SCIENCE, technology and research, as we all know, is continuoulsy pushing the boundaries and in many ways is helping us to become more efficient in the way we manage our horses.
Efficiency was the name of the game at the CAFRE technology showcase. Scientists, entrepreneurs and all-round equine enthusiasts were out in force to talk to members of the equine community about what they had to offer. Here is a summary of what I learned from the day.
REIN TENSION
A device is attached to the reins and transmits data to a memory pen that can be inserted into a laptop or similar device. The data is then displayed by means of a graph with separate lines for the right and left rein, making it very easy for the trainer to see any differences in force between the two reins. Naturally, there will be some extra pressure on the outside rein and this is normal but now the trainer can see if pressure is being used in excess.The equipment is very sensitive and can detect pressure that the eye cannot. Equine lecturer Julie McSwiggan said that students in her class found the results very beneficial for their riding as it made them more conscious of their feel and hold on the reins.A recent study of a Grand Prix dressage rider showed the rider to be applying the equivalant of 3kg extra weight on one rein over the other.Rein tension devices have been used to research the effect of different martingales. It was found that rein contact was more even when using an Irish martingale.WEIGHT CALCULATION
It is necessary to have an accurate measure of your horse’s bodyweight so that you can devise the correct feeding ration and therefore give your horse the correct ammount of medication when necessary.It is necessary to body condition score your horse so that you can decide if your horse needs to gain, maintain or lose weight.Bodyweight and body condition analysis complement each other. Both are equally necessary to ensure your horse maintains a healthy amount of condition.A weighing scales is the most accurate method of weighing your horse.Weigh-tapes are handy but do not account for an uneven distribution of weight. For example, your average cob often has a large crest and croup but may have a narrow girth. The weigh tape will not account for this uneven distribution of weight and may underestimate your horse’s weight.It has been found that the more proportionate your horse is the more accurate the weigh-tape will be.GAIT ANALYSIS
Gait analysis is predominantly used in research facilities.It has been found useful in establishing if horses have a subtle lameness.It has also been used to monitor the effects of different pieces of equipment on a horse’s stride length. Equipment such as girths and weighted boots have all been researched at the college using this technology.LOUISA WILLIAMS
For me the highlight of the day was listening to Louisa Williams present the revelation behind ICE-VIBE boots.
Louisa’s philosophy is that it is important not to completely remove inflammation as the body uses it as a marker to start the repair process.The boots are designed to cool the tissue via the cold packs and slow down the blood flow to reduce inflammation. But when combined with massage the blood flow is not completely restricted. This allows oxygen supply to be maintained to tired and damaged tissue allowing for a better recovery.The boots can be used before exercise without the cool packs to help warm up the horse’s tendons.The boots can be used after exercise with the cold pack to help repair tired, damaged tissue.