Salzburg Research is developing a concept for a measuring system for the EWOT Riding Academy to record the balance and movement of riders and horses.

Riding is a complex sport in which the interaction between rider and horse must be perfectly coordinated. Experienced trainers traditionally instruct riding students, making necessary corrections. However, as soon as this control is absent, there is a risk that riding students will fall back into unfavorable movement patterns. This is where the current research by Salzburg Research comes in. Salzburg Research is developing a system for the EWOT Riding Academy to digitally record and analyze common errors in equestrian sports. Such a database can be the basis for a feedback system that recognizes the riding mistakes and provides correction suggestions. Not only the riders could benefit from this, but also the health of the horse. 

Sensors measure the balance and movement of the rider and horse

The researchers from the group “Human Motion Analytics” at Salzburg Research are working on a proof-of-concept in which various measurement systems are being tested for recording the balance of a rider and the gait of the horse. The following sensors are used, among others:

• IMUs (Inertial Measurement Units): These sensors use accelerometers, gyroscopes, and magnetometers to determine orientation in space. They can be attached to the rider’s body and the horse’s pasterns to record movement data.
• Pressure sensors: Pressure sensors can be used to measure the pressure distribution between the calf of the rider and the horse, as well as the pressure exerted on the stirrups in the shoes.
• Motion capture system: By combining the motion data with a three-dimensional body model, the rider’s total physical movement can be recorded and the center of mass estimated.

Reference data should identify incorrect posture

In order to determine whether the acquired sensor data is suitable for this application, Salzburg Research is currently carrying out measurements with riders of different experience levels. Reference data is collected for optimal posture and for characteristic faulty motion sequences. Subsequent data analysis should determine whether the incorrect postures of the riders can be identified in the sensor data. Should the concept prove successful in practice, a digital feedback system can then be developed. It should help riders avoid mistakes and improve their technique.

First steps towards digitalization: free-of-charge testing before investing

This research project is funded within the framework of the European Digital Innovation Hub’s (EDIH) “Crowd in Motion.” The EDIH “Crowd in Motion” supports businesses and organizations in the digital transformation in the tourism, sports, and leisure industries with tailor-made advice and services, completely free of charge for small and medium-sized enterprises, organizations, and public institutions.

The EDIH is a perfect instrument for taking the first steps towards digitalization, with the know-how of experts, matching infrastructure, and scientific foundation. The advice in the category “Test before Invest” provides the EWOT Riding Academy with an opportunity to experiment professionally before investing a lot of money in a sensor system that may not function properly.

Ihre Herausforderung, unsere Expertise:
Entdecken Sie die vielfältigen Anwendungsmöglichkeiten unserer Methoden, Tools und Technologien.
Kontaktieren Sie uns für eine individuelle Beratung!