Abstract:
A caveson which may be used with horses is disclosed in which the caveson allows for limited movement of the horse&#39;s mouth during breaking and training of the horse and thereafter. The caveson has a noseband constructed at least in part of a resilient material, allowing enough movement of the horse&#39;s mouth to prevent pain or discomfort while exerting progressive and constant pressure on the horse&#39;s nose when the horse opens its mouth or crosses its jaws, ensuring that the trainer or rider will maintain control and communication with the horse through the bit. The noseband together with an adjustable jaw strap form a circular segment that fits around the horse&#39;s nose and is maintained in position on the horse&#39;s head by a headstall which is connected at opposite ends to the circular segment and which is configured to run behind the horse&#39;s ears.

Description:
IDENTIFICATION OF RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]    This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/137,596, entitled “Caveson for Use With Horses,” which was filed on May 2, 2002, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    The present invention relates generally to tack, and more specifically to a caveson for use with horses in which the caveson allows for limited movement of the horse&#39;s mouth.  
           [0003]    A bridle made of a framework of leather straps and having a bit is placed on a horse&#39;s head and used by a rider to control the horse&#39;s movement. Control or communication with the horse is achieved by pulling on the reins, which are attached to the bridle and thereby transmit pressure to the horse&#39;s head through the bridle and the bit. A caveson fits underneath the bridle to prevent the horse from avoiding the action of the bit by opening its mouth. Accordingly, training a horse to accept a bit and a bridle is essential for proper communication and control of a horse throughout its life.  
           [0004]    A caveson is thus positioned on a horse for the purpose of ensuring that the horse holds a bit correctly in its mouth, with the caveson preventing the horse from excessively opening its mouth while being ridden. Further, a caveson aids in training a horse to accept a bridle and bit. By virtue of inhibiting the level to which the horse can open its mouth, a caveson also controls breathing and the tendency for the horse to run away with its rider.  
           [0005]    A caveson resembles a well fitting halter and includes a circular segment comprised of a noseband and a jaw strap which together encircle the horse&#39;s jaw and a retaining strap or headstall that holds the noseband in position. The noseband, secured relatively tightly around the horse&#39;s nose by the jaw strap, acts on the horse&#39;s nasal bone to control and guide the horse. The impact on the horse is determined by the tightness of the jaw strap on the underside of the noseband.  
           [0006]    Because of its use as a training device, the caveson noseband is traditionally made of a rigid, inelastic material, such as thick bridle leather, nylon or metal. In some instances, the caveson can include even harsher materials on the noseband such as metal studs, to encourage the horse to keep its mouth closed while being ridden. While some rigid cavesons include padding on the underside of the noseband to improve comfort, the caveson materials themselves are rigid and inelastic to prevent opening of the horse&#39;s mouth.  
           [0007]    However, some horses are not easily trained or accepting of these rigid cavesons. Rigid or harsh cavesons used to provide negative reinforcement during training often proves unsuccessful in achieving results. The use of a rigid caveson is painful and uncomfortable for the horse, and may be ineffective in training and lead to less inverted working attitudes (head up).  
           [0008]    It is accordingly the primary objective of the present invention to provide a caveson for use in horse training and thereafter which will allow limited movement of the horsels mouth during training and allow the horse to adapt gently to the concept of a mouth constraint. It is a related objective of the present invention to provide a caveson in which the noseband is comprised at least in part of a resilient material, allowing enough movement of the horse&#39;s mouth to prevent pain or discomfort while exerting progressive and constant pressure on the horse&#39;s nose when the horse opens his mouth or crosses his jaw, ensuring that the trainer or rider maintains control and communication with the horse through the bit.  
           [0009]    It is a further objective of the present invention to provide a caveson with an adjustable jaw strap thereby permitting a trainer or rider to vary the circumference of the circular portion of the caveson according to the size of the horse&#39;s nose. It is a related objective of the present invention to provide a caveson with an adjustable headstall thereby permitting a trainer or rider to vary the size of such headstall allowing the caveson to be fitted and used on more than one horse.  
           [0010]    It is a further objective of the caveson of the present invention that the caveson jaw strap may optionally be made of at least in part a resilient material to allow limited movement of the horse&#39;s mouth while acting in cooperation with the caveson noseband to exert progressive and constant pressure on the horse&#39;s nose, ensuring the horse&#39;s mouth is sufficiently closed to properly engage with the bit. It is an additional objective of the present invention to provide a caveson for use in horse training and thereafter that optionally includes a headstall made at least in part of a resilient material to further provide comfort to the horse while working with the noseband and the jaw strap to maintain pressure on the horse&#39;s nose.  
