A directional lock or a headgear or interface assembly comprising one or more directional locks that include a catch arrangement for initiating or assisting in movement of a lock member of the direction lock. In some configurations, the catch arrangement assists movement of the lock member in only a portion of a range of travel of the lock member. In some configurations, the directional lock has a housing and a sleeve and the catch arrangement has a catch arm carried by the sleeve. The catch arm includes a catch end that contacts the lock member, which can be a lock washer in some configurations.

A directional lock or a headgear or interface assembly comprising one or more directional locks that include a catch arrangement for initiating or assisting in movement of a lock member of the direction lock. In some configurations, the catch arrangement assists movement of the lock member in only a portion of a range of travel of the lock member. In some configurations, the directional lock has a housing and a sleeve and the catch arrangement has a catch arm carried by the sleeve. The catch arm includes a catch end that contacts the lock member, which can be a lock washer in some configurations.

A health and safety system and method are described for use on equines, canines and felines, in order to obtain data on vital life-sustaining or life-threatening processes and signs directly from the animal. The vital life-sustaining and/or life-threatening processes and/or signs in the form of data are communicated from the animal to a site remote from the equine, canine and feline. The remotely communicated data can be archived and/or communicated to a veterinarian/owner/steward/ or other designate, to induce human intervention. Other sensors of the health and safety system can read/report environmental conditions, such as weather, or report other environmental conditions, such as smoke/pollution remote from, and/or proximate the animal. A position locator, such as a GPS, may also be built into the equine health and safety system. The equine health and safety system may include a halter/hackamore/bridle/harness or other components, such as a medallion, provided with a QR, or other codes, that can be read by a smart phone to put the telephone into contact with a veterinarian, an owner, stable or other authorized care custodian of the equine, canine or feline. A method of providing at least one response to the read vital life processes and signs, such as warming the equine, canine or feline, is also described.

A health and safety system and method are described for use on equines, canines and felines, in order to obtain data on vital life-sustaining or life-threatening processes and signs directly from the animal. The vital life-sustaining and/or life-threatening processes and/or signs in the form of data are communicated from the animal to a site remote from the equine, canine and feline. The remotely communicated data can be archived and/or communicated to a veterinarian/owner/steward/ or other designate, to induce human intervention. Other sensors of the health and safety system can read/report environmental conditions, such as weather, or report other environmental conditions, such as smoke/pollution remote from, and/or proximate the animal. A position locator, such as a GPS, may also be built into the equine health and safety system. The equine health and safety system may include a halter/hackamore/bridle/harness or other components, such as a medallion, provided with a QR, or other codes, that can be read by a smart phone to put the telephone into contact with a veterinarian, an owner, stable or other authorized care custodian of the equine, canine or feline. A method of providing at least one response to the read vital life processes and signs, such as warming the equine, canine or feline, is also described.

A directional lock or a headgear or interface assembly comprising one or more directional locks that include a catch arrangement for initiating or assisting in movement of a lock member of the direction lock. In some configurations, the catch arrangement assists movement of the lock member in only a portion of a range of travel of the lock member. In some configurations, the directional lock has a housing and a sleeve and the catch arrangement has a catch arm carried by the sleeve. The catch arm includes a catch end that contacts the lock member, which can be a lock washer in some configurations.

A directional lock or a headgear or interface assembly comprising one or more directional locks that include a catch arrangement for initiating or assisting in movement of a lock member of the direction lock. In some configurations, the catch arrangement assists movement of the lock member in only a portion of a range of travel of the lock member. In some configurations, the directional lock has a housing and a sleeve and the catch arrangement has a catch arm carried by the sleeve. The catch arm includes a catch end that contacts the lock member, which can be a lock washer in some configurations.

An equestrian control device and methods of use. The control device includes an improved control strap device for installation into a bit of a bridle assembly. The device includes an assembly of a connector pair located between an elongated member span having installed thereon a plurality of serially attached elements. The strap can be secured to a shank installed on either of a hackamore shank or a shank bit, 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 control strap device for installation into a bit of a bridle assembly. The device includes an assembly of a connector pair located between an elongated member span having installed thereon a plurality of serially attached elements. The strap can be secured to a shank installed on either of a hackamore shank or a shank bit, 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.