Technology and horses: a new type of connection

One concept that has been expanding throughout society over the past decade and which also has equestrian applications is the ‘Internet of things (IoT)’. The idea of the IoT is to embed electronics, software and sensors in traditionally non-internet-enabled physical devices and everyday objects – a process which permits the objects to “connect, collect and exchange data.”

It is thought that the first such device was a modified Coca-Cola machine at Carnegie Mellon University in the United States in the early 1980s, which was able to report on its inventory and the temperature of the drinks. And a more recent IoT example in the equestrian sphere is connected saddles, which record data such as the regularity of a horse’s strides, speed, jumping height, symmetry and locomotive recovery after effort, transmitting the information via Bluetooth to smartphones for instant feedback. Applications can also offer on-the-spot advice based on the measurements.

Along the same lines is the idea of an ‘active stable’, which can provide personalised feeding, increase mobility, reduce upkeep and save time. The concept features a group of feeding stations simulating horses’ natural grazing habits, which involve eating small quantities throughout the day. Different horses’ specific dietary needs are identified and when they circulate between the various stations, their personal electronic bracelet (on the neck or leg) is read by a ground sensor which activates targeted rations.

For riders, there are apps similar to those for runners which enable mapping and sharing their routes with others, building connections with fellow riders. And for those out riding alone, wireless alert systems can provide an extra level of security after an accident. Sensors on the rider’s helmet and on the horse detect a fall and determine its force, locate the horse and rider through GPS, and send an alert to designated contacts. Riders are able to deactivate the alert signal during a certain period of time after the fall if they are okay. 

In the end, horses will remain horses, with all that entails, but while none of these devices will improve on nature, they can help supplement or manage it in modern-day equestrian environments.