Improvements in Devices for Training Horses.
Year: 1894

page_text: Date of Application, 11th Sept., 1894-Accepted, 13th Oct. 1894
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Devices for Training Horses.
I, LOUIS DEFOY, of 155, Avenue de Neuilly, Neuilly on the Seine, (Seine), in
the Republic of France, do hereby declare the nature of this invention and in what
manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained
in and by the following statement :-
This invention relates to improvements in devices for training or breaking in
recalcitrant saddle and racehorses reputed to be unmanageable and has for its object
the application of electricity through the spurs and reins.
At present horse breeders sacrify a great deal for the amelioration of horse kind
and are deceived in certain subjects specially in those of pure blood which in spite
of their good breed, their fine structure are really only appreciated by their records.
It is also necessary to judge them at work as some rear and will not start at the
right moment, whilst others start imperfectly, prance, or refuse to jump over
obstacles and the like.
Riding masters and trainers however experienced and in spite of the tenacity
with which they act are powerless to correct the animals in a radical fashion which
discourages the proprietors as these subjects would be often the very best, being
endowed with great energy even rare intelligence as they know how to make use of
every advantage.
To remedy these defects the application of a superior force to our own is
employed which the horse must fear, whilst our own is not feared. This superior
force which is termed electricity is greatly in use now and its incomparable success
renders it indispensable in daily business life and modern movements.
By its proper application the resistance of the horse whatever it may be is
instantaneously combated and the animal overcome and without spite bears it in
mind beneficially.
My method has been tried on the most obstinate subjects and has given the most
conclusive results.
Any horse keeper may avail himself of it without previous study and obtain the
most surprising results and prevent at the same time grave accidents.
I obtain all these results by the application at determined points of the horse
explained hereinafter, of a volta-faraday current or other means constantly at the
disposal of the rider.
The apparatus which I employ to produce the current is composed of an oblong
box containing a secondary battery and an induction bobbin. (Any other apparatus
may be employed which does not depart from the nature of this invention and the
one shown being only described for comprehension.)
The apparatus completely charged weighs about 700 grammes and works without
interruption for an hour and a half. On the primary current is a switch which
permits the rider to bring the bobbin in or out of action.
And in order that my invention may be more fully understood I have caused to
be appended hereunto one sheet of drawings marked with letters of reference
indicating like parts in the various figures.
Fig. 1 shows the rider on his horse. A is the apparatus in a pocket of india
rubber fixed to the belt of the rider. The switch B is so placed as to be readily
manipulated. From the electric sources 1 & 2 of the apparatus run two circuits
along the arms C & D which lead to the reins and the two circuits of the legs F & G
which latter lead to the spurs.
Fig. 2 is a diagram showing the whole combination of the system. On the top
is the apparatus A which may be placed upon or below the garment, the switch B

page_text: which may also be placed upon or below and the two sources 1 & 2 from which the
electric currents are obtained.
The two circuits of the arms C & D which lead to the reins R, as shown in the
drawing, are of pliable wire and go through the sleeve of the rider and are loosely
fixed to the reins at P, P'; these current connections facilitate a ready detachment
when the rider suddenly dismounts, for instance after the current connection is
made, the flexible wires pass on the right and left to the bit of the bridle, without
touching the rider, and up to the contacts V & V¹. These contacts are counected
between themselves and the head-stall V2. The two circuits of the legs F & G
which descend through the isolated pliable wires along the trousers and end in the
spurs Z & Z¹.
It will be understood that these pliable wires may be positioned below or over
the garment, in the interior or on the exterior of the reins and bridle providing
that they conduct the electric current to the contacts V & V¹, to the contacts of
the head-stall V' and to the spurs, or any other arrangement may replace the ame.
The head contact is taken from the current marked P & P described, which ermit
of the easy closing and opening of the current.
crews
Fig. 3 shows one of the contacts V or V, the only difference between the same
and V is that the latter possess only one current which is constantly in contact
with the neck. It is composed of a rigid plate a securely screwed to a potion of
the bridle. This plate carries a slotted spring which prevents the tw
touching the horse under ordinary conditions, but when the spring is dep
two points project and give the horse a shock on its jaw. The two scr
receive the current as previously described and are isolated at o
terminating with a platinum point.
The rider furnished wholly or partly with the device described
following manner :-
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By the simultaneous application of the two spurs he gives the horse in impulsion
which he repeats as often as required. This naturally causes the horse to oppose
the rider and swerve on one side, the resistance of the rein opposite causing a
pressure on the bridle on the opposite side, which depresses the said spring and
establishes the contact of the two screws, thus giving a shock on the jaw and
drawing the horse in the right direction without the aid of the spurs, the use of
which is optional, if the rider desires to give an impulsion in the n eantime. If the
rider wants the horse to move diagonally it is sufficient to use th rein and the leg
on the same side, the head will then be thrown back to the required side and the
haunches to the opposite side which gives the desired effect.
In this case the connections of the upper portion of the wire might be dispensed
with and the effects of the legs combined with those of the hands, which would
require a little practice.
In case the horse prances very much (the powerful impulsion paralyzing it
nearly always) it is sufficient to bring the head-stall current in action and the horse
receives a shock in the neck, which causes it to lower its head, after which it is
necessary to close the current so as to prevent undue use.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of this inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
claim, is-
In devices for training horses, the application of electric currents by contacts
employed upon the reins or any other part of the harness, one on the left and one
on the right side, one on the head-stall, and two by means of the spurs or other
analogous means, substantially as and in the manner hereinbefore described and
illustrated in the annexed drawing.
D
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