WO2003043413A1 - Device for use in the vehicular transport of horses - Google Patents

Device for use in the vehicular transport of horses Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2003043413A1
WO2003043413A1 PCT/IE2002/000158 IE0200158W WO03043413A1 WO 2003043413 A1 WO2003043413 A1 WO 2003043413A1 IE 0200158 W IE0200158 W IE 0200158W WO 03043413 A1 WO03043413 A1 WO 03043413A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
horse
zones
protective material
transport
horses
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IE2002/000158
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Thomas Peter Macguinness
Original Assignee
White Horse Holdings Limited
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 White Horse Holdings Limited filed Critical White Horse Holdings Limited
Priority to AU2002341350A priority Critical patent/AU2002341350A1/en
Publication of WO2003043413A1 publication Critical patent/WO2003043413A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01K—ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; AVICULTURE; APICULTURE; PISCICULTURE; FISHING; REARING OR BREEDING ANIMALS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; NEW BREEDS OF ANIMALS
    • A01K1/00—Housing animals; Equipment therefor
    • A01K1/02—Pigsties; Dog-kennels; Rabbit-hutches or the like
    • A01K1/0236—Transport boxes, bags, cages, baskets, harnesses for animals; Fittings therefor
    • A01K1/0272—Boxes, bags, cages, baskets, harnesses especially adapted for transport in or on automobiles
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01K—ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; AVICULTURE; APICULTURE; PISCICULTURE; FISHING; REARING OR BREEDING ANIMALS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; NEW BREEDS OF ANIMALS
    • A01K13/00—Devices for grooming or caring of animals, e.g. curry-combs; Fetlock rings; Tail-holders; Devices for preventing crib-biting; Washing devices; Protection against weather conditions or insects
    • A01K13/006—Protective coverings
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01K—ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; AVICULTURE; APICULTURE; PISCICULTURE; FISHING; REARING OR BREEDING ANIMALS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; NEW BREEDS OF ANIMALS
    • A01K13/00—Devices for grooming or caring of animals, e.g. curry-combs; Fetlock rings; Tail-holders; Devices for preventing crib-biting; Washing devices; Protection against weather conditions or insects
    • A01K13/006—Protective coverings
    • A01K13/008—Horse blankets

