Year: 1885

page_text: I MONTAGU BALLINGER of 29 Holbeck Road Kennington Park, Surrey,
Gentleman do hereby declare the nature of my said invention to be as
follows
A novel and original invention to prevent reins from slipping through and from
the fingers and hands and for promoting a steady and constant hold on horses
whilst riding and driving.
It consists of a false attachable rein, for which I prefer the following device.
A short metal bar (or tube, being firmer) to which I attach, at each end, a short
rein or, I prefer, a chain a few links in length with a clasping hook or other means
for attaching the original reins to the chains at each side of the metal bar.
I then attach a strap along the bar allowing it to be loose enough for the driver
to insert his hand, but I prefer to fasten the strap slightly within the length of the
bar, so that the driver only (immediately) controls the bar, and the chains allow.
the horse a limited amount of freedom of head, at the option of the driver.
Dated this 24th day of November 1885.

page_text: I, MONTAGU BALLINGER, of 29, Holbeck Road, Kennington Park, in the County
of Surrey, Gentleman, do hereby declare the nature of my invention for "HOLDING
REINS WHILST RIDING AND DRIVING," and in what manner the same is to be
performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following
statement:
My invention is a novel and original appliance to prevent reins from slipping
through and from the fingers and hands, and for promoting a steady and constant
hold on horses, whilst riding and driving.
It consists of a false attachable rein, for which I prefer the following device:―
A short metal bar (or tube, being strong and light) A, to which I attach, near
each end through an eye B fixed in the bar, a short rein, or I prefer a chain a few
links in length C, with spliced swivel hooks at the ends D, which I attach to the
reins by the following means:-
Two pieces of metal E, each originally about 14 in. in length, and in. in breadth
and width, out of which have been cut seats large enough for the width of the
rein. These pieces of metal are then placed on the inside of the "near" and "off"
rein, and screws F, with eyes attached, sent through the reins to fit into screw
holes made in the metal. By these means I gather the entire width of rein, which
I attach to my appliance by slipping the spliced swivel hook D into the eyes of the
screws F projecting from the reins.
I then attach a strap Galong the bar, allowing it to be loose enough for the
driver (or rider) to insert his hand, but I prefer to fasten the strap slightly within
the length of the bar, so that the driver (or rider) only (immediately) controls the
bar, and the chains allow the horse a limited amount of freedom of head, at the
option of the driver.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said
invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what
I claim is
1. The invention of an appliance attachable to reins for riding and driving having
the following novel features:-
:-
(A.) A steady grip upon the reins, which is never lost (as in the case of reins
slipping through the fingers) although the same may be lessened at will.
(B.) The reins being always under absolute and immediate control, the horse's
mouth is not constantly jerked (as at present) by the driver gathering up
the slipping reins.
(c.) By my appliance the reins can always be kept even by noticing the bar,
and the horse kept in a straight course. Moreover the horse is not
tantalised by an undivided and changeable jerking on first one side, and
then the other, which is the result of different lengths of rein which at
present follow every change of direction of the horse, or renewed grip on
the reins.

page_text: (D.) The horse can be guided with the greatest of accuracy, and gently and
gradually, or instantly and powerfully..
(E) The steady and powerful grip obtained by my appliance will form a general
precaution against horses bolting or slipping.
2. The means by which I attach my said appliance to the reins, and control,
y a moveable armed seat and screw, the entire width of rein.
Dated this lot do of Annil 1886