HORSE LOADING APPARATUS

The present invention relates to an apparatus for loading equine mammals towards enclosures and in particular, although not exclusively, to loading a horse into a horsebox and a method thereof.

It is often necessary to load equine mammals, and in particular, horses, in to enclosures. Whilst described herein in relation to a horsebox, it will be appreciated that the enclosure may be any enclosure or area for instance a stable or a fenced area.

Horses are interpressure mammals that push or pull back against pressure but that move away from sharp objects.

It is well known to move a horse by applying a bridle over the horses head. The bridle includes a rein that a handler may use to apply pressure, through the bridle, to the horses head. A chiverly to stop the horse rearing up and other known head gear for controlling a horse may also be used. Some horses can be loaded on to a horsebox simply by leading them on using the bridle.

However, it is common for horses to be reluctant to enter the horsebox. In such circumstances, pulling the horse forward using the reins and bridle is not effective as the horse pulls back against the pressure. Pushing the horse from behind is also ineffective as the horse again pushes back against the pressure.

Figure 1 shows a known prior art apparatus. Two lunge lines 2, 4 are used to aid the loading of the horse 6 in to a horsebox 8. The lunge lines 2, 4, comprise strong

nylon rope, and are attached to each side of a horseboxes' entrance 10 respectfully. The horse 6 is then positioned in front of the entrance 10. Handlers 12, 14 on the free end of each lunge line 2, 4 cross the lunge lines 2, 4 behind the horse 6. To load the horse 6, the handlers 12, 14 pull the lunge lines 2, 4 in order to exert pressure on the rear of the horse and thereby force the horse to move forwardly into the horsebox. However, this method requires two handlers and also requires each handler to exert a significant amount of force.

Figure 2 shows a second prior art apparatus, wherein the double lunge line method as described above is adapted for use by a single handler 12. The handler 12 positions the horse 6 in front of the horsebox entrance 10. When in position, the handler 12 attaches one end 15 of a lunge line 16 to one side of the horsebox 8. Standing towards the front of the horse 6, the handler throws a loop of the lunge line 16 over the hind quarter of the horse 6 and then attaches the lunge line 16 to the other side of the horsebox entrance 10. The handler may then pull the lunge line 16 in order apply pressure to the rear of the horse 6 as before. However, it is difficult to get the lunge line 16 in position from the front of the horse 6. Moreover, if the horse 6 moves whilst the operator 12 is setting up the apparatus, the lunge line 16 may drop to the floor and the set-up may have to be started again. Furthermore, the handler 12 has to use significant force to urge the horse 6 forward.

When using the prior art apparatus, the horses can become agitated and distressed. Furthermore, the horses can develop such agitation simply at the sight of the horsebox

It is an aim of the present invention to attempt to overcome at least one of the above or other disadvantages.

It is a further aim of the present invention to attempt to provide a horse loading apparatus that can be operated by a single handler and with less force and distress caused to the horse.

According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided an equine mammal loading apparatus for moving an equine mammal through an entrance, the apparatus comprising: a first fastening means that is attachable to the equine mammal wherein the first fastening means includes a first support or fixing location and a second support or fixing location that are arrangeable on either side of the equine mammal respectively; and a guide means, wherein a first portion of the guide means is arrangeable, in use, around the hind quarters of the equine mammal and between the first fixing location and the second fixing location and a second portion and third portion of the guide means are arrangeable, in use, to suspend from either side of the fastening means to anchors; and a tensioning means, for applying a biasing force that, in use, acts to shorten at least part of the guide means.