           [0011]    The caveson of the present invention must also be of construction which is both durable and long lasting, and it should also require little or no maintenance to be provided by the user throughout its lifetime. In order to enhance the market appeal of the cavason of the present invention, it should also be of inexpensive construction to thereby afford it the broadest possible market. Finally, it is also an objective that all of the aforesaid advantages and objectives of the caveson of the present invention be achieved without incurring any substantial relative disadvantage.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0012]    The disadvantages and limitations of the background art discussed above are overcome by the present invention. With this invention, a caveson for use in horse training and thereafter is provided which consists of a circular segment that is fitted around the horse&#39;s nose and a headstall, attached to the circular segment and placed behind the horse&#39;s ears to secure the caveson on the horse&#39;s head.  
           [0013]    The circular segment includes an upper portion consisting of a noseband, having first and second ends, and a lower portion consisting of a jaw strap, also having first and second ends, with the first ends of the noseband and the jaw strap secured to each other and the second ends of the noseband and the jaw strap secured to each other, thereby forming the circular segment. In the preferred embodiment, the noseband is secured to the jaw strap by permanently stitching the ends together.  
           [0014]    The noseband of the caveson of the present invention is constructed, at least in part, of a resilient material, allowing the noseband to yield slightly in response to movement of the horse&#39;s mouth. In the preferred embodiment, the noseband is constructed of two layers of resilient material, placed directly on top of each other and affixed together permanently by stitching or other well-known methods. In an alternate embodiment, the noseband of the caveson of the present invention is constructed, at least in part, of a resilient material that not only exhibits elastic properties but which also imparts softness and conformability to the shape of the horse&#39;s nose at the points of contact, such as woven elasticized materials.  
           [0015]    The jaw strap of the caveson of the present invention includes an adjustment mechanism for securing the circular segment around the horse&#39;s nose and varying the circumference of the circular segment. In the preferred embodiment, the jaw strap includes a buckle that allows the circular segment to be adjusted in circumference, depending upon the size of the horse&#39;s nose and the amount of pressure on the horse&#39;s nose required by the trainer or rider. In the preferred embodiment, the buckle is positioned within the jaw strap such that when the buckle is fastened to the desired circumference, it is located on the underside of the horse&#39;s nose.  
           [0016]    The caveson of the present invention also includes a headstall which consists of a strap having first and second ends which are relatively secured to the circular segment of the caveson on opposite sides thereof so that the headstall forms a loop which runs from one side of the circular segment to a location behind the horse&#39;s ears, and back to the opposite side of the circular segment. The headstall also includes means for adjusting the size thereof and for ensuring that the headstall is securely fitted behind the ears of the horse. In the preferred embodiment, the headstall consists of two segments, each segment having first and second ends, wherein the first ends are each secured to the circular portion of the caveson on opposite sides of the horse&#39;s nose, and the second ends are fastened together by a buckle. In this embodiment, the length of each segment is such that when the buckle is fastened, the buckle is located on the side of the horse&#39;s head.  
           [0017]    In alternate embodiments, either the jaw strap or the headstall, or both, may be constructed, at least in part, of a resilient material, allowing additional movement of the horse&#39;s mouth.  
           [0018]    In yet another embodiment, the caveson is provided with an additional component, namely a crown piece strap which is connected at each end to opposite sides of the headstall, and is located so as to run along the forehead of the horse. This crown piece may be constructed of leather or any other commonly used material known in the art.  
           [0019]    In further alternative embodiments, the caveson is provided with a second circular segment that is connected to first circular segment at a point on the noseband of the caveson that is directly on the bridge of the horse&#39;s nose and extends around the horse&#39;s chin in front of the bit, encircling the horse&#39;s nose. The second circular segment may also be constructed, at least in part, of a resilient material, allowing for additional control over movement of the horse&#39;s mouth.  
           [0020]    It may therefore be seen that the caveson of the present invention overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art by providing a comfortable and humane caveson that can be used for training horses and thereafter, wherein the noseband is constructed in part of a resilient material that allows movement of the horse&#39;s mouth while also acting in conjunction with the jaw strap to apply light and continuous pressure to the horse&#39;s nose, encouraging the horse to keep its mouth closed while being ridden. It may thus be seen that the present invention provides a caveson for use in horse training and thereafter without the need for harsh, painful, and inelastic components previously seen in the prior art.  
           [0021]    The caveson of the present invention is of a construction which is both durable and long lasting, and which will require little or no maintenance to be provided by the user throughout its lifetime. The caveson of the present invention is also of inexpensive construction to enhance its market appeal and to thereby afford it the broadest possible market. Finally, all of the aforesaid advantages and objectives of the caveson of the present invention are achieved without incurring any substantial relative disadvantage.  
