GB2494675A - Foal training aid and method - Google Patents

Abstract

A foal training aid has a neck halter 12 comprising an elongate member having a first end 16 and a second end 18. A connector (22, fig 2) is positioned on the elongate member between the first and second ends. An impulsion lead 14 is connectable to the connector and passes from the neck halter around the rear of the foal and back towards the neck. The first and second ends of the elongate member preferably comprise a loop and a free end which passes though the loop to secure the ends together and to provided a handle. Said handle can be made from rope and provided with knots 20 to provide hand grips.

Description

Foal training aid and method The present invention relates to a foal training aid and a method of using it. In particular, the present invention is suitable for use with a foal from its first days of life and can be used to lead, train and/or control the foal.

Traditionally, training of foals is not carried out until they are yearlings, especially in the thoroughbred racing industry. The main disadvantage of waiting is that a yearling colt is much bigger and stronger than the day old foal, making training to lead' much more dangerous for both handler and horse. In addition, the process at this late stage is more traumatic and stressful for the horse and it is well documented that increased adrenaline decreases the ability to learn; the entire process of halter breaking is thus made more difficult. Further more, as a flight animal, the horse, although domesticated, is on constant alert and ready to spring into full flight mode at the slightest distraction, such as the rustle of a leaf or flap of a plastic bag eto.

Handling of foals at an earlier age is conventionally done by putting the foal into a head collar and using a lead rope attached to the head collar. This method has several disadvantages, firstly a foal's head and neck area are particularly susceptible to damage when very young (similar to a newborn baby) . This is particularly the case before the horse has learned about pressure and release' -Halters themselves can cause problems; loose halters can catch paddock posts, stray nails or small hooves, causing injury. Halters can easily become too tight if they are not adjusted regularly on the growing foal and can cause pressure sores. An untrained foal lead with a head collar and lead rope will not know how to react; he will typically respond by resisting the pulling and then pulling back, often by rearing.

Horses are into pressure' animals and will naturally push back into any pressure, particularly when placed directly upon their body. If a handler leans their shoulder into a horse to move it over, the horse will naturally respond by pushing back, matching the pressure asserted on it.

A foal shows this behaviour when training to lead, for example if using a head collar and lead rope, the foal will instinctively pull back against any pressure applied to the lead rope. The more a handler pulls on the lead rope, the more the foal will pull back until he starts rearing and plunging. The foal may rear so high it falls over backwards, which can result in fractured bones and trauma to the head and neck, in addition to injury to the handler from the flailing hooves. The foal may pull away from the handler altogether and learn the lesson that it is stronger than its handler, which is very difficult to overcome.

Communication with horses is mostly through pressure and release' . This involves the application of pressure to the horse and removal of pressure when the desired behaviour results. For example, during riding pressure can be applied by the weight of the rider, legs, heels, spurs, whip, voice and bit. If well trained, only a gentle pressure is reguired. As horses are into pressure' animals, they must be taught pressure and release' techniques.

US patent application no. 2009/0077935 describes a harness for use with foals and young horses. The harness has a back pad with a flexible handle connected to a rump strap, a chest strap and a girth strap. A connector strap connects the central part of the chest strap to a central part of the girth strap. The harness allows a handler to grip the handle and thereby control and manipulate the foal. This can also be used to immobilise the foat when applying medication etc. However, this harness has several disadvantages, it is difficult to put on a foal which is not yet used to handling and does not train a foal to lead on a headcollar.

A first aspect of the present invention provides a foal training aid, comprising: a neck halter comprising an elongate member having a first end and a second end; a connector positioned on the elongate member between the first and second ends; and an impulsion lead, connectable to the connector.

The foal training aid is suitable for use on a foal's first day of life. Based on the pressure and release concept of learning, the neck halter enables control of the front end and the impulsion lead exerts gentle pressure on their side and hindquarters, encouraging the foal to move forwards.

By using a neck halter, rather than a head collar, the foal training aid avoids pressure on the delicate poll area in the initial stages of training. Thus if the foals rears or pulls, there is no risk that holding on to it will result in injury to this area. In addition, the foal is kept close the handler, which lessens the risk of injury compared to using a head collar and long lead rope.

