The Use of Connected Technology in Equestrian Sport

Majority of sports are by nature competitive, with athletes always looking for ways to improve their fitness, style and overall ability in their desire to be the best.

Much like many of us, who have become fairly reliant on connected devices, like Garmin or Suunto wristwatches, to provide us with real time statistics such as distance, speed, elevation, average heart rate and recovery time (even if it’s just for the purpose of scoring those much needed medical aid points), the Seaver device offers riders, trainers and veterinary professionals the equivalent information, and much more, on their equine team mates. Apart from improving performance, devices such as these, and the insights obtained from the data provided, will also ensure horses are provided suitable fitness and training plans for their current ability which reduces the risk of injury and unnecessary stress.

Nova Vida Equestrian, based in Middelburg, founded by top South African show jumper Neriské Prinsloo together with her friend and business partner Thiesa Janse van Rensburg, is a proud local distributor of the connected girth technology.

What does the Seaver device measure: 

Physical Condition 

With the Seaver we can assess the physical condition of your horse with scientifically precise heart rate, calories burned, intensity intervals and over-training range.  Before the warm-up, you can have a look at your horse’s heart rate and determine if he is anxious (or possibly sick) or whether it’s at a normal rhythm for a fit (or unfit) horse at rest. Thereafter, the recovery time, or the time the horse takes to get back to a lower heart rate of around 80 bpm, indicates the fitness level of the horse.

Flat Work

The flat work data from the ride will indicate:

• Cadence
• Symmetry
• Time Spent at Each Pace
• Time Spent on Each Rein 

Jumping

The total number of fences jumped as well as their average and maximum height are measured in order to analyse your jump sessions.  You will also have access to the angle of your horse’s jump, i.e. the tilt angle of the girth during take-off, when the horse pushes off his hind legs. This will help you evaluate whether the jump was more in height or rather more in length.

For more information, or to order a Seaver device, contact Nova Vida Equestrian:

Website:
Email: nova.vida.equestrian@gmail.com
Mobile: 082 855 1601 / 083 447 0964
Facebook: Nova Vida Equestrian (@NovaVidaEquestrian)