1.1 How does it work?
The Equestic SaddleClip is in essence a sensor that tracks registers movement over accelerometer and gyroscope, both on 3 axis and has algorithms that transform that data into usable information on gait, direction, rhythm, symmetry. We've spent the last 4 years on developing, improving, and adding to those capabilities.
The SaddleClip sends the data to the app on your phone so you can keep track of all data and training info. The sensor is placed on the left side of the saddle. We chose this location for the sensor because its rider friendly (easy to use) and horse friendly (no attachments on the horse or straps around the girth).
Through sensor-fusion of all the sensors in the SaddleClip (3 times 3 axis, accelerometer, gyroscope, and magnetometer) we can create a 3d image of the sensor movement (much like the technology used for Drones) and through the roll and pitch of the sensor we can determine the center of the horse around which the sensor 'rotates'. All analyses are based on that.
We've gone through the painstaking process of annotating videos for 143 different rides, in total 65 different horses. Varying from the standard apprx 165cm warmblood to ponies 120cm, quarterhorses, coldbloods 180cm, PRE's etc etc. We tried to cover a range as broad as possible. (no icelanders, no smaller than 120cm) We annotated gait, direction, footfalls in walk and trot, yielding, jumps, all frame by frame for 100FPS HD movies. (Takes about 3h for a 30min ride)
We use a combination of a neural network for gait/rein detection and signal processing for diagonals and timing. We used one half of the rides to train the neural network model and the other half to validate the model. We also created slightly distorted sets from those base sets, e.g. speed them up or slow them down a few % or add some noise to the signal, and did validation with those too.
1.2 Research and Proof
The Equestic SaddleClip is in essence a sensor that tracks registers movement over accelerometer and gyroscope, both on 3 axis and has algorithms that transform that data into usable information on gait, direction, rhythm, symmetry.
We've spent the last 4 years on developing, improving and adding to those capabilities. The SaddleClip sends the data to the app on your phone so you can keep track of all data and training info.
We don't have a formal study by a university on our accuracy, but we do have extensive test reports and details. (summary below)
Our results have also been tested and evaluated several times by some major institutes. Most notably, our sensor (and all of our competitors) were tested and evaluated on behalf of the FEI by Dr David Marlin (https://davidmarlin.co.uk/ ) and on behalf of the British Association by Russel Guire (https://www.equestrianteamgbr.co.uk/team/team-staff/russell-guire/ ). Both resulted in a formal partnership. For the FEI we were the only sensor in our field to pass the tests and were selected for a formal technology partnership. (https://inside.fei.org/content/fei-researches-equine-health-and-performance-tokyo-2020-test-event, https://www.equestic.com/fei-and-equestic-announce-partnership-in-study-on-competition-horses/ ). The main reason the FEI chose us was ease-of-use and accuracy. Our sensor is small, unobtrusive and the only one the riders actually wanted to use.
Our sensor is the only one that can actually measure symmetry on Tact, Push-off and Landing whereas others single-sensor systems only measure one overall symmetry score. Read all about that here: https://www.equestic.com/new-symmetry-analysis/
We've gone through the painstaking process of annotating videos for 143 different rides, in total 65 different horses. Varying from the standard approx. 165cm warmblood to ponies 120cm, quarterhorses, coldbloods 180cm, PRE's etc etc. We tried to cover a range as broad as possible. (no icelanders, no smaller than 120cm) We annotated gait, direction, footfalls in walk and trot, yielding, jumps, all frame by frame for 100FPS HD movies. (Takes about 3h for a 30min ride).
The presentations show how we annotated the videos and the comparison of the algorithm results with the annotations. We use a combination of a neural network for gait/rein detection and signal processing for diagonals and timing. We used one half of the rides to train the neural network model and the other half to validate the model. We also created slightly distorted sets from those base sets, e.g., speed them up or slow them down a few % or add some noise to the signal and did validation with those too.
1.3 Difference Ambitions vs Professional subscriptions
You can view the subscriptions here
In the Pro subscription you can see the development of your horse over the past 20 training sessions. In the Ambition subscription there are 10. With both the Pro subscription and the Ambition subscription you do get the indicator of the average symmetry, but in Ambition you will not find the screens in which the difference between left and right can be seen. In the Pro subscription you also have the Benchmarks to compare yourself with others.
1.1 How do I use the SaddleClip in my training sessions?
SaddleClip is connected to your phone via Bluetooth. Using the Equestic app on your mobile, select which horse you are riding. Turn your SaddleClip on and off and view your results.
1.4 Do I have to carry my mobile phone with me when I’m riding?
No, you don’t. Equestic SaddleClip can buffer rides up to one hour long. You only need your mobile phone to turn your SaddleClip on and off. At the end of your training session, the SaddleClip needs some time to process the data, this takes approximately a third or a quarter of the time ridden. For 45 minutes of riding, the SaddleClip will need about 10 to 15 minutes to process. This process has to be completed before you can start a new training session.