The first and second ends of the neck halter are adapted to engage with one another, allowing the neck halter to remain in position by a handler holding only one of the first and second ends but wherein release of said end results in the first and second ends releasing from each other. Therefore, if the handler does get into difficulties, he can let go of the halter immediately and it will drop off safely; this is particularly advantageous for novice handlers.

In one embodiment, the first end of the elongate member comprises a loop and the second end comprises a free end.

This arrangement causes the neck halter to come undone and fall away safely if let go by the handler.

In an alternative embodiment, a quick release clip is attached to the first end, for example by looping the elongate member through the clip attachment and securing it in place by stitching or clamping. The guick release clip can be guickly and easily attached to the second end of the elongate member. The second end may be provided with one or more hand grips, for example knots; in this case, the quick release clip can be attached adjacent to one of the hand grips. Multiple handgrips provide multiple positions for the guick release clip, making the

length adjustable.

S

Quick release clips (also known as panic snaps) release on application of a pre-determineci load, fcr example by use of a shear pin which breaks under a pre-determined load or use of a resilient member such as a spring which compresses/ extends under a pre-determined load, allowing the clip to open. Thus if the foal panics and tries to bolt or rear, the quick release clip will release, causing the neck halter to fall away from the foal and thereby avoiding any injury to the foal or handler.

Suitable quick release clips are disclosed in US 5,548,875 and US 4,742,605.

The elongate member may comprise an outer surface which is cushioned along at least a part of Its length. This ensures that the halter is soft against the foal's neck.

The outer surface may comprise a sleeve of a resilient material. For example, the resilient material may be selected from the group of neoprene, leather or synthetic equivalent, sheepskin or synthetic equivalent, suede or synthetic equivalent, felt, webbing and heavy duty cotton.

The free end may be provided wIth one or more hand grips.

In one embodiment the one or more hand grips comprise one or more knots.

One or both of the first and second ends of the elongate member may further comprise a covering. The covering may comprise a material selected from the group of plastics, neoprene or webbing. A plastics covering may be formed for example by moulding or shrink wrapping.

The elongate member may comprise a rope, for example polyester rope, such as marine double braid polyester rope. Alternative materials may be used, for example braided nylon or leather.

The elongate member may comprise a loop of rope attached to a length of rope. The loop of rope and length of rope may be attached by all manner of known techniques, for example splicing or with a clamp. This design has the benefit of simplifying manufacture but other designs are also possible. A sleeve of resilient material may cover the join between the loop of rope and length of rope.

The connector may comprise a ring. The ring may be a metal ring but may also be made of other strong non corrosive materials. The ring may be circular or other shapes, such as a D-ring.

The connector may be attached to the elongate member by any convenient means, for example by splicing or stitching. Atternatively, the connector may sit freely on the elongate member; in this case, a slot in the resilient sleeve may hold the connector in the desired location.

In an alternative embodiment, the elongate member may comprise a continuous length of rope, with one end formed into a loop and secured with a clamp.

The impulsion lead may comprise a fastener at one end.

The impulsion lead may comprise a rope; as an alternative to rope, other materials may be used, such as braided nylon or leather. In one embodiment, the rope comprises a cotton rope. The fastener may be of any convention type, such as a snap hook or karabiner.

In one embodiment, the impulsion lead is sufficiently long to pass from the foal's neok, around its hind quarters and back to its neok. The impulsion lead may be 2m -4m long. Different lengths of impulsion lead may be used for different size foals, for example 8-9 ft (2.44m- 2.74m) for pony/arab size, loft (3.05m) for thoroughbred size and 11-l2ft (3.35m-3.66m) for warmblcod size.

The impulsion lead is of adequate weight and size to make communication of instructions from handler to foal as clear as possible. The impuiLsion lead may have a diameter in the range of 12-16mm. A lead having a diameter of less than 12mm is too thin to hold and may result in giving the handler rope burn, whereas a lead having a diameter of greater than 16mm is too bulky in the handler's hand and adds too much weight, so that communication signals to the foal become less clear.

A second aspect of the present invention provides a foal training aid, comprising: a neck halter comprising an elongate member having a first end and a second end; wherein the first and second ends are adapted to engage with one another allowing the neck halter to remain in position by a handler holding only one of the first and second ends but wherein release of said end results in the first and second ends releasing from each other.

