TETHERING SYSTEM FOR HORSES

Abstract: The invention refers to a device for tethering, preferably horses in stable passages, and comprising at least one tethering means fixed to each of the walls (3) forming a stable passage (2) for tethering a horse (1). The tethering means (4) consisting of a flexible strap, rope or the like which is automatically retractable on a spring biased storage spool (9), whereby after tethering the horse the tethering means (4) always are kept in a tensioned state substantially independent of the position or movements of the horse (1) in the stable passage (2) and that after loosening of the tethering means (4) from the halter (6) on the horse (1) these are automatically retractable on the storage spools (9).

Description: Tethering system for horses The present invention relates to a device for tethering preferably horses in stable passages, and comprising at least one tethering means fixed to each of the walls forming a stable passage, said tethering means having a predetermined length in order to make a tethering possible of the free end of the tethering means to the halter of a horse, and said means consisting of a flexible strap, rope or the like which is automatically retractable on a spring biased storage spool from its fastening point on the stable passage wall. Today the tethering of horses in stable passages is done by the aid of chains having one end fixed to one stable passage wall and the other free end fixed to the halter of the horse by the aid of a snap hook. This rigid tether method causes that, during rapid movements of the horse, the halter can break or the horse gets hurt and there is also a big risk that the horse can turn around with big injuries as a consequence. When the tethering means are not used these hit on one hand against the stable passage walls and on the other they are lying partly on the floor or the ground and become rusty. One can also stumble over or get caught by those parts of the tethering means which are lying on the floor. The object of the present invention is to provide a device of the kind mentioned in the introduction by which the disadvantages described above totally have been eliminated. The distinguishing features of the invention are disclosed in the following claims. Due to the invention, there has now been provided a device which effectively maintain the horse in its position in the stable passage at the same time as the horse does not feel that it is tied up, since the tethering means accompanies the movements of the horse e.g. when it moves its head, and also for a given distance should the horse itself move. Old problems are also avoided in this way e.g. when the horse becomes boisterous, with the possible consequence of severe 5 injuries to it, when it is tied up so that it cannot move its head freely. The invention will now be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawing, which sche¬ matically illustrates in a plan view a preferred embodiment 10 of the invention. As will be seen from the drawing a horse 1 is tethered in a stable passage 2, which is limited by two stable walls 3. Tethering means 4 is fixed to these walls, said means 4 having a predetermined length in making a fastening ] _5 possible of the free ends 5 of the tethering means 4 to the halter 6 of the horse 1 by aid of a snap hook 7 cooperating with a safety ring 8 on the halter 6. In the embodiment illustrated the tethering means 4 consists of a strap, which is automatically retractable on a spring-biased 20 storage spool 9, said spool is fixable by bolts 11 via a mounting plate 10 at a suitable height on the stable wall 3. The storage spool 9 is arranged in a cover 12 for pre¬ venting dust penetration, and the spring bias is variablein response to how strong the returning force or tension in 25 the tethering means 4 which is wanted. Thus this tension can be varied in dependence on how big the horse is to be tied up. The tethering means 4 can preferably consist of a strap of the kind used for safety belts in cars and the storage spools 9 can in turn be of the kind used in asso¬ 30 ciation with the safety belts in cars. • When the tethering means 4 is not used it is in a fully wound up state due to the spring bias of the storage spool 9 and is well protected by the cover 12. When tethering a horse 1 all the person concerned has to do is to take the snap hook 7 on each tethering means 4 and pull it out from the respective storage spool 9 the distance needed to tie up the horse. The length of the tethering means 4 can vary, e.g. for a stable passage 2 having a width of three meters, each can have a length of about 1,5 - 2 meters. A suitable height for fixing the storage spools 9 on the stable walls 3 can be about 1 - 1,5 meters.

Claims: Claims 1. Device for tethering, preferably horses in stable passages (2), and comprising at least tethering means (4) fixed to each of the walls (3) forming a stable passage (2), said tethering means having a predetermined length in order to make a tethering possible of the free end (5) of the tethering means (4) to the halter (6) of a horse (1), and said tethering means (4) consisting of a flexible strap, rope or the like which is automatically retractable on a spring biased storage spool (9) from its fastening point on the stable passage wall (3), characterized in that after tethering the horse (1) the tethering means (4) always are kept in a tensioned state substantially inde¬ pendent of the position or movements of the horse (1) in the stable passage (2). 2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the spring bias of the storage spools (9) is variable dependent on how strong the returning force or tension in the tethering means (4) is required. 3. Device accordning to claim 1, characterized in that the tethering means (4) consists of a strap of the kind which is used as a safety seat belt in cars. 4. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the storage spools (9) are of the kind used in association with safety seat belts in cars.

Inventors: LILJA CONNY, LILJA, CONNY
Applicants: LILJA CONNY, LILJA, CONNY
Application year: 1989
Main classification: A01K1
IPC codes: A01K1, A01K15