George Shiras, Jr.

“ The object of the invention in the present case is to provide a remedy for preventing or curing the habit of interfering in horses. This habit of interfering is the striking of one leg by the other during motion, causing injury of the part struck, and impeding the movement. Many trotting horses carry their feet closely together, and during rapid motion are liable to strike one leg with the hoof of the other, often causing a serious injury. ”

“ There is likewise evidence that in all the prior devices the stiff, projecting striker would in time sag or hang down, more or less, thus practically exemplifying the same method of operation as that of the complainant. It likewise appears that the idea of employing a dependent striker, loosely jointed to a leg strap, was not original with the patentee. Such a pendant was used in devices to prevent kicking, and no invention would seem to be exercised, in adapting the device to the new purpose of curing interference. ”

“ The complainant's design is to fasten a strap on one of the legs of the horse, to which strap shall be attached a pendant that will move or swing freely between the legs, and strike the leg opposite to the one provided with the strap. The effect upon the horse is to lead him to strive to avoid the touch of the swinging pendulum. ”

“ Assuming that the complainant's device really operates so as to educate the horse to correct a habit of striking, it would certainly be a useful invention, and, if novel, would be entitled to the protection of letters patent. ”

“ However, it was soon perceived that, owing to the docile character of the horse, the interfering apparatus might be made to operate, not merely as a protection to the legs when they came in contact, but to train the horse to widen his stride so as to prevent such contact. ”