In collaboration with our independent research associates,
the SRT holds study days across the country.
Our study days play a key role in collecting data for our
on-going research projects. Included in our recent research
findings is the Asynchrony Theory – a ground breaking and
exciting new SRT discovery, which describes the three -
element interaction of horse/saddle/rider. We have now developed
a reliable and repeatable way of testing this complex relationship,
enabling this new information to have a considerable impact
on the equine industry, from grassroots to elite.
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Analysis Methods
The various specialised analysis systems
used at each study day provide information from which an
interpretation of the broader, complex picture can be drawn.
New technologies are piloted for use in this emerging field
as they become available.
Our current study design utilises different types of analysis
systems including:
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Biomechanical markers - placed on the
horse, saddle and rider. A video recording is taken of horse
and rider throughout testing, which can then be used to
analyse the horse, saddle and rider interaction by measuring
angles between the three elements.
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Tekscan
CONFORMat pressure mapping system -a specially designed
saddlecloth houses the Tekscan CONFORMat, which measures pressure
exerted beneath the saddle. The saddlecloth is placed under
the saddle during testing and results are recorded and synchronised
with a video camera for accurate analysis. The rider’s centre
of mass can be tracked, adding valuable data to the analysis.
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Pegasus ETB - sensors are placed on the inside
of brushing boots on the horse’s legs. The sensors relay information
on the location of any of the distal limbs at any one time,
providing an accurate measurement of gait symmetry and gait
anomalies.
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Artec 3d Rapidscanning
(provided by Central Scanning Ltd.) - the hand held scanner
is used to scan horse's backs and saddles providing accurate
measurements of the horse's back and the saddle, enabling
symmetry assessment. |
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Rigidfree saddles (provided by Solution
Saddles) -
The radically different concept of the flexible Solution
saddle enables a good comparison to be made with the performance
of the horse’s own/usual saddle.
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Back analysis - Prior
to testing, horses are assessed and observations made as to
the horses condition, conformation and general back health.
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Video analysis - the full
warm up and testing period of each horse and rider is recorded
on an independent video camera and then subjectively reviewed
by experienced assessors (e.g. BHS Fellows, international
judges and Olympic riders). Our objective scientific results
support the subjective ridden performance evaluations. |
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A lot of time and hard work goes into organising and running
a study day, then analysing and compiling the results. The
individual systems are first analysed independently, then
amalgamated to form a report summary and interpretation of
the findings. Although the different types of equipment focus
on different aspects of performance analysis, the review of
the individual results supports the overall interpretation.
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The SRT would like to extend its thanks to all participants
and volunteers, without whose support the study days would
not be possible:
• Research Associates
• Test volunteers (both human and equine)
• Venues and their staff
• Supporters, including stewards and various helpers
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final copy of the report is given to individual participants.
To date the feedback has been extremely positive from attendees.
Following the feedback, one rider changed her saddle, as the
results reinforced her concerns regarding the fit of her original
saddle: “Thank you very much - you won't be surprised to learn
that my horse has a new saddle now! Guess what - he is showing
noticeably more freedom in the shoulder. I would be glad to
do this again for the new saddle and as a check to see whether
our symmetry has improved."
Ultimately this is what the SRT aims to do - enable people
to make an informed decision on the saddle they use, and make
the necessary changes to improve welfare and performance for
both horse and rider.
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