Tech updates

PHOEBE Bright was at BETA 2017 to update us on some of the new technologies available to horse owners. Racehorse trainers have been putting sensors on their horses to monitor fitness for a few years now but this year, there are new products aimed at the sport horse and leisure market. So far, most of the products are about putting sensors on the horse to monitor health, fitness and movement, one particular product (Synchronicity, which featured in Horse Sense on January 14th) has sensors in the reins to help riders monitor their riding. But, so far, there are no rider wearables (clothing and accessories with in-built sensors).

Here are some of the products that caught my eye:

  • EquinITy have been monitoring horses during training for four years now. By monitoring heart rate and position via an inbuilt GPS system, not only fitness levels but changes in overall health can be detected. Output is to tablet or laptop and can be viewed in real time. This kit has been primarily taken up by the racing industry but applies equally to any sport where fitness is important. Web: fineequinity.com
  • Arioneo Orscana is a device that can be attached to any rug and measures temperature, humidity and movement. Coupled with an app for your mobile, you can monitor your horses well-being and see, for example, if they are getting too hot while travelling or whether they are box walking at night. By using a local weather forecast, it can also recommend the type of rug to put on. Web: arioneo.com
  • Equisense Motion monitors the horse while we rider for gait quality and symmetry as a tool to improve our training session. I have an early version and will be reviewing this product in more detail soon. Web: equisense.com
  • Aerochill evaporative cooling products use a non-toxic, absorbent, polymer fibre. This evaporative cooling technology is used by elite clients including Formula One drivers, athletes and Military Special Forces to keep them cool. The Aerochill Cooling Boot has been designed to the shape of the horses’s leg and fetlock so that it will help support and reduce after-workout swelling. The Aerochill Cooling Boot can be reactivated over and over agaIn by simply soaking in cold water. Aerochill technology is built into the actual fabric of the product so its cooling power won’t diminish overtime Web: treehouseonline.co.uk

    • Clipper maintenance

    FEBRUARY marks the beginning of spring which means it is time to put the clippers away until next year. Clipping a horse in the spring, when the new hairs replace the old, can damage the coat. Therefore it is not recommended to clip your horse after the month of January. Many may be guilty of simply brushing off the hair from the clippers and bundling it back into the box only to find, next year, that the blades are rusty and blunt and the clippers itself is heating up and not working as it should.

    So, before you pack away the clippers here is some helpful advice on how to ensure your clippers are ready for the next season.To clean the blades take them off the machine and make sure you brush off all the hair. Wash them with warm soapy water to remove any oil and residue. Dry the blades thoroughly and apply a light coat of oil, it is best to keep blades in an air-tight container when storing them away to avoid corrosion.

    If you think your blades need sharpening, the person sharpening the blades should notify you when it is no longer possible to sharpen the blades. Every set of blades can only be sharpened a limited number of times.

    Ensure that the clipper has been cleaned. This includes checking that the air vent is clear of hairs.

    Store the clippers in its carrier box so it stays safe and dry until the next use.

    Servicing is dependent on the amount the clipper is in use. In order to extend the intervals between servicing continuous maintenance is essential - this means oiling and cleaning the blades as well as ensuring the air filters are kept clear to allow air to circulate within the clipper body.

    If you find your clippers are not working as they should, have them seen to sooner rather than later to extend their lifetime.

    Drone delivery in Dublin

    THE Irish Independent reported earlier this week that Pony Express Couriers have made what is being claimed as Ireland’s first drone delivery. The Irish courier firm flew a DJI Inspire 1 drone 200 metres from the shore to a boat moored in the harbour. The package it delivered was a 250-gram box of medical supplies, taking took two minutes to complete.

    The company obtained clearance from the Irish Aviation Authority to make the delivery, but executives say that it may be a while before widespread commercial drone delivery services are available in Ireland.

    For more information on drones and the implications they have for horse owners visit theirishfield.ie