Would anyone be interested in...

[MissA]

Hi,

Just doing a little market research on behalf of a friend. How many people would be interested in having a biomechanical assessment of their horses gaits? This would identify any asymmetries/ irregularities both in-hand and when ridden, with the idea being to identify any causes of poor performance/ assess the 'not quite right' horse, monitor horses progress during rehabilitation and/ or provide information for training/ schooling purposes. The equipment can also be used to assess the effect of different shoeing techniques, saddles, training aids ect. The system will provide 3D information - so more detailed and accurate than the video analysis more commonly seen.

The assessment would take a maximum of 30 mins (depending on what is being looked at, can be as short as 10 mins, average being 20) and the report will be instantly available. Targeted exercises to improve straightness can be provided, or report can be sent to vet if any subtle lameness is identified. Thermal imaging would also be provided needed, as well as sports therapy (including kinesio taping, sports massage etc.).

So - questions are a) would anyone actually use a service like this (or has anyone had experience of using similar?), and b) how much would you expect to pay?

Thanks for any feedback

 

[wkiwi]

I think i would use it if it was with someone well known in the field (e.g. HIlary Clayton) but not for someone unknown unless they had a very good degree at Masters or PhD (i.e. not just one biomechanics module in a science degree). This is NOT meant in any way to cause offence, just my personal opinion due to knowledge of what the margin of error with these types of assessments/thermal imaging etc.
PS - they would have to also be careful with 'diagnosis' of conditions, as there are legal limitations on this, but they probably already know this.

 

[soulfull]

I think i would use it if it was with someone well known in the field (e.g. HIlary Clayton) but not for someone unknown unless they had a very good degree at Masters or PhD (i.e. not just one biomechanics module in a science degree). This is NOT meant in any way to cause offence, just my personal opinion due to knowledge of what the margin of error with these types of assessments/thermal imaging etc.

This^^^and depending on cost

 

[MissA]

Thanks for the feedback And no offence taken wkiwi - all advice/ considerations are very welcome and I think that was partly their concern - not being known in the field, would they be able to get people interested enough to pay for the service! They have a relevant MSc and already lecture to equine degree students on the topic (so possible a good start?). The thermal imaging they already do, and have done for the last 10 years - it would be the biomechanical assessment that would be an additional service to offer. Looking at costs, they would need to charge in the region of £65 per horse - would anyone go be likely to go ahead with this, and if so for what purpose would they most likely use it for (investigation of poor performance or to guide training etc...?). Thanks again for comments!

 

[wkiwi]

If I was them, then I would go round the nearest equine vets and try to get them to refer. I think it might depend partly on the MSc e.g. how general it was (if a biomechanics MSc or if one module in a general equine science one), and what the thesis was on; also how much practical experience/evidence that they have to prove that they have the practical skills already established (due to the issues of giving the wrong advice to a vet's client).
I think some people would pay that as a one-off just out of interest without wanting to pay for any follow up (but i may be wrong here so perhaps others will give more ideas on what they would pay for), whereas I think that linking into rehabilitation would be the best bet for an on-going business. That way, they could also build up there reputation in the process then get a name in the area.
Just my ideas anyway.