Hi-Tech European Project Will Use Wireless Sensing to Ensure Safe Riding Experience

Information courtesy of Equisafe

Equestrianism is an extremely popular and healthy activity for people of all ages. It is a diverse and family-friendly sport and many of us enjoy riding horses. But whether we choose to ride off-road, on fields and bridle paths or elsewhere, there are always safety issues that need to be taken into account

EQUISAFE is a new EU-funded project, launched in November 2013, which aims to help combat the high number of equestrian incidents, including those that go unrecorded. It will run for two years and aims to develop an electronic system that increases overall safety in horse riding and equestrian activities.

Based on wireless sensing, the aim is to develop a novel system for monitoring risks related to horse activities, horse health, and behavior and is intended to be used both by expert and non-experts.

EU-wide data highlights the need for improved safety in this sector. According to the European Association for Injury Prevention and Safety Promotion, equestrian activities in 2009 (the last year for which figures are available) accounted for no less than 15% of all fatal sports injuries in the EU27. Most were due to bolting and nervous and runaway horses. Head injuries made up 13% of all horseback riding accidents with the vast majority of injuries suffered in the 25 to 59-year-old age group.

Funded from the EU’s 7th Framework Programme, EQUISAFE consists of several features, including real-time location tracking of horses and online health monitoring with automatic alarms and horse movement and behavior recognition.

Another feature is automatic detection, via GPS receivers fitted to the horse harness, of abnormal and undesirable behavior in the stable and when the horse is being handled and ridden. All data is collected and analyzed and can trigger an alarm when abnormal behaviour is detected.

EQUISAFE also encompass rider monitoring, including detection sensors that can raise an alarm to a nearby instructor and headquarters if, for example, a rider feels in distress. The system will automatically inform an instructor if a horse separates from a group or becomes nervous.

Horseback riding attractions are available in over 30 countries across Europe, and they have a considerable economic impact on tourist attractions and are becoming ever more popular. Furthermore, horseback activities address the needs of riders with different levels of riding proficiency, from beginner to advanced.

EQUISAFE seeks to ensure that every horse – and rider – is as safe as possible.