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0022]    These and other advantages of the present invention are best understood with reference to the drawings, in which:  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a horse wearing a caveson constructed according to the teachings of the present invention;  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 2 is a front view of the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 1;  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the caveson illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, showing a detailed depiction of the connection of the noseband to the jaw strap which forms the circular segment;  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 4 is a side view of a portion of the caveson illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 3, showing the connection of the noseband to the jaw strap which forms the circular segment, and also showing the connection of the headstall to the circular segment;  
         [0027]    [0027]FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the caveson illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 4, showing a detailed depiction of the connection of the headstall to the circular segment;  
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a horse wearing the caveson illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 5 positioned underneath a bridle;  
         [0029]    [0029]FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a horse wearing an alternate embodiment caveson;  
         [0030]    [0030]FIG. 8 is a front view of the alternate embodiment caveson shown in FIG. 7;  
         [0031]    [0031]FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a horse wearing a second alternate embodiment caveson, which includes a crown piece;  
         [0032]    [0032]FIG. 10 is a side view of a portion of the caveson illustrated in FIG. 9, showing the connection of the noseband to the jaw strap which forms the circular segment, and also showing the connection of the headstall to the circular segment;  
         [0033]    [0033]FIG. 11 is a front view of the caveson illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10;  
         [0034]    [0034]FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a horse wearing a third alternate embodiment caveson, which includes a second circular segment having an adjustment buckle;  
         [0035]    [0035]FIG. 13 is a front view of the third alternate embodiment shown in FIG. 12;  
         [0036]    [0036]FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the caveson illustrated in FIGS. 12 and 13, showing a detailed depiction of the connection of the noseband to the jaw strap which forms the first circular segment;  
         [0037]    [0037]FIG. 15 is a side view of a portion of the caveson illustrated in FIGS. 12 through 14, showing the connection of the noseband to the jaw strap which forms the first circular segment, and also showing the connection of the headstall to the first circular segment;  
         [0038]    [0038]FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the caveson illustrated in FIGS. 14 through 15, showing a detailed depiction of the connection of the headstall to the first circular segment;  
         [0039]    [0039]FIG. 17 is a partial perspective view of the caveson illustrated in FIGS. 12 through 16, showing a detailed depiction of the connection of the second circular segment to the first circular segment;  
         [0040]    [0040]FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a horse wearing the caveson illustrated in FIGS. 12 through 17 positioned underneath a bridle;  
         [0041]    [0041]FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a horse wearing a fourth alternate embodiment caveson, which includes a second circular segment without a buckle; and  
         [0042]    [0042]FIG. 20 is a front view of the fourth alternate embodiment shown in FIG. 19.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
       [0043]    [0043]FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate the preferred embodiment of a caveson  30  which is consistent with the teachings of the present invention. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the caveson  30  in its simplest form consists of a circular segment  32  that fits around the horse&#39;s nose and a headstall  34  that is connected to the circular segment  32  on opposite sides thereof and runs behind the horse&#39;s ears to maintain the caveson  30  in place on horse&#39;s head  36 .  
         [0044]    The circular segment  32  of the caveson  30  consists of a noseband  38  that runs over the nasal bone of the horse and a jaw strap indicated generally at  40  that makes up the lower portion of the circular segment  32 .  
         [0045]    The jaw strap  40  of the caveson  30  is used to adjust the size of the circular segment  32 , to accommodate different size horse noses, and to vary the amount of pressure to be applied to the horse&#39;s nose. The jaw strap  40  consists of two segments, a first segment  42  and a second segment  44 . The first segment  42  has a first end indicated generally at  46  which is attached to the noseband  38 , and a second, opposite end indicated generally at  48  which is connected to a buckle  50  or similar mechanism for removably fastening the first segment  42  to the second segment  44 . The second segment  44  has a first end indicated generally at  52  which is attached to the noseband  38 , and a second, opposite end indicated generally at  54  which contains a series of regularly spaced apertures  56  (best shown in FIGS. 1 and 4) which will receive the buckle  50 .  
         [0046]    [0046]FIG. 2 best illustrates the manner in which the first segment  42  is provided with buckle loops  58  located close to the buckle  50  for retaining the second end  54  of the second segment  44  after the jaw strap  40  has been buckled into place. The relative lengths of each of the segments  42  and  44  of the jaw strap  40  is such that when the buckle  50  is fastened, it is located on the underside of the horse&#39;s nose.  