1.5 Can it be used for Western Riding?
We have many western riders using the SaddleClip. However, there are many types of western saddles, and they are much more diverse than English Saddles. If you send us a photo of your Saddle, we can advise you if the SaddleClip would fit properly on that. I have attached an image explaining it for a generic western saddle.1.6 Riding with Carriage
We have quite a few riders who use the SaddleClip with carriage, but we cannot guarantee that it will work properly, it wasn’t designed for that use.
How the SaddleClip functions depends very much on the harness used. If the SaddleClip is attached to a harness connected to the shaft, the shaft movement will have a lot of impact in the Clip's recordings.
You will then get measurements that are of no use. If you place the SaddleClip in a place where the saddle normally sits, there is no influence of the shaft and it does not flap too much, you should be ok.
We tested the SaddleClip with 1, 2 and 4 horse carriages, with very different results. Maybe you could borrow a SaddleClip from someone to see if it works for you?
1.7 Can it be used with Lunging?
The SaddleClip can also be used during lunging, using either a lunging girth or a saddle.
When using a lunging girth, the SaddleClip must be attached firmly to the girth so it can move during the training and doesn't 'flap'. When attached to a lunging girth the SaddleClip is positioned a bit more forward then when using a saddle and will therefore measure front-leg impact more than when using a saddle.
Please beware that attaching side-reins to the same girth as the SaddleClip can cause sudden movements of the girth influencing the measurements. If you use side-reigns you can best use a second (elastic) girth to attach the SaddleClip.
The best way is, when possible, want it, to put a saddle on and attach the SaddleClip to the normal position on the saddle. Make sure the blades don't flap (usually your legs prevent this when riding) with an elastic girth around the saddle.
1.8 Does the SaddleClip also work for Toelt and pace?
The SaddleClip does not recognize Toelt or pace.
1.9 Does it matter which side of the saddle I attach my SaddleClip to?
The SaddleClip must be attached to the left saddle flap. It doesn’t matter if it is at the top or the bottom of the flap. It is important to position the SaddleClip horizontally; at a maximum angle of 45 degrees. If your SaddleClip is not positioned correctly, the Equestic app will let you know.
1.10 Do I have to subscribe?
No, you don’t have to. The standard app functionality is free for one horse. If you want advanced functionality or more horses you will need to subscribe.
1.11 Is Bluetooth radiation harmful for my horse?
The SaddleClip meets all requirements for the use of Bluetooth. It has not yet been clearly proven if Bluetooth generates harmful radiation. We are therefore not able to comment on this subject.
1.12 Does the SaddleClip measure the horse's heart rate?
The SaddleClip does not measure heart rate. We recommend a special heart rate monitor for horses for this purpose. We are planning an update to combine the readings of Polar heart rate monitors with our data.
1.13 How many horses can I track with one SaddleClip?
The number of horses is defined by the subscription you have. You can track as many horses as you like with one SaddleClip, the SaddleClip itself is not limited.
1.14 What Warranty does Equestic offer?
European legal guarantee naturally applies. Legal guarantee means that a product is or must do what you as a consumer can reasonably expect from it. In addition, we offer a one-year factory warranty for normal use (free replacement or repair when defect). If you want to invoke the warranty, send an email to service@equestic.com describing the problem. We will contact you within a week maximum (but usually the same day).
1.15 Won't my SaddleClip fall off when I’m riding?
We have carried out exhaustive tests: on bucking horses, show jumping courses with jumps of up to 1.60m and on eventing horses. In these tests, the Equestic SaddleClip has never fallen off. However, sometimes the leather is very slippery. In such a case the SaddleClip can have too little grip. By using a little old-fashioned leather oil on the site of the SaddleClip you can create more grip for the SaddleClip. Mostly roughening up the downside of the flap is enough.
1.16 What exactly can I do with the SaddleClip?
We measure and analyze: 1) Time spent training at each gait 2) Time spent training on the left and right hand 3) Number of jumps / Number of jumps approached from the left and the right 4) How powerfully your horse pushes off at the walk/trot/canter and how this develops over the training session 5) How powerfully your horse pushes off at the walk/trot/canter and how this develops over a longer period of time 6) The rhythm at the walk/trot/canter and how this develops over the training session 7) The rhythm at the walk/trot/canter and how this develops over a longer period of time 8) The number of transitions 9) The symmetry of movement at the trot, i.e., how evenly the diagonals move in comparison to each other. This is measured both over the long term and within one training session. The Equestic SaddleClip has another important feature: data on a horse (all training results and analysis) can be shared with all team members, such as its vet, trainer and owner.
1.17 Who is the SaddleClip intended for?
The Equestic SaddleClip is designed for every rider who is serious about training and improving their horse’s performance. Basic measurements such as training structure, number of jumps, training on the left and right hand, training at each gait and symmetry show the actual load of the horse and are analyzed in real time. Qualitative analysis, such as of rhythm and power of its push off, gives an insight into the horse’s development over a longer period of time. Train your horse to become a “Happy Athlete” and raise your own awareness of progress made.
