The use of technology in the movement analysis
Today, the smartphone has become an extension of our bodies. We use it constantly for various purposes, one of the most common being to take photos and videos. For those of us passionate about equestrianism, the phone’s memory is almost entirely dedicated to photos and videos of our horse and us riding.
However, video is not just an effective tool for capturing great memories of our rides; it also allows us to assess ourselves from an external perspective, helping us to better understand and identify our mistakes. In fact, some professionals even have their trainers monitor them remotely via Zoom. Technology has certainly become a valuable support in our lives.
For this reason, groups of experts and researchers have considered leveraging technology for an objective horse’s movement analysis, both in relation to the rider’s position and, consequently, the rider’s intervention, as well as the movement itself. Using digital tools for assessment is crucial because it transcends subjective overlays formed by personal experience and cultural influences.
The human eye captures images, and the brain processes this information based on prior experiences. While true horsemen have developed a keen eye, sensitive to even the smallest details, the experiential element always remains a variable. The development of specific technologies, such as specialized cameras, sensors, and apps, allows us to analyze the athletic gesture in greater depth.
This analysis is based on observing video recordings, and thanks to the ability to freeze frames, slow down footage, and other video functions, we can isolate precise moments.
A more sophisticated aspect of this analysis, which is far more accurate than an amateur video, allows for the measurement of movement through specific parameters. In this way, not only the rider’s position in the saddle is analyzed, but also the effectiveness of aids, the timing of actions, the proper use of tack, and essentially, everything that can impact the regularity of the gaits. There are various types of software dedicated to movement analysis, some of which are highly precise and typically used by industry experts.
These often involve specialized cameras and sensors applied to both horse and rider to analyze the biomechanics of the movements in the most detailed way possible. However, there are also free apps, less sophisticated but still useful, that anyone can download to thoroughly analyze their mistakes, improve their position, and, consequently, their performance.
But this is just the human aspect of the issue; what truly enhances the value of these technologies is the ability to improve based on the needs of our horse. Adjusting our own movement to allow our horse to move more fluidly and dynamically is essential for his well-being and to prevent issues related to both the limbs and the topline.
One of the most popular apps in this field is Equisense Inside, specifically designed to monitor and improve the horse movement, the performance of the horse-rider combination and to detect anomalies like lameness early on. As the saying goes, “There’s an app for everything,” and this is indeed true, especially when it comes to the health and well-being of our four-legged companions.
Elena Pecora
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