Preferably the tensioning means acts to shorten the second and third portions of the guide means. Such tensioning may be adapted to apply pressure to the equine mammal's hind quarters through the first portion. Additionally or alternatively, the tensioning means may also act to shorten the first portion. The tensioning means may

include a first and second tensioning member. The first and second tensioning members may be located on the first fastening means. They may be located at the first and second fixing locations or supports. Accordingly, the first fastening means may be arrangable about the barrel of the horse in order to maintain the first portion in place about the horses hind quarters

Preferably the fastening means comprises a first fastening member and a second fastening member. The second fastening member may be attachable to the equine mammal. The second fastening member may include first and second fixing locations. The second fastening member's first and second fixing locations may be arrangeable on either side of the equine mammal respectively. The first fastening member, may, in use, be arrangeable about the barrel of the equine mammal. The second fastening member may, in use, be arrangeable about the neck of the equine mammal. Advantageously, the two fastening members enable the guide means to be better positioned for both the purposes of guiding the equine mammal and also for the handler to operate the apparatus. Preferably the second and third positions of the guide means are suspendable from the fastening member. The second and third portions may be suspendable from the second fastening member.

Advantageously, the or each fastening member is attachable to the equine mammal remote from the entrance and wherein the equine mammal does not become agitated due to the proximity to the entrance. Preferably, the biasing force may be at least sufficient to maintain the first portion of the guide means in position against the rear of the equine mammal. As such the first portion maintains its

position relative to the horse even when the equine mammal moves around. Consequently, the first portion of the guide means may also be arranged on the equine mammal before the equine mammal moves towards the entrance and thus before the equine mammal becomes agitated. Moreover the first portion does not become displaced even when the horse moves around. Furthermore, the biasing force may be at least sufficient such that, when the second and third portions of the guide means are extended to the anchors, the biasing force may maintain the second and third portions of the guide means in suspension. Consequently, the equine mammal can be moved through the entrance by a handler who has both hands free to manoeuvre the equine mammal. Furthermore, the handler has to simply cause the horse to move forwardly, for instance by moving the equine mammal's head from side to side, and is not required to exert any effort for example by pulling ropes.

Preferably the or each fastening member comprises a flexible member. The flexible member may be extendable about the equine mammal . The flexible member may include a fastening means. The fastening means may secure two spaced portions of the flexible member relative to each other. Advantageously, the fastening member may be securely fastened about the horse. This enables the or each fastening member to be secured to the equine mammal such that it does not move even when the equine mammal moves around. The flexible member may comprise a belt. The fastening means may comprise a buckle. Preferably the or each fastening member comprises a flexible member and a sleeve. The sleeve may, in use, be arranged to surround at lest a portion of the flexible member but preferably more that 50% or more that 70% or more than 90% or

substantially all of the flexible member. Consequently, the sleeve may be removed from the flexible member to be cleaned.

Preferably each of the first and second fixing locations comprises at least one fixing point. Preferably, though, the fixing locations comprise a plurality of fixing points. The plurality of fixing points may be arranged spaced from each other, such that, in use, the fixing points are spaced at different distances relative to a ground. Advantageously, the plurality of fixing point enables the operator to select the correct fixing location for the anatomy of the specific equine mammal being loaded. Thus, an apparatus may be used to load more than or equine mammal of a different size. The or each fixing point may comprise an aperture. The guide means may, in use, locate through the aperture. Alternatively, a fixing ring may locate through the aperture and the guide means may locate through the fixing ring.

Preferably each fixing location is formed on the sleeve.

Preferably the guide means comprises a first flexible member. The first flexible member may comprise the first, second and third portions of the guide means.

Alternatively, the guide means comprises a first and second flexible member. The first flexible member may comprise the first portion of the guide means and the second flexible member may comprise the second and third portions of the guide means. Or the first flexible member may comprise the first portion and one of the second and third portions of the guide means and the second flexible

member may comprise the other of the second and third portions .

Alternatively, the guide means may comprise a first, second and third flexible member. The first, second and third flexible member may comprise the first, second and third portions of the guide means respectively.

The or each flexible member may comprise a rope. Advantageously, the flexibility of the guide means enables the apparatus, when not in use, to be stowed compactly.

Preferably the tensioning means comprises a first tensioning mechanism or member. The tensioning means may comprise a second tensioning mechanism or member. The tensioning means may comprise a third tensioning mechanism or member.