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a device for use in the transport of horses in a vehicle, such as a horsebox.
  • a horsebox is the most viable method of moving their horses from one location to another, for example, delivering a horse to a customer, bringing a horse to a race meeting or to a show jumping event, respectively.
  • horses are housed in individual sections arranged in a herring-bone fashion along the longitudinal axis of the transporter. This arrangement can lead to specific areas of the body of the horse, such as the shoulder and hip regions on opposite sides of the horse, respectively, impacting on the interior of the section more frequently than any other part of the body of the horse. This can result in injuries to those specific areas on the horse.
  • the main aims of this invention are to prevent injury to a horse during vehicular transport, and to increase the comfort level for a horse during such transport, which, in the case of a horse due to compete in a race or show jumping event, will leave the horse more likely to perform at peak levels. Disclosure of Invention
  • the invention provides a device for use in the vehicular transport of horses, said device being applied to the body of a horse in use and comprising a plurality of protective discrete zones of a protective material positionable over those areas of the body of the horse, which are susceptible to injury caused by movement of the horse during transport, resulting from engagement of those areas with the walls of the transport vehicle.
  • the device is in the form of a cover having said zones of protective material disposed thereon.
  • the advantage of having the device in the form of such a cover is that the zones of protective material prevent susceptible parts of the body of the horse from engaging with any part of the vehicle, thereby lessening the likelihood of injury to the horse during transport.
  • the cover is in the form of a blanket or rug.
  • One advantage of having the cover in the form of a blanket or rug is that a horse blanket or rug of conventional design can be adapted for use in a device in accordance with the invention.
  • a further advantage of having the cover in the form of a blanket or rug is that the cover can be manufactured in accordance with the climatic conditions of the region in which it will be used. In regions having a cold climate, the cover can be in the form of a thick or heat-retaining material. Conversely, in regions having a warm climate the cover can be in the form of a thin or heat-reflecting material.
  • the device according to the invention is in the form of an arrangement of straps having said zones of protective material disposed thereon.
  • the device in the form of an arrangement of straps is that the device can be adjusted in situ, to fit the body of the horse as closely as possible.
  • the zones of protective material are releasably attachable to the device.
  • the zones of protective material can be attached to the device by a variety of means known per se, including a plurality of fastenings, or strips of a plurality of hooks and eyes as sold under the trade mark VELCRO.
  • the advantage of having the zones of protective material releasably attachable to the device is that they can be positioned over certain parts of the body of one horse that are susceptible to injury and over different body parts of another horse that are likewise susceptible to injury, as a result of the device not being supplied with the zones of protective material attached thereon in fixed locations. Where a previously injured horse needs to be transported this device allows a zone of protective material to be positioned over the area to prevent further injury.
  • the parts of a particular horse which are susceptible to injury are also dependent on the particular vehicle being used. Thus, the appropriate protection can be provided for a particular situation.
  • Having a cover with detachable zones of protective material allows the cover to be used as a conventional rug or blanket, when the zones of protective material are removed therefrom.
  • the zones of protective material are in the form of pads.
  • the protective material can be formed of synthetic or natural fabrics or substances, or a combination thereof.
  • zones of protective material in the form of pads are that they can absorb a portion of the force of impact when part of the body of a horse engages with a surface of the vehicle, and prevent the force of the impact impinging directly and in full on said body part of the horse.
  • the zones of protective material can be in the form of fluid-filled pads.
  • the fluid will preferably be air or some other inert gas.
  • the pads can be provided with a sealable two-way valve to facilitate inflation and deflation of the pad to the required level.
  • the advantage of having the zones of protective material in the form of fluid-filled pads is that the fluid will absorb a large portion of the force of any impact between the body part of a horse and the surface of the vehicle, lowering the likelihood of injury to the horse.
  • the zones of protective material can also be comprised of wadding of an impact absorbing material, such as sponge or polyurethane foam.
  • the advantage of having the zones of protective material comprised of wadding of an impact absorbing material is that the wadding will absorb a large portion of the force of any impact between the body part of a horse and the surface of the vehicle, lowering the likelihood of injury to the horse.
  • Fig. 1 is a plan view, from below, of a device for use in the vehicular transport of horses according to the invention.
  • Fig. 2 is a plan view, from above, of the device of Fig. 1.
  • a device for use in the vehicular transport of horses viewed from below said device 10 being applied to the body of a horse in use and comprising a plurality of protective discrete zones 11 of a protective material in the form of perforated neoprene pads 12, shown in dotted outline, positionable over those areas of the body of the horse, which are susceptible to injury caused by movement of the horse during transport, resulting from engagement of those areas with the walls of the transport vehicle.
  • the device 10 is in the form of a cover 13 of lightweight high-strength fabric material having said neoprene pads 12 disposed thereon. The neoprene pads 12 are held in place within pockets 14 attached to the cover 13.
  • Straps 15, 16 at front 17 of the cover 13 fasten beneath the neck of the horse in use.
  • Fastening means 18, 19, located on the straps 15, 16 respectively fasten the straps 15, 16 together.
  • Straps 20, 21 fasten onto corresponding straps 22, 23 (Fig. 2) underneath the body of the horse.
  • Fastening means 24, 25, located on the straps 20, 21 respectively connect with fastening means 26, 27 (Fig. 2), respectively, the fastening means 26, 27 being located on the straps 22, 23, respectively.
  • a zone 28 of protective material in the form of a covered perforated neoprene pad 29, shown in dotted outline, is positioned to protect the rear end of the horse during transport.
  • Attaching means 30, 31 fasten together in use to secure the cover 13 on the body of the horse.
  • FIG. 2 there is illustrated generally at 10, the device for use in the vehicular transport of horses of Fig. 1, viewed from above.
  • the pockets 14 (Fig. 1) which hold the neoprene pads 12 (Fig. 1) in place are attached to the cover 13 by means of corresponding zones 32 of stitching.
  • Adjustable straps 33, 34, 35 are used to connect the zone 28 of protective material to the cover 13 through the use of fastening means 36, 37, 38, respectively.

