A training monitoring tool that improves performance and welfare in harness racing horses

Important results from the project

Our goal was reached in this project. During the project, a product with great potential to be used as a monitoring tool for everyday training, as a tool for gait analysis and overview of the horse´s performance, a helpful tool during veterinary exams to help objectively identify the problematic limb/limbs, early detection of potential injuries and adjusting the training, as well as a valuable tool for research purposes was successfully developed.

Expected long term effects

The product can become a helpful tool for veterinarians and trainers in the trotting industry. The tool allows longitudinal monitoring of the horse´s training and consequentially the possibility to adjust/improve the training according to the horse´s needs. A very important aspect of the tool is also early lameness detection and objective gate analysis which will help to set a correct diagnosis of the orthopedic injury. This will greatly improve the race horse´s welfare.

Approach and implementation

The project was divided between SLU, Utrecht University, Menhammar Stud farm and Inertia technologies. Inertia technologies developed the physical tool as well as the online application for it. Menhammar Stud farm provided the grounds and horses to test the product. Both SLU and Utrecht University were in charge of analysing the data. All partners were engaged, working closely to help develop the final product. The collaboration between the 4 partners was smooth.