The or each tensioning member may be operable in a released state wherein the tensioning member allows each respective portion of the guide means to lengthen and an operative state wherein the tensioning member acts to shorten each respective portion of the guide means. Each tensioning member may be operable in a third, locked state, wherein the tensioning member neither allows each respective portions of the guide means to lengthen or shorten. In the operative state the shortened guide means may be containable within the tensioning means. Advantageously, the guide means does not therefore become loose and pose a hazard to the mammal or handler, for instance a tripping hazard. Each tensioning member may comprise a spool. The guide means may be windable and un- windable from the spool.

Preferably the second and third portions of the guide means are, in use, suspendable from either side of the fastening means to a first anchor and a second anchor respectively. The first and second anchors may be arranged on either side of the entrance. Alternatively, the first and second anchors may be arranged beyond the entrance .

Preferably, the apparatus includes a first quick release mechanism. The first quick release mechanism may connect the second or third portions of the guide means to the fastening member or anchor. The apparatus may include a second quick release mechanism. The second quick release mechanism may connect the other of the second or third portion of the guide means to the fastening member or anchor. Advantageously the quick release mechanism allows the handler to disconnect the equine mammal from the entrance should the mammal become overly distressed.

The apparatus may be substantially as herein described and with reference to Figures 3 or 4.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of moving an equine mammal through an entrance, the method comprising: arranging a fastening means about an equine mammal such that a first and second fixing location is arranged on either side of the mammal respectively; and arranging a first portion of a guide means to extend from the first fixing location, about the hind quarters of the horse and to the second fixing locations; and

moving the equine mammal to a position in front of the entrance; and connecting the guide means to either side of the entrance such that a second and third portion of the guide means is arranged to be suspended from either side of the fastening means to anchors; and causing the equine mammal to move towards the entrance, wherein a tensioning means causes the first portion of the guide means to pressure the back of the equine mammal and also causes the second and third portions of the guide means to remain suspended.

Preferably, the method comprises arranging a first fastening member about the equine mammal. The method may comprise arranging a second fastening member about the equine mammal .

The method may be substantially as herein described and may comprise operating equine mammal loading apparatus substantially in accordance with the previous aspect.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided apparatus adapted for moving an equine mammal, the apparatus comprising: a first fastening means that is attachable to the equine mammal wherein the first fastening means includes a first fixing location and a second fixing location that are arrangeable on either side of the equine mammal respectively; and a guide means, wherein a first portion of the guide means is arrangeable, in use, around the hind quarters of the equine mammal and between the first fixing location and the second fixing location; and

a tensioning means, for applying a biasing force that, in use, acts to shorten the length of the first portion of the guide means .

Preferably the fastening means comprises a first fastening member. Preferably the guide means comprises a first flexible member. Preferably the first fastening member, and or alternatively the first flexible member, and or alternatively the tensioning means are substantially in accordance with the respective members of the first aspect .

Various embodiments will now be described, by way of example only and in which:

Figure 1 shows a prior art embodiment.

Figure 2 shows a second prior art embodiment.

Figure 3 shows a top view of the horse loading apparatus.

Figure 4 shows a side view of Figure 3.

Figure 5 shows a top view of a second embodiment.

Figure 6 shows a top view of a third embodiment.

Referring to Figure 3, a horse loading apparatus comprises a fastening means and a guide means. The fastening means is shown as first and second fastening members or waist belt 22 and neck belt 24 that are arranged about the barrel 26 and neck 28 of the horse 29 respectively. The guide means is shown as a flexible member or rope 30. The

rope 30 is arranged to extend from an anchor 32 on one side of an entrance 34, through a ring 36 on one side of the neck belt 24, through a ring 38 on one side of the waist belt 22, around the horse's hind quarters 40, through a ring 42 on the other side of the waist belt 22, through a ring 44 on the other side of the neck belt 24, and to a second anchor 46 on the other side of the entrance 34. Tensioning members such as spools 47, 48 apply tension to the rope 30. A first portion of the rope 10 applies pressure to the hind quarters 40 of the horse 29 causing the horse to move forwardly. As the horse moves, the spools 46, 48 reel in the rope 30 causing second and third portions of the rope to remain suspended and also continuing to cause pressure to be applied by the first portion of the rope to the hind quarters of the horse. As such the horse can be easily loaded through the entrance 34.