Landscapes

  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Environmental Sciences (AREA)
  • Zoology (AREA)
  • Animal Husbandry (AREA)
  • Biodiversity & Conservation Biology (AREA)
  • Professional, Industrial, Or Sporting Protective Garments (AREA)

Abstract

A device (10) for use in the vehicular transport of horses is applied to the body of a horse in use and comprises a plurality of protective discrete zones (11, 28) of a protective material in the form of perforated neoprene pads (12, 29), shown in dotted outline, positionable over those areas of the body of the horse, which are susceptible to injury caused by movement of the horse during transport, resulting from engagement of those areas with the walls of the transport vehicle. The device (10) is in the form of a cover (13) having said neoprene pads (12, 29) disposed thereon. The neoprene pads (12) are held in place within pockets (14) attached to the cover (13). The device confers protection on a horse such that the horse is less likely to sustain a new injury or aggravate a current or pre-existing injury during transport and, additionally, the general level of comfort for the horse in transport is enhanced.

Description

Description
Device for use in the vehicular transport of horses
Technical Field
The present invention relates to a device for use in the transport of horses in a vehicle, such as a horsebox.
Background Art
The most common method of transport for horses on land is in a horsebox. For individuals involved in the horse breeding, horse racing or show jumping industries, a horsebox is the most viable method of moving their horses from one location to another, for example, delivering a horse to a customer, bringing a horse to a race meeting or to a show jumping event, respectively.
One of the major drawbacks of this type of transport is the possibility that the horse may injure itself by moving within the horsebox during transport. This occurs quite frequently due to vibration in the horsebox when moving, and the loss of balance experienced by a horse when the vehicle turns sharply. The amount of space within a horsebox is quite confined, and there are numerous bars and panels used to secure the horse and prevent it from falling, and in the case of a double horsebox, to separate the horses.
The type of injuries sustained arise from the impact of the horse against the walls, panels and bars of a horsebox, and the frictional force generated by the relevant body part of the horse rubbing against the relevant part of the vehicle. Although the injuries sustained are not always serious, the horse will most likely be quite distressed on arriving at its destination, and in the case of a horse due to compete in a race or show jumping event, less likely to perform well.
Another common method of transport for horses is the horse transporter, in which a number of horses can be transported together. In this type of transporter the horses are housed in individual sections arranged in a herring-bone fashion along the longitudinal axis of the transporter. This arrangement can lead to specific areas of the body of the horse, such as the shoulder and hip regions on opposite sides of the horse, respectively, impacting on the interior of the section more frequently than any other part of the body of the horse. This can result in injuries to those specific areas on the horse.
At present there are few effective options to protect a horse in transit. Current horse blankets or rugs provide very little impact protection, and similarly low levels of friction prevention.
The main aims of this invention are to prevent injury to a horse during vehicular transport, and to increase the comfort level for a horse during such transport, which, in the case of a horse due to compete in a race or show jumping event, will leave the horse more likely to perform at peak levels. Disclosure of Invention
Thus, the invention provides a device for use in the vehicular transport of horses, said device being applied to the body of a horse in use and comprising a plurality of protective discrete zones of a protective material positionable over those areas of the body of the horse, which are susceptible to injury caused by movement of the horse during transport, resulting from engagement of those areas with the walls of the transport vehicle.
Advantages resulting from use of the device according to the invention include :
the possibility of a horse sustaining injury during transport being minimised;
the possibility of a horse aggravating a current or pre-existing injury during transport being minimised;
the comfort level experienced by a horse during transport being enhanced;
the likelihood of a horse becoming stressed during transport being minimised and;
the likelihood of a horse becoming less reluctant to enter a horsebox prior to transport being increased. Preferably, the device is in the form of a cover having said zones of protective material disposed thereon.
The advantage of having the device in the form of such a cover is that the zones of protective material prevent susceptible parts of the body of the horse from engaging with any part of the vehicle, thereby lessening the likelihood of injury to the horse during transport.
Further, preferably, the cover is in the form of a blanket or rug.
One advantage of having the cover in the form of a blanket or rug is that a horse blanket or rug of conventional design can be adapted for use in a device in accordance with the invention.
