The equestrian world is opening up to connected devices
Whether they're used to improve rider performance or to energize the horse sports sector, connected objects have begun to interest the equine industry which has seen a number of such devices emerge this year.
- Balios, the first connected sensor for horse-riding
This new sensor which was launched on November 9 by Equisense, a start-up based in the French city of Lille, is fixed to the girth of the saddle and connected via Bluetooth to a free mobile app. Balios automatically starts at the beginning of each session. It gives the rider information about the many parameters involved in the exercises performed during training: speed, rhythm, bounce, stride-length, etc. enabling them to analyze the intensity of the session, the speed of movement, and the quality of the performance. The data collected can be used to improve training and the horse's well-being. For example, Balios is able to detect if a horse is injured or its physical condition deteriorates, thus aiming to be a useful device for both vets and horse breeders.
Recommended price: pre-orders from $110 starting in January 2016 on Kickstarter, the crowdfunding platform.
- h Com, the intelligent riding hat
French start-up HorseCom, which was launched in 2014, has created Bluetooth headphones for horses and riders. The device connects music from a smartphone's playlist to the ear-phones built into the HorseCom riding hat, and to a receiver placed between the horse's ears. The animal can listen to music and concentrate on what is being said by the rider who can communicate with the animal, coach other riders, listen to music and even answer the phone. The app, which is available for iOS and Android, gives advice on the choice of music depending on the level of the rider, the type of training and the required effect. The kits will be available at the beginning of 2016.
http://www.horsecom.io/produits/ (in French)
- HorseTrails, the mobile app for horse trekking
Designed by SenseTrails, this mobile app has created a wealth of maps and official and recommended trails for horse trekking. With one click, riders can save their trail, share it with others, comment on it and record their photos. Precious information is also provided, such as the terrain type and the average time taken to get round the trail. Available on iTunes.
http://www.sensetrails.com/iOS_HorseTrails/en/
- Howrse, a free-to-play browser game for horse lovers
This free game which is all about horses, was created by Ubisoft pour Owlient. With its brightly colored graphics, the game is aimed at children, but can also be of interest to adults. It offers horse-related and equestrian center management activities. Users can take care of a horse, feed it, and make sure it is happy ... virtually. There is also the option for users to draw their horse and share the drawing. The game has almost 16 million fans.
- Star Stable, the online 3D horse-related game
This online multiplayer horse-related game created by a Swedish company enables users to go off on adventures with other players, take part in races and take care of their horse, while at the same time being involved in a mysterious story. The game's immersive design and sophisticated scenario have attracted several tens of millions of players around the world.