         [0047]    Referring for the moment to FIG. 3, the preferred embodiment of the noseband  38  consists of a first layer  60  and a second layer  62  of a resilient material of identical width and length, stitched or otherwise joined together permanently in a manner known to those skilled in the art, forming a single reinforced band of resilient material. The noseband  38  has a first end indicated generally at  64  and a second, opposing end indicated generally at  66 , in which ends  64  and  66  are used to connect the noseband  38  to the jaw strap  40 . In an alternate embodiment, one or more layers of the noseband  38  may be constructed of a material that is not only elastic but also is soft and conforms to the shape of the horse&#39;s nose at the points of contact.  
         [0048]    In accordance with the present invention, the noseband  38  is connected to the jaw strap  40 , forming the circular segment  32  (shown in FIGS. 1 and 2). FIG. 3 also illustrates a detailed view of the connection of the noseband  38  to the jaw strap  40  of the preferred embodiment. The first end  46  of the first segment  42  of the jaw strap  40  is split into two layers, namely a first layer  68  and a second layer  70 . The first end  64  of the noseband  38  is inserted between the first layer  68  and the second layer  70 , and the resulting joint is stitched or otherwise permanently joined together in a manner known to those skilled in the art.  
         [0049]    Likewise, the second end  52  of the second segment  44  of the jaw strap  40  is split into two layers, namely a first layer  72  and a second layer  74 . The second end  66  of the noseband  38  is inserted between the first layer  72  and the second layer  74 , and the resulting joint is stitched or otherwise permanently joined together in a manner known to those skilled in the art. In the preferred embodiment, the jaw strap  40  is constructed of leather, although it could instead be made of any other appropriate material that either has two layers or may be split into two layers as previously described. It will at once be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the jaw strap  40  may instead be constructed of one or more layers of resilient material, nylon, rope or any other appropriate material and connected to the noseband  38  to form the circular segment  32  by stitching or in any other manner known to those skilled in the art.  
         [0050]    Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 2, the headstall  34  consists of two segments, a first segment  76  and a second segment  78 . The first segment  76  has a first end indicated generally at  80  which is attached to the circular segment  32  on the side thereof which will be located on the right side of the nose of the horse&#39;s head  36 , and a second, opposite end indicated generally at  82  which contains a series of regularly spaced apertures  84 . The second segment  78  has a first end indicated generally at  86  which is attached to the circular segment  32  on the side thereof which will be located on the left side of the nose of the horse&#39;s head  36 , and a second, opposite end indicated generally at  88  which is connected to a buckle  90  or similar mechanism for removably fastening the first segment  76  to the second segment  78 . The apertures  84  will receive the buckle  90  when the headstall  34  is fastened onto the horsels head  36 .  
         [0051]    [0051]FIG. 1 illustrates the preferred embodiment of the caveson  30  in which the second segment  78  is provided with a first buckle loop  92  located close to the buckle  90  for retaining the second end  82  of the first segment  76 , and a second buckle loop  94  located a distance away from the buckle  90  for further retaining the first segment  76  when the headstall  34  is fastened in place. The relative lengths of each of the segments  76  and  78  is such that when the buckle  90  is fastened, the buckle  90  will rest on the side of the horse&#39;s head  36 .  
         [0052]    Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 5 in addition to FIGS. 1 and 2, detailed views of portions of the caveson  30  of the present invention showing the connection of the headstall  34  to the circular segment  32  is provided. The first segment  42  of the jaw strap  40  contains an elongated aperture  96  for receiving one end of the headstall  34 . The first end  80  of the first segment  76  of the headstall  34  is looped through the elongated aperture  96  and stitched directly onto itself (as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5), or otherwise permanently joined together in a manner known to those skilled in the art.  
         [0053]    Likewise, the second segment  44  of the jaw strap  40  contains an elongated aperture  98  for receiving the other end of the headstall  34 . The first end  86  of the second segment  78  of the headstall  34  is looped through the elongated aperture  98  and stitched directly onto itself (as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5), or otherwise permanently joined together in a manner known to those skilled in the art. Note that the elongated apertures  96  and  98  are located on opposite sides of the circular segment  32 , and will be respectively located on the right and left sides of the horse&#39;s head  36  when the caveson  30  is installed thereupon. It will at once be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the headstall  34  may be connected to the circular segment  32  as described, or alternatively, by stitching it directly to the circular segment  32 , or by any other mechanism known to those skilled in the art.  
         [0054]    Referring now FIG. 6, the preferred embodiment of the caveson  30  is shown on the horse&#39;s head  36  located underneath a bridle  100  as would be customary when used in horse training.  