In one embodiment, the first end comprises a loop and the second end comprises a free end.

In another embodiment, the first end comprises a quick release clip and the second end comprises a free end.

A third aspect of the present invention provides a method for controlling a foal, comprising the steps of: fitting a neck halter comprising an elongate member having a first end and a second end around the neck of the foal; connecting an impulsion lead to a connector positioned on the elongate member between the first and second ends; and passing the free end of the impulsion lead around the hind guarters of the foal and towards the neck.

This method allows the foal to walk beside the handler, instead of being dragged behind (or worse, dragging the handler behind!) Use of this method trains the foal to understand and accept pressure by the handler releasing the pressure immediately the desired behaviour/action is carried out -this is known as negative reinforcement. Pressure is initially applied to the neck via the neck halter or around the hindquarters via the impulsion lead, thereby avoiding placing pressure on the delicate head and neck areas.

A handler may hold the neck halter in one hand and the impulsion lead in the other. Once the foal has become used to the foal training aid, the handler may hold bcth the neck halter and impulsion lead in one hand. This leaves the other hand free to hold the lead rope of the mare. This is an important advantage over conventional foal harnesses which do not allow for both the mare and foal to be led together by one handler.

The neck halter may be held in place by holding the first and second ends of the elongate member together.

Alternatively, the first end of the elongate member may comprise a locp and the second end may comprise a free end and wherein the neck halter is held in place by passing through the free end through the loop and holding it in place.

Using this method, it is very quick to fit the foal training aid tc the foal, which is advantageous.

A fourth aspect of the present invention provides a method for teaching a foal to be lead using a head collar and lead rope, comprising the steps of: (a) fitting a neck halter comprising an elongate member having a first end and a second end to a foal's neck and using the neck halter to steer the foal; (b) attaching an impulsion lead to the neck halter and passing it around the foal's hindguarters and using both the neck harness and impulsion lead to guide the foal; (c) fitting a head collar to the foal in addition to the neck halter and impulsion lead, whilst using only the neck halter and impulsion lead to guide it; (d) attaching a steering rope to the head collar and using both the steering rope and the neck halter and impulsion rope to guide the horse; (e) not fitting the neck halter and impulsion lead and using onty the head collar and steering rope to lead the horse.

Each method step must be well established and understood by the foal before the handler progresses to the next stage. Each step may take a few days, weeks or months, dependent on how much time is spent on training, the experience of the handier and the receptiveness and temperament of the foal.

Using this method, the foal will learn about leading and about wearing a head collar as two separate events. In addition, the foal will learn to understand and accept the pressure-and-release' concept of learning Using the foal training aid, the foal becomes accustomed to wearing clothing' in a safe and stress free way. The method separates out the introduction of each new pieoe of clothing' . Each piece of equipment is also used independently with pressure only applied to one piece at a time, keeping the foal's adrenaline low, so that acceptance and understanding of the training is more easily accepted.

In addition, use of the foal training aid helps to desensitise a foal not only to wearing a head collar but other events such as wearing a rug, wearing a bridle and saddle, feet trimming, long reins etc. By teaching a foal to lead at an early age, the foal can learn lessons such as being tied up safely more easily.

An advantage of the present invention is that training takes no longer than the time spent on daily turnout.

Furthermore, a mare and foal may be lead together by one person after 2-3 days using the foal training aid.

Whilst the description is directed to horses, the foal training aid and its method of use is also suitable for other guadrupeds, such as cattle and sheep.

Preferred features of the second, third and fourth aspects of the invention may be as described above in connection with the first aspect.

Throughout the description and claims of this

specification, the words "comprise" and "contain" and variations of the words, for example comprising" and "comprises", mean "including but not limited to", and do not exclude other moieties, additives, components, integers or steps.

Throughout the description and claims of this

specification, the singular encompasses the plural unless the context otherwise reguires. In particular, where the indefinite article is used, the specification is to be understood as contemplating plurality as well as singularity, unless the context reguires otherwise.

Other features of the present invention will become apparent from the following example. Generally speaking the invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims and drawings) . Thus features, integers or characteristics described in conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment or example of the invention are to be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described herein unless incompatible therewith.

Moreover unless stated otherwise, any feature disclosed herein may be replaced by an alternative feature serving the same or a similar purpose.