The various features will now be described in more detail.

The belts 22, 24 include buckles (not shown) so that the belts may be securely fastened about the horse. Sleeves

(not shown) fit about each belt. The sleeves are removable so that they can be washed and cleaned. The sleeves include fixing locations that, in use, are arranged on either side of the horse. The fixing locations include a plurality of loops to enable the rings 36, 38, 42, 44 to be attached via the loops to the sleeves. The plurality of loops are arranged to be spaced from each other along the length of the belt's sleeve. This enables the belt and sleeve to be attached to horses of different sizes and yet still allow the rings to be attached to the sleeves at appropriate positions. As

shown in Figure 4, the rings 38, 42 are positioned to support the first portion of the rope 30 to be arranged just above the horse's hock 50. The rings 36, 44 are arranged part way down the horse's neck 28.

The spools 47, 48 are attached to be distal ends of the rope 30. A biasing member within each spool causes the spool to wind in the rope. The spools include a latch. In a released position, the latch releases the spool such that the rope is allowed to be freely unwound from the spool. In an operative position, the latch also releases the spool such that the biasing means applies tension to the rope 30 in order to wind the rope onto the spool. In a locked position the latch stops the spool from winding or un-winding the rope 30.

The spools 47 and 48 include quick release mechanisms (not shown) . The quick release mechanisms provide a secure attachment method in order to attach the spools to the anchors 32, 46, or other parts, such that the two parts cannot be pulled apart. However, the quick release mechanism can be quickly released from the anchors by, for example, the handler operating a catch such that the quick release mechanism can be released from the anchors by pulling the rope away from the entrance.

When a horse is required to be loaded through an entrance, a handler may attach the apparatus to the horse. This may be done away from the entrance, for instance in the horses stable, such that the horse does not become agitated. The apparatus is attached to the horse by strapping the waist belt 22 and neck belt 24 about the horse 29. Then if necessary, the sleeves are moved relative to the belts 22,

24 in order to correctly position the loops. The rings 36, 38, 42, 44 are attached to appropriate loops for the size of horse being loaded. The handler arranges the rope 30 about the hind quarters 40 of the horse 29. The quick release mechanisms on each end of the rope are attached to the rings 36, 44 on either side of the neck belt 24 after the rope has been passed through the rings 36, 38, 42, 44 as herein described. At least one of the spools 48, 47 is moved to the operative position such that tension is maintained in the rope 30. The tension keeps the rope 30 in position at the back of the horse, even as the horse 29 moves around.

The handler moves the horse 29 to be positioned in front of the entrance 34 by using the bridle. When in position the handler releases the spool 47 on the far side of the horse, detaches it from the respective ring 36 and, by causing the rope 30 to unwind from the spool 47 (which may also wind up a spring biasing the rope to the wound position) attaches it to the anchor 32 on the respective side of the entrance 34. The other spool 48 is similarly attached to the other anchor 46. The mechanisms can be locked when attached to the anchors ready to be released when loading is required. The handler then has both hands free to control the horse and cause the horse to move forwardly through the entrance. The horse's movement is aided by the pressure on the back of its legs created by the first portion of the rope and also guided by the suspended portions of the rope 30.

Accordingly, the horse can be easily loaded through the entrance without causing the horse significant distress. However, should the horse become distressed, the handler

may quickly release the rope 30 from attachment to the entrance by operating the quick release mechanisms. In such an event, though, the rope 30 remains in tension about the rear of the horse and does not become dislodged. To retry loading the horse, the handler needs only to reposition the horse and re-attach the rope to the anchor.

In an alternative embodiment, each end of the rope 30 are attached directly to the quick release mechanisms for attachment to the anchors 32, 46. The spools 47, 48 are positioned attached to the neck belt 24. In this embodiment the spools 32, 46 are double ended such that each end of the rope 30 may be unwound from the respective spool to attach the quick release mechanism to the anchors whilst the spools also apply tension to the portion of the rope 30 that extends behind the horse.

