A safety device for equestrian sports uses at least one hook-and-loop fastener for connecting ends of the control lines for guiding a horse such that the ends of the control lines will separate and thereby stop a fallen rider or driver from being dragged by a horse or a horse drawn vehicle.

A safety device for equestrian sports uses at least one hook-and-loop fastener for connecting ends of the control lines for guiding a horse such that the ends of the control lines will separate and thereby stop a fallen rider or driver from being dragged by a horse or a horse drawn vehicle.

A method of mitigating the risk of a horse fleeing and becoming lost, comprising: fastening a horse-stopping apparatus to a horse, wherein the horse stopping apparatus for slowing and stopping the horse after a rider has been involuntarily separated, comprises: a leading segment configured to be detachably fastened to the horse's head piece; a trample segment fastened to the leading segment; and, a trailing segment detachably fastened to the trample segment and also configured to be connected to the rider; whereby if the rider is involuntarily separated from the horse, the trailing segment will extend the trample segment and the forward motion of the horse will carry the trample segment under the hooves of the horse; whereby the hooves of the horse will trample the trample segment thereby pulling the horse's head downwardly and thereby slowing and stopping the horse.

A method of mitigating the risk of a horse fleeing and becoming lost, comprising: fastening a horse-stopping apparatus to a horse, wherein the horse stopping apparatus for slowing and stopping the horse after a rider has been involuntarily separated, comprises: a leading segment configured to be detachably fastened to the horse's head piece; a trample segment fastened to the leading segment; and, a trailing segment detachably fastened to the trample segment and also configured to be connected to the rider; whereby if the rider is involuntarily separated from the horse, the trailing segment will extend the trample segment and the forward motion of the horse will carry the trample segment under the hooves of the horse; whereby the hooves of the horse will trample the trample segment thereby pulling the horse's head downwardly and thereby slowing and stopping the horse.

A headpiece for a bridlery item for use with a horse or other equine animal is disclosed, which provides for improved communication between a horse and a rider, and/or improved comfort for the horse. Such a headpiece is connectable to a browband and has a first side piece and a second side piece wherein the first and second side pieces are connected by an articulated linkage above a connection between the headpiece and said browband. Articulation provides a degree of freedom of movement so that the first side piece and second side piece may move relative to one another and in doing so reduce the amount of tension transmitted between them and thus between reins, in use.

A headpiece for a bridlery item for use with a horse or other equine animal is disclosed, which provides for improved communication between a horse and a rider, and/or improved comfort for the horse. Such a headpiece is connectable to a browband and has a first side piece and a second side piece wherein the first and second side pieces are connected by an articulated linkage above a connection between the headpiece and said browband. Articulation provides a degree of freedom of movement so that the first side piece and second side piece may move relative to one another and in doing so reduce the amount of tension transmitted between them and thus between reins, in use.

The disclosure provides a headgear system for an animal (e.g., a horse) that may function as a halter and lead rope, hackamore, and bridal with various reining options. The headgear may be converted between the various forms without its removal from the animal. The disclosure also provides connecters and adjustment fittings that may be used in the headgear system or in any system involving ropes or flaps that require length adjustment or attachment.

The disclosure provides a headgear system for an animal (e.g., a horse) that may function as a halter and lead rope, hackamore, and bridal with various reining options. The headgear may be converted between the various forms without its removal from the animal. The disclosure also provides connecters and adjustment fittings that may be used in the headgear system or in any system involving ropes or flaps that require length adjustment or attachment.

An equestrian control device and methods of use. The control device includes an improved curb strap device for installation into a bit of a bridle assembly. The device includes an assembly of a looped-strap pair located about an elongated member having installed thereon a plurality of serially attached elements. The straps can be secured to a shank-type bit installed in the mouth of the equine, which can further be secured to reins. In combination, specialized straps and serially attached elements combine to increase comfort of the equine and the rider's ability to control the equine. Additional biasing features of the strap assembly and strap-alternative assemblies are disclosed to supplement this comfort and control. A method of installing and using the device.

An equestrian control device and methods of use. The control device includes an improved curb strap device for installation into a bit of a bridle assembly. The device includes an assembly of a looped-strap pair located about an elongated member having installed thereon a plurality of serially attached elements. The straps can be secured to a shank-type bit installed in the mouth of the equine, which can further be secured to reins. In combination, specialized straps and serially attached elements combine to increase comfort of the equine and the rider's ability to control the equine. Additional biasing features of the strap assembly and strap-alternative assemblies are disclosed to supplement this comfort and control. A method of installing and using the device.