         [0055]    Referring next to FIGS. 7 and 8, a first alternate embodiment caveson is shown in which caveson  102  consists of a circular segment  32  that fits around the horse&#39;s nose and a headstall  104  which is connected to the circular segment  32  on opposite sides thereof and runs behind the horse&#39;s ears to maintain the caveson  102  in place on horse&#39;s head  36 .  
         [0056]    In this embodiment, the headstall  104  of the caveson  102  consists of three segments, a first segment  106 , a second segment  108  and a third segment  110 . The first segment  106  of the headstall  104  has a first end indicated generally at  112  which is looped through the elongated aperture  96  on the circular segment  32  and stitched directly onto itself, and a second, opposite end indicated generally at  114  which is connected to a first buckle  116  or similar mechanism for removably fastening the first segment  106  to the second segment  108 .  
         [0057]    Likewise, the third segment  110  has a first end indicated generally at  118  which is looped through the elongated aperture  98  on the circular segment  32  and stitched directly onto itself, and a second, opposite end indicated generally at  120  which is connected to a second buckle  122  or similar mechanism for removably fastening the third segment  110  to the second segment  108 . Both the first segment  106  and the third segment  110  are provided with first buckle loops  124  located close to buckles  116  and  122  respectively for retaining the second segment  108  in place. In addition, both the first segment  106  and the third segment  110  are provided with second buckle loops  126  located a distance away from buckles  116  and  122  respectively for further retaining the second segment  108  in position.  
         [0058]    The second segment  108  has a first end indicated generally at  128  and a second end indicated generally at  130 . Ends  128  and  130  each contain a series of regularly spaced apertures  132  for receiving buckles  116  and  122  respectively when the caveson  102  is fastened onto to the horse&#39;s head  36 . The relative lengths of each of the segments  106 ,  108  and  110  is such that when buckles  116  and  122  are fastened, buckle  116  will be located on the right side of the horse&#39;s head  36  and buckle  122  will be located on the left side of the horse&#39;s head  36 .  
         [0059]    Referring next to FIGS. 9 through 11, a second alternate embodiment is shown in which a caveson  134  is provided consisting of a circular segment  136  that fits around the horse&#39;s nose, a headstall  138  which is connected to the circular segment  136  on opposite sides thereof and runs behind the horse&#39;s ears to maintain the caveson  134  in place on the horse&#39;s head  36 , and a crown piece  140  which is connected to the headstall  138  on opposite sides of the horse&#39;s head  36 , running along the forehead of the horse.  
         [0060]    As best illustrated in FIG. 11, the circular segment  136  consists of a noseband  38  and a jaw strap indicated generally at  142 . In this embodiment, the jaw strap  142  consists of two segments, a first segment  144  and a second segment  146 . The first segment  144  has a first end indicated generally at  148 , and a second, opposite end indicated generally at  150 . The first end  148  of the first segment  144  is split into two layers, namely a first layer  152  and a second layer  154 . The first end  64  of the noseband  38  is attached to the jaw strap  142  by inserting end  64  between layers  152  and  154  of the first segment  144  and the resulting joint is stitched or otherwise permanently joined together in a manner known to those skilled in the art. The second end  150  of the first segment  144  is connected to a friction-lock buckle  156  or similar mechanism for removably fastening the first segment  144  to the second segment  146  and for adjusting the size of circular segment  136 .  
         [0061]    Likewise, the second segment  146  has a first end indicated generally at  158 , and a second, opposite end indicated generally at  160 . The first end  158  of the second segment  146  is split into two layers, namely a first layer  162  and a second layer  164 . The second end  66  of the noseband  38  is attached to the jaw strap  142  by inserting end  66  between layers  162  and  164  of the second segment  146  and the resulting joint is stitched or otherwise permanently joined together in a manner known to those skilled in the art. The second end  160  of the second segment  146  will be fed through the friction-lock buckle  156  when the caveson is fastened onto the horse&#39;s head  36 . It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that any appropriate fastening mechanism may be used to adjust the size of the circular segment  136  in place of the friction-lock buckle  156 .  
         [0062]    As best illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10, the circular segment  136  is provided with a first metal ring  162  and a second metal ring  164  located on opposite sides of the circular segment  136 . The first metal ring  162  is attached to the first segment  144  of the jaw strap  142  near the first end  148  by stitching or otherwise permanently joining in a manner known to those skilled in the art the first metal ring  162  to the jaw strap  142 . The first metal ring  162  is joined to the jaw strap  142  in a manner such that the first metal ring  162  is only partially sewn into the jaw strap  142 , as shown in FIG. 10.  