The present invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying illustrative drawings, wherein Figure 1 shows a foal wearing the foal training aid from its right side; Figure 2 shows a foal wearing the foal training aid from its left side; Figure 3 is a plan view of the neok harness; Figure 4 is a front view of the neck harness; Figure 5 is a reverse plan view of the neck harness; Figure 6 is a front view of the internal structure of the neck harness; Figure 7 is a plan view of the internal structure of the neck harness; and Figures 8A-8E show the stages of use for the foal training aid.

Figures 1 and 2 show the foal training aid fitted onto a foal 10. The two main components of the foal training aid are the neck halter 12 and impulsion lead 14. The neck halter has first and second ends 16,18 which can be held together by the handler to secure the neok halter around the neck of the foal. The first end 16 is a loop, whilst the second end 18 is a free end, which allows the handler to also insert the free end through the 1oop 16 and hold just the free end. The free end has several knots 20 which perform as hand holds.

Between the two ends of the neck halter, there is provided a metal ring 22 to which the impulsion lead 14 can be attached, for example by a conventional fastener 24 at one end.

The neck halter is covered with a neoprene sleeve 26, to provide comfort to the foal. The neoprene sleeve is proportioned to allow the first and second ends 16,18 to extend from its ends and is also provided with a slot through which the metal ring 22 protrudes.

As shown in Figures 1 and 2, with the neck halter in position around the foal's neck, the first and second ends 16,18 are located on one side of the foal's neck, whilst the metal ring is located on the opposite side. In use, the impulsion lead is passed around the hind quarters of the foal and back to the neck on the same side as the first and second ends of the neck halter.

Figures 3,4 and 5 show plan, front and reverse plan views of the neck harness respectively. These figures clearly show the neoprene sleeve 26, from which extend the first looped end 16 and the second free end 18. A series of three knots 29 are shown on the free end, which act as hand holds. The neoprene sleeve 26 has a slot in its middle region to allow a metal ring 22 to protrude through.

Figures 6 and 7 show front and plan views respectively of the internal structure of the neck harness 12. The neck harness is made up of a loop of rope 28 and a length of rope 30 joined together. Figure 7 shows the join 32 is a clamp, although the two pieces of rope may alternatively be spliced together. The metal ring 22 is shown spliced onto the loop of rope 28, although it may also be attached by other methods, such as stitching, alternatively the metal ring 22 may run freely on the rope, leaving the slot in the neoprene to position it.

The neoprene sleeve 26 covers the loop of rope 28 and length of rope 30, allowing only ioop 16 and free end 18 to extend from it.

Figures 8P-8F show the stages of teaching a foal to lead using the foal training aid of the present invention. In stage 1, shown in Figure 8A, the neck halter is held around the foal's neck. Either both ends can be held together or the free end can be threaded through the looped end, allowing just the free end to be held. This arrangement is used for the very first trips outside, for example from the stable to the field, to help steer the foal in the right direction when following the mare.

In stage 2, shown in Figure SB, the impulsion lead is clipped to the metal ring on the neck halter. The impulsion lead is run along the off side of the foal, around its quarters to be held in the right hand, whilst the left hand holds the handles of the neck halter. Once the pressure-release system has been mastered to teach the foal about the impulsion lead and what it means, i.e. forward movement, the handler will be able to walk along mostly just holding the impulsion lead and neck halter handles all together in one hand with slack in the rope.

In the third stage, illustrated in Figure 80, the head collar is introduced. Zt this stage, the foal gets used to wearing a head collar without any pressure being applied to it at all. No ropes are attached and no attempt is made to pull the foal around using the head collar as, at this stage, he will not understand what pressure on his head means and will pull back against it.

The advantage of the foal training aid the avoidance of this kind of pulling and fighting, which can potentially cause damage to the delicate neck and poil area.

In the fourth stage, illustrated in Figure 3D, a steering rope (standard length lead rope) is attached to the head collar ring for more refined direction and speed control whilst the neck halter handles and impulsion lead are still held together in the other hand to aid forward movement when required. This avoids using pressure on the head if the foal is reluctant to move forward and also simplifies the commands.

