Horse Sense loves a practical innovation and the Consteed Smart Horse Sneaker is a really cool and groundbreaking piece of kit in equine health technology, developed by Continental AG in collaboration with the University of Veterinary Medicine in Hannover. Designed for both shod and unshod horses, this hoof boot integrates sensor technology and artificial intelligence to monitor and analyse a horse’s musculoskeletal system in real-time.

User-friendly

Equipped with seven sensors, the Consteed Sneaker captures detailed data on gait patterns, pressure distribution, and weight balance. This information is transmitted to a user-friendly app, allowing vets, farriers, and horse owners to detect early signs of lameness, hoof diseases, and other anomalies. The app also facilitates therapy monitoring and supports weight management, providing a comprehensive tool for equine health assessment.

The device is water and dirt-resistant, ensuring durability in various conditions. Its design accommodates different hoof sizes and can be used with or without horseshoes.

With a battery life supporting up to 20 measurements, the Consteed Sneaker offers a practical solution for regular health monitoring. Continental’s venture into equine technology with the Consteed Smart Horse Sneaker marks a significant advancement in proactive horse care, combining traditional horsemanship with modern innovation.

Now The Horse Pilot E-Twist’Air Airbag Vest represents a significant advancement in equestrian safety gear, offering riders enhanced protection without compromising comfort or freedom of movement.

As the first leash-free electronic airbag vest in the equestrian world, the E-Twist’Air eliminates the need for a tether to the saddle, allowing for unrestricted mobility.

Its core technology system developed by In&Motion, utilises a six-axis sensor to analyse rider movements in real-time, taking over 1,000 measurements per second.

This predictive system can detect falls—including complex scenarios where the rider remains attached to the horse—and triggers the airbag in under 60 milliseconds, providing rapid protection before impact.

The vest is designed to protect vital areas such as the neck, chest, abdomen, and spine. It incorporates the RE ZRO® back protector, made from high-performance recyclable materials, offering level 2 certified protection while remaining lightweight and comfortable.

E-Twist’Air ensures optimal ventilation and can be comfortably worn under a competition jacket. Its sleek and discreet appearance makes it suitable for various equestrian disciplines, including show jumping, dressage, eventing, and leisure riding.

The E-Twist’Air Airbag Vest is available for around €400, but a Horse Sense note for readers interested in the vest is that the control box is sold separately and does require a subscription for activation.

The Acavallo Rel-X 180 Stirrups are a cutting-edge addition to equestrian safety and comfort. Featuring a 180° side-opening mechanism, these stirrups are designed to release the rider’s foot in the event of a fall, whether forward, backward, or sideways, and then promptly return to their original position .

Crafted from high-tech metal and flexible polymers, the Rel-X 180 stirrups apparently offer a more comfortable ride compared to traditional stirrups. The stainless steel top includes horizontal holes to decrease dirt and water build up, ensuring a solid grip in various weather conditions. Additionally, the stirrups feature a 5° inclined footbed with Acavallo’s signature Grip System, promoting correct posture and reducing joint tension .

Weighing only 519 grams, these stirrups are lightweight, reducing rider fatigue during extended periods of use. The special aluminium surface enhances durability, making them a reliable choice for riders seeking both safety and performance.

The Equisk TotalCool Tendon Boots are a cutting-edge innovation in equine leg protection, designed to address the challenges of heat build-up during exercise. These fully breathable brushing boots feature an advanced CoolTech lining that does not transfer or retain heat, ensuring optimal comfort for the horse.

Notably, they have been shown to result in less than a 1°C increase in soft tissue temperature during exercise, outperforming traditional boots in thermal regulation.

Beyond temperature control, the CoolTech lining offers superior impact protection compared to conventional materials and does not retain water, making the boots suitable for various weather conditions. The boots are crafted with a PU leather outer and are free from rubber or latex, catering to horses with specific material sensitivities.

Available in sizes S to XL and colours white, sand and light grey, the lighter shades are specifically chosen to reflect more wavelengths of light, further aiding in heat dissipation. The Equisk TotalCool Tendon Boots have been recognised for their innovation, winning the 2025 Spoga Horse Top Innovation Award.

These boots represent a significant advancement in equine care, combining thermal regulation, impact protection, and comfort, making them a valuable addition to any horse’s gear.