         [0063]    Likewise, the second metal ring  164  is attached to the second segment  146  of the jaw strap  142  near the first end  158  by stitching or otherwise permanently joining in a manner known to those skilled in the art the second metal ring  164  to the jaw strap  142 . The second metal ring  164  is joined to the jaw strap  142  in a manner such that the metal ring is only partially sewn into the jaw strap  142 , shown in FIG. 10. Note that the metal rings  162  and  164  are located on opposite sides of the circular segment  136 , and will be respectively located on the right and left sides of the horse&#39;s head  36  when the caveson  134  is installed thereupon.  
         [0064]    [0064]FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate detailed views of the caveson  134  of the present invention showing the connection of the headstall  138  to the circular segment  136 . The headstall  138  consists of two segments, a first segment  166  and a second segment  168 . The first segment  166  has a first end indicated generally at  170  and a second, opposite end indicated generally at  172  which contains a series of regularly spaced apertures  174 . The first end  170  of the first segment  166  is connected to the first metal ring  162  on the circular segment  136  located on the right side of the nose of the horse&#39;s head  36  by inserting the first end  170  through the first metal ring  162  and stitching or otherwise permanently joining the first end  170  directly onto itself, forming a loop.  
         [0065]    The second segment  168  of the headstall  138  has a first end indicated generally at  176  and a second, opposite end indicated generally at  178  which is connected to a buckle  180  or similar mechanism for removably fastening the first segment  166  to the second segment  168 . The first end  176  of the second segment  168  is connected to the second metal ring  164  on the circular segment  136  located on the left side of the nose of the horse&#39;s head  36  by inserting the first end  176  through the second metal ring  164  and stitching or otherwise permanently joining the first end  176  directly onto itself, forming a loop. The second segment  168  is further provided with a first buckle loop  182  located close to the buckle  180  and a second buckle loop  184  located a distance away from the buckle  180  for retaining the first segment  166  when the headstall  138  is fastened into place.  
         [0066]    As best illustrated in FIG. 9, the crown piece  140  has a first end  186  indicated generally at and a second end indicated generally at  188  which are connected to the headstall  138  on opposite sides of the horse&#39;s forehead. The first end  186  is looped around the first segment  166  of the headstall  138  at a location that will be located on the right side of the horse&#39;s head  36  immediately in front of the ears and stitched or otherwise permanently joined directly onto itself. Likewise, the second end  188  is looped around the first segment  166  of the headstall  138  at a location that will be located on the left side of the horse&#39;s head  36  immediately in front of the horse&#39;s ears and stitched or otherwise permanently joined onto itself. The positions of the ends  186  and  188  of the crown piece  140  may be slidably adjusted on the first segment  166  of the headstall  138 .  
         [0067]    Referring next to FIGS. 12 through 17, a third alternate embodiment is shown in which a caveson  190  is provided consisting of a first circular segment  192  that fits around the horse&#39;s nose, a second circular segment  194  that connects to the first circular segment  192  and fits around the horse&#39;s nose at a point closer to the mouth of the horse than the first circular segment  192 , and a headstall  196  that is connected to the first circular segment  192  on opposite sides thereof and runs behind the horse&#39;s ears to maintain the caveson  190  in place on horse&#39;s head  36 .  
         [0068]    The first circular segment  192  of the caveson  190  consists of a noseband  198  that runs over the nasal bone of the horse and a jaw strap indicated generally at  200  that makes up the lower portion of the first circular segment  192 .  
         [0069]    As best illustrated in FIGS. 12 and 13, the jaw strap  200  of the caveson  190  is used to adjust the size of the first circular segment  192 , to accommodate different size horse noses, and to vary the amount of pressure to be applied to the horse&#39;s nose. The jaw strap  200  consists of two segments, a first segment  202  and a second segment  204 . The first segment  202  has a first end indicated generally at  206  which is attached to the noseband  198 , and a second, opposite end indicated generally at  208  which is connected to a buckle  210  or similar mechanism for removably fastening the first segment  202  to the second segment  204 . The second segment  204  has a first end indicated generally at  212  which is attached to the noseband  198 , and a second, opposite end indicated generally at  214  which contains a series of regularly spaced apertures  216  (best shown in FIGS. 12 and 15) which will receive the buckle  210 .  
         [0070]    [0070]FIG. 13 best illustrates the manner in which the first segment  202  is provided with buckle loops  218  located close to the buckle  210  for retaining the second end  214  of the second segment  204  after the jaw strap  200  has been buckled into place. The relative lengths of each of the segments  202  and  204  of the jaw strap  200  is such that when the buckle  210  is fastened, it is located on the underside of the horse&#39;s nose.  