A further advantage of having the cover in the form of a blanket or rug is that the cover can be manufactured in accordance with the climatic conditions of the region in which it will be used. In regions having a cold climate, the cover can be in the form of a thick or heat-retaining material. Conversely, in regions having a warm climate the cover can be in the form of a thin or heat-reflecting material.
In an alternative embodiment, the device according to the invention is in the form of an arrangement of straps having said zones of protective material disposed thereon.
The advantage of having the device in the form of an arrangement of straps is that the device can be adjusted in situ, to fit the body of the horse as closely as possible. Preferably, the zones of protective material are releasably attachable to the device.
The zones of protective material can be attached to the device by a variety of means known per se, including a plurality of fastenings, or strips of a plurality of hooks and eyes as sold under the trade mark VELCRO.
The advantage of having the zones of protective material releasably attachable to the device is that they can be positioned over certain parts of the body of one horse that are susceptible to injury and over different body parts of another horse that are likewise susceptible to injury, as a result of the device not being supplied with the zones of protective material attached thereon in fixed locations. Where a previously injured horse needs to be transported this device allows a zone of protective material to be positioned over the area to prevent further injury.
The parts of a particular horse which are susceptible to injury are also dependent on the particular vehicle being used. Thus, the appropriate protection can be provided for a particular situation.
Having a cover with detachable zones of protective material allows the cover to be used as a conventional rug or blanket, when the zones of protective material are removed therefrom.
Preferably, the zones of protective material are in the form of pads. The protective material can be formed of synthetic or natural fabrics or substances, or a combination thereof.
The advantage of having the zones of protective material in the form of pads is that they can absorb a portion of the force of impact when part of the body of a horse engages with a surface of the vehicle, and prevent the force of the impact impinging directly and in full on said body part of the horse.
Alternatively, the zones of protective material can be in the form of fluid-filled pads.
The fluid will preferably be air or some other inert gas.
The pads can be provided with a sealable two-way valve to facilitate inflation and deflation of the pad to the required level.
The advantage of having the zones of protective material in the form of fluid-filled pads is that the fluid will absorb a large portion of the force of any impact between the body part of a horse and the surface of the vehicle, lowering the likelihood of injury to the horse.
The zones of protective material can also be comprised of wadding of an impact absorbing material, such as sponge or polyurethane foam.
The advantage of having the zones of protective material comprised of wadding of an impact absorbing material is that the wadding will absorb a large portion of the force of any impact between the body part of a horse and the surface of the vehicle, lowering the likelihood of injury to the horse.
The invention will be further illustrated by the following description of an embodiment thereof, given by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings.
Brief Description of Drawings
Fig. 1 is a plan view, from below, of a device for use in the vehicular transport of horses according to the invention; and
Fig. 2 is a plan view, from above, of the device of Fig. 1.
Best Mode for Carrying out the Invention
Referring to Fig. 1 there is illustrated generally at 10, a device for use in the vehicular transport of horses viewed from below, said device 10 being applied to the body of a horse in use and comprising a plurality of protective discrete zones 11 of a protective material in the form of perforated neoprene pads 12, shown in dotted outline, positionable over those areas of the body of the horse, which are susceptible to injury caused by movement of the horse during transport, resulting from engagement of those areas with the walls of the transport vehicle. The device 10 is in the form of a cover 13 of lightweight high-strength fabric material having said neoprene pads 12 disposed thereon. The neoprene pads 12 are held in place within pockets 14 attached to the cover 13. Straps 15, 16 at front 17 of the cover 13 fasten beneath the neck of the horse in use. Fastening means 18, 19, located on the straps 15, 16 respectively, fasten the straps 15, 16 together. Straps 20, 21 fasten onto corresponding straps 22, 23 (Fig. 2) underneath the body of the horse. Fastening means 24, 25, located on the straps 20, 21 respectively, connect with fastening means 26, 27 (Fig. 2), respectively, the fastening means 26, 27 being located on the straps 22, 23, respectively. A zone 28 of protective material in the form of a covered perforated neoprene pad 29, shown in dotted outline, is positioned to protect the rear end of the horse during transport. Attaching means 30, 31 fasten together in use to secure the cover 13 on the body of the horse.
Referring to Fig. 2 there is illustrated generally at 10, the device for use in the vehicular transport of horses of Fig. 1, viewed from above. The pockets 14 (Fig. 1) which hold the neoprene pads 12 (Fig. 1) in place are attached to the cover 13 by means of corresponding zones 32 of stitching. Adjustable straps 33, 34, 35 are used to connect the zone 28 of protective material to the cover 13 through the use of fastening means 36, 37, 38, respectively.

