SE441126B (en) * 1979-06-15 1985-09-09 Flygt Handel MEDICINE SPOON
GB8311345D0 (en) * 1983-04-26 1983-06-02 Dobson Park Ind Oral administration of capsules to animals
GB2143132A (en) * 1983-07-13 1985-02-06 Gary Michael Reed Equine bit for administering liquids
US5139488A (en) * 1990-08-06 1992-08-18 Syrvet, Inc. Drenching gun

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE34156C (en) * C. HÜBNER in Berlin, Langestrafse 2a Snaffle bars and curbs for introducing refreshments or medicines
FR476139A (en) * 1914-08-21 1915-07-13 Jacques Marius Jean Thomas Mar Injector jaws
US3837142A (en) * 1973-08-23 1974-09-24 R Hill Horse bit assembly
US4535724A (en) * 1984-08-02 1985-08-20 David Constant V Training and care apparatus for horses
DE9400402U1 (en) * 1994-01-12 1994-03-03 Troppmann Otto Bridle with a bridle

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US8955461B2 (en) 2009-09-11 2015-02-17 Susan Jane Lloyd Animal training apparatus
US20220315410A1 (en) * 2021-03-30 2022-10-06 Thinline, Llc Horse relaxation device

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB2286324A (en) 1995-08-16
GB9402130D0 (en) 1994-03-30
AU1540595A (en) 1995-08-21
GB2286324B (en) 1997-12-10

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