         [0071]    Referring for the moment to FIG. 14, the noseband  198  consists of a first layer  220  and a second layer  222  of a resilient material of identical width and length, stitched or otherwise joined together permanently in a manner known to those skilled in the art, forming a single reinforced band of resilient material. The noseband  198  has a first end indicated generally at  224  and a second, opposing end indicated generally at  226 , in which ends  224  and  226  are used to connect the noseband  198  to the jaw strap  200 . In an alternate embodiment, one or more layers of the noseband  198  may be constructed of a material that is not only elastic but also is soft and conforms to the shape of the horse&#39;s nose at the points of contact.  
         [0072]    In accordance with this embodiment, the noseband  198  is connected to the jaw strap  200 , forming the first circular segment  192  (shown in FIGS. 12 and 13) . FIG. 14 also illustrates a detailed view of the connection of the noseband  198  to the jaw strap  200  of this embodiment. The first end  206  of the first segment  202  of the jaw strap  200  is split into two layers, namely a first layer  228  and a second layer  230 . The first end  224  of the noseband  198  is inserted between the first layer  228  and the second layer  230 , and the resulting joint is stitched or otherwise permanently joined together in a manner known to those skilled in the art.  
         [0073]    Likewise, the second end  212  of the second segment  204  of the jaw strap  200  is split into two layers, namely a first layer  232  and a second layer  234 . The second end  226  of the noseband  198  is inserted between the first layer  232  and the second layer  234 , and the resulting joint is stitched or otherwise permanently joined together in a manner known to those skilled in the art. In this embodiment, the jaw strap  200  is constructed of leather, although it could instead be made of any other appropriate material that either has two layers or may be split into two layers as previously described. It will at once be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the jaw strap  200  may instead be constructed of one or more layers of resilient material, nylon, rope or any other appropriate material and connected to the noseband  198  to form the first circular segment  192  by stitching or in any other manner known to those skilled in the art.  
         [0074]    Referring again to FIGS. 12 and 13, the headstall  196  consists of two segments, a first segment  236  and a second segment  238 . The first segment  236  has a first end indicated generally at  240  which is attached to the first circular segment  192  on the side thereof which will be located on the right side of the nose of the horse&#39;s head  36 , and a second, opposite end indicated generally at  242  which contains a series of regularly spaced apertures  244 . The second segment  238  has a first end indicated generally at  246  which is attached to the first circular segment  192  on the side thereof which will be located on the left side of the nose of the horse&#39;s head  36 , and a second, opposite end indicated generally at  248  which is connected to a buckle  250  or similar mechanism for removably fastening the first segment  236  to the second segment  238 . The apertures  244  will receive the buckle  250  when the headstall  196  is fastened onto the horse&#39;s head  36 .  
         [0075]    [0075]FIG. 12 illustrates the manner in which the second segment  238  of the caveson  190  is provided with a first buckle loop  252  located close to the buckle  250  for retaining the second end  242  of the first segment  236 , and a second buckle loop  254  located a distance away from the buckle  250  for further retaining the first segment  236  when the headstall  196  is fastened in place. The relative lengths of each of the segments  236  and  238  is such that when the buckle  250  is fastened, the buckle  250  will rest on the side of the horse&#39;s head  36 .  
         [0076]    Referring now to FIGS. 15 and 16 in addition to FIGS. 12 and 13, detailed views of portions of the caveson  190  of the present invention showing the connection of the headstall  196  to the first circular segment  192  are provided. The first segment  202  of the jaw strap  200  contains an elongated aperture  256  for receiving one end of the headstall  196 . The first end  240  of the first segment  236  of the headstall  196  is looped through the elongated aperture  256  and stitched directly onto itself (as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16), or otherwise permanently joined together in a manner known to those skilled in the art.  
         [0077]    Likewise, the second segment  204  of the jaw strap  200  contains an elongated aperture  258  for receiving the other end of the headstall  196 . The first end  246  of the second segment  238  of the headstall  196  is looped through the elongated aperture  258  and stitched directly onto itself (as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16), or otherwise permanently joined together in a manner known to those skilled in the art. Note that the elongated apertures  256  and  258  are located on opposite sides of the first circular segment  192 , and will be respectively located on the right and left sides of the horse&#39;s head  36  when the caveson  190  is installed thereupon. It will at once be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the headstall  196  may be connected to the first circular segment  192  as described, or alternatively, by stitching it directly to the first circular segment  192 , or by any other mechanism known to those skilled in the art.  