Claims

Claims: -
1. A device for use in the vehicular transport of horses, said device being applied to the body of a horse in use and comprising a plurality of protective discrete zones of a protective material positionable over those areas of the body of the horse, which are susceptible to injury caused by movement of the horse during transport, resulting from engagement of those areas with the walls of the transport vehicle.
2. A device according to Claim 1 , which is in the form of a cover having said zones of protective material disposed thereon.
3. A device according to Claim 1 or 2, wherein the cover is in the form of a blanket or rug.
4. A device according to Claim 1 , which is in the form of an arrangement of straps having said zones of protective material disposed thereon.
5. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the zones of protective material are releasably attachable thereto.
6. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the zones of protective material are in the form of pads.
7 A device according to any one of Claims 1-5, wherein the zones of protective material are in the form of fluid-filled pads. 8 A device according to any one of Claims 1-5, wherein the zones of protective material are comprised of wadding of an impact absorbing material.
9 A device for use in the vehicular transport of horses, substantially as hereinbefore described with particular reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
PCT/IE2002/000158 2001-11-19 2002-11-13 Device for use in the vehicular transport of horses WO2003043413A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU2002341350A AU2002341350A1 (en) 2001-11-19 2002-11-13 Device for use in the vehicular transport of horses

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
IES2001/0996 2001-11-19
IES20010996 IES20010996A2 (en) 2001-11-19 2001-11-19 Device for use in the vehicular transport of horses

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2003043413A1 true WO2003043413A1 (en) 2003-05-30

Family

ID=11042861

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/IE2002/000158 WO2003043413A1 (en) 2001-11-19 2002-11-13 Device for use in the vehicular transport of horses

Country Status (3)

Country Link
AU (1) AU2002341350A1 (en)
IE (1) IES20010996A2 (en)
WO (1) WO2003043413A1 (en)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP4226764A1 (en) * 2022-02-11 2023-08-16 Andrea Bachmann-Münsterer Protective equipment for horses

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR3143265A1 (en) * 2022-12-14 2024-06-21 Slyn INFLATABLE INSERT OF A HORSE BLANKET AND HORSE BLANKET INCORPORATING SAID INSERT

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB357643A (en) * 1930-06-27 1931-09-28 Stanley Fielder Mott Improvements in or relating to the transport of horses
US4036179A (en) * 1976-04-07 1977-07-19 Turner James E Animal protector
GB1572222A (en) * 1978-05-17 1980-07-30 Tibbot G Prtective headgear for horses
US5713188A (en) * 1996-03-08 1998-02-03 Chisholm; Carole J. Horse helmet
DE20021260U1 (en) * 2000-12-15 2001-03-15 Uhr, Barbara, 59320 Ennigerloh Horse blanket

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB357643A (en) * 1930-06-27 1931-09-28 Stanley Fielder Mott Improvements in or relating to the transport of horses
US4036179A (en) * 1976-04-07 1977-07-19 Turner James E Animal protector
GB1572222A (en) * 1978-05-17 1980-07-30 Tibbot G Prtective headgear for horses
US5713188A (en) * 1996-03-08 1998-02-03 Chisholm; Carole J. Horse helmet
DE20021260U1 (en) * 2000-12-15 2001-03-15 Uhr, Barbara, 59320 Ennigerloh Horse blanket

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP4226764A1 (en) * 2022-02-11 2023-08-16 Andrea Bachmann-Münsterer Protective equipment for horses

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
IES20010996A2 (en) 2002-11-27
AU2002341350A1 (en) 2003-06-10

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