Stage 5, is grown up leading. The now much older foal is now lead in the same way as an adult horse, with just one lead rope attached directly to the head collar. (The neck halter and impulsion rope are no longer required) The simplicity of the design of the neck halter means that one size of neck halter will fit many sizes of foals. (For example, the thoroughbred size will fit all newborn foals. Larger breeds will grow out of it in 2-3 months but this would be sufficient time for most people to train their larger foal to lead from a headcollar) In addition, the foal training aid is easily disinfected; the neoprene sleeve is removable for ease of washing or disinfecting and thus gives improved disease control.

The foal training aid can be used safely by just one person and can be used for everyday care and vet treatment etc. By using the foal training aid of the present invention, foals can be taught the "pressure-and-release" concept from an early age. This foundation principle forms the basis of training methods in the future and has the advantage that foals are trained in the same way as they will be taught to be ridden 3 or 4 years later.

Claims (1)

1. <claim-text>Claims 1. A foal training aid, comprising: a neck halter comprising an elongate member having a first end and a second end; a connector positioned on the elongate member between the first and second ends; and an imputsion lead, connectable to the connector.</claim-text> <claim-text>2. A foal training aid according to claim 1, wherein the first and second ends are adapted to engage with one another allowing the neck halter to remain in position by holding only one of the first and second ends but wherein release of said end results in the first and second ends releasing from each other.</claim-text> <claim-text>3. A foal training aid according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first end of the elongate member comprises a loop and the second end comprises a free end.</claim-text> <claim-text>4. A foal training aid according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the first end of the elongate member comprises a guick release clip.</claim-text> <claim-text>5. A foal training aid according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the elongate member comprises an outer surface which is cushioned along at least a part of its length.</claim-text> <claim-text>6. A foal training aid according to claim 5, wherein the outer surface comprises a sleeve of a resilient material.</claim-text> <claim-text>7. 2k foal training aid according to claim 6, wherein the resilient material is selected from the group of neoprene, leather or synthetic equivalent, sheepskin or synthetic equivalent, suede or synthetic equivalent, felt, webbing and heavy duty cotton.</claim-text> <claim-text>8. A foal training aid according to any one of claims 3 to 7, where the free end is provided with one or more hand grips 9. A foal training aid according to claim 8, wherein the one or more hand grips comprise one or more knots.10. A foal training aid according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the elongate member comprises rope.11. A foal training aid according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the elongate member comprises marine double braid polyester rope 12. A foal training aid according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the elongate member comprises a length of rope with a loop at one end.13. A foal training aid according to claim 12, wherein the length of rope and loop are formed from a single piece of rope.14. A foal training aid according to claim 12 wherein the length of rope and loop are formed from separate pieces of rope joined together.15. A foal training aid acoording to olaim 14, wherein the loop of rope and length of rope are attached by splicing.16. A foal training aid according to claim 14, wherein the loop of rope and length of rope are attached by a clamp.17. A foal training aid according to any one of claims 12 to 16, wherein the elongate member comprises a sleeve of resilient material which covers the join between the loop of rope and length of rope.18. A foal training aid according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the connector comprises a ring.19. A foal training aid according to any one of the preceding clams, wherein the connector is attached to the elongate member by splicing or stitching.20. A foal training aid according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the connector sits freely on the elongate member.21. A foal training aid according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the impulsion lead comprises a length of lead with a fastener at one end.22. A foal training aid according to claim 21, wherein the fastener comprises a snap hook.23. A foal training aid according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the impulsion lead is sufficiently long to pass from the foal's neck, around its hind quarters and back to its neck.24. A foal training aid according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the impulsion lead is 2-4m long.25. A foal training aid according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the impulsion lead comprises a rope.26. A method for controlling a foal, comprising the steps of: fitting a neck halter comprising an elongate member having a first end and a second end around the neck of the foal; connecting an impulsion lead to a connector positioned on the elongate member between the first and second ends; and passing the free end of the impulsion lead around the hind quarters of the foal and back towards the neck.27. A method according to claim 26, wherein the neck halter is held in place by holding the first and second ends of the elongate member together.28. A method according to claim 27, wherein the first end of the elongate member comprises a lccp and the second end comprises a free end and wherein the neck halter is held in place by passing through the free end through the loop and holding it in place.29. A foal training aid substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying illustrative drawings.30. A method of using a foal training aid substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying illustrative drawings.</claim-text>