         [0078]    As best illustrated in FIGS. 12 and 13, the second circular segment  194  has a first end indicated generally at  260  and a second, opposite end indicated generally at  262 . First end  260  is connected to a buckle  264  or similar mechanism for removably fastening the first end  260  to the second end  262 . The second end  262  contains a series of regularly spaced apertures  266  (best shown in FIG. 12) which will receive the buckle  264 . The first end  260  is provided with buckle loops  268  located close to the buckle  264  for retaining the second end  262  of the second circular segment  194  in place. In this embodiment, the second circular segment  194  is constructed of leather, although it will at once be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the second circular segment  194  may instead be constructed of one or more layers of a resilient material, nylon, rope or any other appropriate material known to those skilled in the art.  
         [0079]    [0079]FIGS. 12 and 17 illustrate how the second circular segment  194  is attached to the first circular segment  192 . In this embodiment, a connecting segment  278  is provided having a first end indicated generally at  280  and a second, opposite end indicated generally at  282 . Ends  280  and  282  of connecting segment  278  are inserted between the first layer  220  and the second layer  222  of the noseband  198  and the resulting joint is stitched or otherwise permanently joined together in a manner known to those skilled in the art, forming a loop with aperture  284 . Note that the connecting segment  278  is attached to the first circular segment  192  at a point on the noseband  198  that is directly on the topside or bridge of the horse&#39;s nose (approximately 180 degrees from the horse&#39;s chin).  
         [0080]    As best illustrated in FIG. 12, the second circular segment  194  is attached to the first circular segment  192  by inserting the second end  262  of the second circular segment  194  through the aperture  284  created by the connecting segment  278  and the ends  260  and  262  of the second circular segment  194  are fastened together by the buckle  264 .  
         [0081]    Referring now also to FIG. 18, the third alternate embodiment of the caveson  190  is shown on the horse&#39;s head  36  located underneath a bridle  100  as would be customary when used for horse training. Note that the second circular segment  194  encircles the horse&#39;s nose around the chin and in front of the bit when the caveson  190  is installed on the horse&#39;s head  36  (as shown in FIGS. 12 and 18). It will at once be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the second circular segment  194  may instead be directly connected to the first circular segment  192  at a point on the noseband  198  that is directly at the bridge of the horse&#39;s nose (approximately 180 degrees from the horse&#39;s chin) by stitching or in any other manner known to those skilled in the art.  
         [0082]    Referring next to FIGS. 19 and 20, a fourth alternate embodiment is shown in which a caveson  290  is provided consisting of a first circular segment  192  that fits around the horse&#39;s nose, a second circular section  292  that connects to the first circular segment  192  and fits around the horse&#39;s nose at a point closer to the mouth of the horse than the first circular segment  192 , and a headstall  196  that is connected to the first circular segment  192  on opposite sides thereof and runs behind the horse&#39;s ears to maintain the caveson  190  in place on horse&#39;s head  36 .  
         [0083]    Note that in this embodiment, the first circular segment  192  and headstall  196  of caveson  290  are constructed in the manner described for the third alternate embodiment. Likewise, the noseband  198  of the first circular segment  192  is provided with connecting segment  278  in the manner previously described, which forms a loop with aperture  284  located at a point on the noseband  198  that is directly at the bridge of the horse&#39;s nose (approximately 180 degrees from the horse&#39;s chin).  
         [0084]    Referring now to FIG. 20, the second circular segment  292  has a first end indicated generally at  294  and a second, opposite end indicated generally at  296 . The second circular segment  292  is attached to the first circular segment  192  by inserting the end  294  of the second circular segment  292  through the aperture  284  created by the connecting segment  278  and ends  294  and  296  of second circular segment  292  are stitched together or otherwise joined in a manner known to those skilled in the art. It will at once be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the second circular segment  292  may be directly connected to the first circular segment  192  by stitching or joining them together in any other manner known to those skilled in the art. Note that the second circular segment  292  may be constructed of one or more layers of a resilient material, nylon, rope or any other appropriate material known in the art.  
         [0085]    It may therefore be appreciated from the above detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention that the noseband is manufactured, at least in part, of a resilient material as described, while the material used in other components of the caveson may vary depending on the specific use or application thereof.  
         [0086]    Although an exemplary embodiment of the caveson of the present invention has been shown and described with reference to particular embodiments and applications thereof, it will be apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art that a number of changes, modifications, or alterations to the invention as described herein may be made, none of which depart from the spirit or scope of the present invention. All such changes, modifications, and alterations should therefore be seen as being within the scope of the present invention.