In a further embodiment as shown in Figure 5, the horse loading apparatus comprises, as in previous embodiments, a fastening means and a guide means. The fastening means comprises a waist belt 22, neck belt 24 and also an additional nose belt 25. The waist and neck belts are as herein described. The nose belt includes fixing locations on either side, through which rings are arranged.

The guide means comprises a first rope 50 that is attached at one end via a quick release mechanism (not shown) to an anchor arranged past the entrance 34. The rope 50 is passed through the rings on the nose belt 25, neck belt 24, waist belt 22 and attached to one end of a double ended spool 52 that is attached to the other side of the waist belt. The guide means also comprises a second rope 54 that is attached at one end via a quick release

mechanism (not shown) to an anchor arranged past the entrance 54. The anchor may be different to the anchor (not shown) that the rope 50 is attached to. The rope 54 is passed through the rings on the other side of the nose belt 25, neck belt 24 and attached to a second end of the double ended spool 52.

In use the spool 52 reels in the ropes 50 and 54, applying pressure to the back of the horse as before. Advantageously, when the horse is loaded through the entrance, because the ropes 50 and 54 are attached beyond the entrance, the horse is encouraged to move through the entrance, whereas before, the ropes would begin to pull the horse away from the entrance as the horse moved there through.

Optional guide ropes 56, 58 may be suspended between the neck belt and anchors on either side of the entrance. The guide ropes 56, 58 may sag as the horse moves or alternatively may be arranged with spools (not shown) in order to keep them suspended.

In a further embodiment as shown in Figure 6, a horse loading apparatus comprises, as in previous embodiments, a fastening means and a guide means.

The fastening means comprises a waist belt 22 that is located about a horses back and toward the loins. The fastening means may optionally include a second belt 25 located about the horses back and toward the withers. The second belt 25 is connected to the waist belt 22 by side straps 25a and 25b. The second belt 25 helps maintain the

fastening means in place on the horse. The waist belt 22 and second belt 25 are substantially as herein described.

The horse loading apparatus includes two spools 60,61 fixed to the waist strap 22 at either side of the horse. Fixed to the same location of the waist strap 22 are the ends of a first portion 63 of the guide means. The first portion 63 of the guide means is a length of belt, which is arranged to be a fixed length. Accordingly, the location points are selected so as to correctly arrange the first portion 63 about the horse's hind quarters. Second 65 and third 67 portions of the guide means are biased to retract on to the respective spools 60,61. The second 65 and third 67 portions are also lengths of belt. Each spool operates similarly to a standard car-seatbelt spool. For instance, if the belt is steadily pulled from the spool, the spool unwinds and if a sharp tug is applied, the spool locks so that the belt cannot unwind.

As previously described, the free end of the second and third portions include a quick release clip.

In use, the fastening means is secured to the horse, at a location away from an entrance that the horse is intended to be moved through. This avoids the horse becoming overly agitated. The horse can then be manoeuvred to be positioned in front of the entrance. A handler may then withdraw the first 65 and second 67 portions of belt from the spools 60,61 and attach the quick release clips to anchors on either side of the entrance. Because the spools are biased to retract the tape, the tape is suspended and the spools are urged towards the entrance. This applies tension to the first portion of tape by

acting to effectively shorten the length of the first portion. For instance, in use, the spools are pulled slightly towards the entrance, which in turn pulls the tape 63 toward the entrance thereby pressuring the hind quarters of the horse. As the horse moves toward the entrance, the spools wind the tape in so that tension is maintained. Should the horse attempt to back away, the sharpness of the horses movement causes the spools to lock. Thus as the horse continues to back away, the horses hind quarters push against the first portion of the tape, which causes the horse to want to move forwardly again .

If the horse becomes overly agitated, the handler can operate the quick release clips on the ends of the second and third portions so that the horse is free to move away and calm down. Because the fastening means stays attached to the horse, once the horse is calm the manoeuvre can be attempted again without having to re-prepare the equipment.

The second and third portions of tape may not wind completely onto the spools. Thus a length of tape may be left to extend from each spool when the tapes are fully retracted. This enables the horse to move through the entrance without the second and third tapes acting to pull the fastening means backward.

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.