Abstract:
An efficient and economical dressage training device and method that teaches dressage riders proper hip and elbow flexion and extension instinctively establishing muscle memory patterns in the rider.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to a device and method for training equestrian riders, and more particularly the present invention relates to a device and method for training an equestrian rider proper hip and elbow flexion and extension to remain more harmonious and influential while mounted in dressage style riding. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    This invention relates to a training device and method for dressage equestrian riding. The dressage rider must learn to keep the seat on the horse&#39;s back in order to be more connected to the horse&#39;s back. This is accomplished by raising and dropping the thigh (hip flexion and extension), rather than griping or squeezing the leg, in an attempt to hold on to the horse. 
         [0003]    Along with the riders&#39; hip action, the riders&#39; arms must also be trained so the contact between the riders&#39; hand and the horse&#39;s mouth through the reins remains steady and smooth. 
         [0004]    The resulting effect leaves the leg and hand more independent, from the riders&#39; torso, enabling clearer and more harmonious communication with the horse. This, coupled with the horse&#39;s comfort and freedom, will enable the horse to do his job more efficiently. To summarize, the horse and rider become more connected and are working as one. 
         [0005]    The invention gives the rider practical riding tools in an inexpensive, safe and time efficient manner. Prior products and methods are performed while the rider is mounted on horseback. These products and methods do not permit the trainer to physically place his hands on the rider to aid the rider in understanding necessary principals and concepts. 
         [0006]    The invention is a time-efficient way for the rider to gain “time in the saddle” at home in a 20 minute period of time, rather than the 2 to 3 hours it takes to drive to the barn, tack and ride the horse, then the cool down and aftercare making the invention a very economical and valuable tool to supplement a rider&#39;s riding program. 
       OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    Accordingly, the general object of the invention described herein, several objects and advantages of the present invention are:
       a) The present invention is a device and program to teach dressage riders proper hip and elbow flexion and extension to remain in harmonious and influential motion while mounted.   b) The ball can be shaped in an oblong shape such that it possesses a shape that simulates a horse&#39;s back.   c) An embodiment of the present invention is an oblong inflatable ball with adjustable block attachments. The block attachments are placed on the ball in front of the rider&#39;s thigh, so that it simulates a dressage saddle.   d) The ball may be constructed in whole or in part of rubber or any other similar material known to those of ordinary skill in the art.   e) The ball may be inflatable or non-inflatable.   f) The adjustable blocks may be constructed in whole or in part of foam, rubber or plastic or any other similar material known to those of ordinary skill in the art.   g) The adjustable blocks may be attached to the ball by Velcro or any other similar connecting material known to those of ordinary skill in the art.   h) Another embodiment of the present invention contains reins. The reins are connected in such a fashion to simulate the reins that a rider will encounter on an actual horse.   i) Another embodiment of the present invention would be to include stirrups. The stirrups are connected in such a fashion as to simulate actual stirrups on a horse, and may take the form of actual stirrups attached to the ball or simply be a block placed on the ground underneath the rider&#39;s foot.       
 
         [0017]    Still further objects and advantages will become apparent from a consideration of the ensuing description and drawing. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0018]    In accordance with the present invention, an efficient and economical dressage training device and method that teaches dressage riders proper hip and elbow flexion and extension instinctively establishing muscle memory patterns in the rider. 
     
    
     
       DRAWINGS 
       Figures 
         [0019]    The above and other aspects of the present invention will be more apparent from the following more particular description thereof, presented in conjunction with the following drawings wherein: 
           [0020]      FIG. 1  is a front view of an embodiment of the present invention with a rider utilizing block stirrups and thigh blocks; 
           [0021]      FIG. 2  is a side view of an embodiment of the present invention with a rider utilizing reins and thigh blocks; 
           [0022]      FIG. 3  is a rear view of an embodiment of the present invention with a rider; 
           [0023]      FIG. 4  is a close up front view of an embodiment of the present invention utilizing the adjustable thigh blocks; 
           [0024]      FIG. 5  is a top view of an embodiment of the present invention containing withers and placement for a saddle. 
           [0025]      FIG. 6  is a front view of an embodiment of the invention displaying a shape suited for an advanced rider; 
           [0026]      FIG. 7  is a front view of an embodiment of the invention displaying a shape suited for the beginner riders; 
           [0027]      FIG. 8  is a front view of an embodiment of the invention displaying a shape suited for the intermediate riders; 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0028]    The following detailed description is of the best mode presently contemplated for carrying out the invention. This description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of describing the general principles of the invention. 
         [0029]      FIG. 1  shows an equestrian training device ( 11 ) that resembles an oblong ball. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the training device ( 11 ) is inflatable and my be constructed in whole or in part of one of, or a combination of rubber, foam or any other material known to those of ordinary skill in the art. 
         [0030]    The embodiment of the invention includes a base ( 12 ) and a rounded smooth surface on the upper outside portion of the training device ( 11 ) so as to permit a rider ( 13 ) to sit upon the top ( 14 ) of the training device ( 11 ). 
         [0031]    To better simulate dressage riding equipment, the training device ( 11 ) is fitted with adjustable thigh blocks ( 15 ). The thigh blocks ( 15 ) may be constructed of foam or a similar material and are adjustable utilizing a fastening mechanism ( 16 ) such as Velcro. 
         [0032]    Stirrup blocks ( 17 ) may also be added to better simulate riding equipment. 
         [0033]      FIG. 2  shows the side view of the training device ( 11 ) with a rider ( 13 ) holding reins ( 18 ) and the adjustable thigh blocks ( 15 ). 
         [0034]      FIG. 3  is a rear view of the training device ( 10 ) displaying the rounded bottom portion ( 12 ) and rider ( 13 ) positioned on the top portion ( 14 ). 
         [0035]      FIG. 4  displays a detailed view of the adjustable thigh block ( 15 ) secured to the training device ( 11 ) by means of a Velcro attachment strip ( 16 ) limiting the movement of the thing of the rider ( 13 ). 
         [0036]      FIG. 5  shows a top view of an embodiment of the present invention ( 1 ) displaying the upper portion ( 14 ) with an area to place a saddle ( 20 ). As further displayed in this embodiment, the training device ( 11 ) may be further shaped to emulate the shape of the back of a horse, including the narrow area ( 20 ) with ers in front ( 21 ). 
         [0037]    In  FIGS. 6-8  it is contemplated that the training device ( 11 ) can be purchased in varying shapes. The shape of the training device ( 11 ) can be purchased for advanced riders to allow the minimal amount of contact between the base ( 12 ) and ground as displayed in  FIG. 6 . 
         [0038]    The training device ( 11 ) can be purchased for beginner riders by permitting a large area of the base ( 12 ) to contact the ground as displayed in  FIG. 7 . 
         [0039]    The training device ( 11 ) can be purchased for intermediate riders by permitting an average area of the base ( 12 ) to contact the ground as displayed in  FIG. 8 . 
         [0040]    These altered shapes can assist the riders depending on their level of ability, whether it be for an experienced rider ( FIG. 6 ), beginning rider ( FIG. 7 ) or intermediate rider ( FIG. 9 ). 
         [0041]    It is also anticipated that the training device ( 11 ) can be inflated with air which shape can be varied by adjusting air pressure inside the device ( 11 ).