How the baseline is formed: where analysis begins

Any movement analysis does not begin with a “diagnosis,” but with system learning.

Our movement analysis system doesn’t begin with a comparison or a categorization but with a system learning of your specific horse. This is what sets HorseCare apart.

During the first training sessions with HorseCare, a system of five sensors starts collecting data on your horse’s movement. With a sampling rate of 1700 measurements per second, high-precision sensors capture even the smallest details of the gait and transmit this data to a specially trained AI. The system stores this data and builds an understanding of how this specific horse moves. Based on it, the AI learns movement patterns and creates a unique “signature” of the horse – comparable to a fingerprint. Once this signature is formed, the system can provide feedback on how current and future training sessions differ from the established baseline. Typically, this occurs after 12–18 sessions, depending on the variability of the horse’s gait.

Important clarification

At this stage, the system cannot determine whether a horse is developing a disease. It only indicates that the horse’s movement differs from its previously recorded pattern. Our AI is currently being trained to detect actual pathologies and early indicators. However, we are not yet in a position to make diagnostic statements such as “your horse is ill lame (we are only talking about movement problems, illness is something too wide).” If you observe significant deviations in movement, we strongly recommend consulting a veterinarian.

(Internal note: pay attention, some specific terms such as diagnostic can only be used by chartered veterinarians.

Important advice.

The system can therefore provide the most valuable advice if it can learn from the horse when it is healthy and it is normal condition.

Professional-level (analysis) data

For detailed movement analysis, the system provides a wide range of metrics. These metrics are accurate from the very first use of HorseCare sensors and allow professionals to assess both the location and the severity of movement irregularities.

Our system allows to share a horse^s data with any professional of your choice. If you would like to confirm your feeling of your horse^s performance with objective data, you can at all times share this data with your veterinarian, physiotherapist, osteopath, bodyworker or trainer.

We are happy to assist professionals in learning to interpret the accurate data and on how to provide feedback based on this data, r decide if their intervention is necessary or an immediate emergency.

In the process of injury, discomfort or compensation, early detection is key to a proper decision-making in order to have a successful  plan of action and avoid more severe outcomes.

 How to work with metrics in practice

It is important to understand that the system does not rely on a single metric – it performs a comprehensive analysis of movement.

Each metric reflects a specific aspect of biomechanics, but only their combination provides a complete picture.

Key parameters include:

• Ground contact stiffness
• Power
• Cumulative energy
• Energy expenditure
• Center of mass
• Symmetry score
• Energy used (kJ)
• Average speed (m/min)
• Maximum speed (m/min)
• Maximum acceleration (m/s²)
• Heart rate, Maximum heart rate
• Rhythm deviation (%)
• Number of jumps
• Leg height independently
• Stride length (m)
• Step time (s)

The full set of metrics is available in the desktop account: https://account.horsecare.si/

(Access to the demo mode can be obtained via the link https://www.horsecare.si/access-to-the-demo-account/)

As an practical example, it is possible to observe that one limb begins to take on more load than another. This is not always a problem in itself, but it is always a signal that requires analysis. For example, one side may compensate for another. It can be a typical evolution curve after an injury or during recovery, or more importantly, it can be an early warning signal of an upcoming injury.

 Example of a key metric: Stiffness

One of the most informative metrics is Stiffness (ground contact stiffness).

It reflects:

•       how actively the horse loads a limb
•       how efficiently force is transmitted through the limb

If a horse:

•       reduces load on one leg
•       shifts weight to other limbs

this may indicate:

•       discomfort
•       early-stage issues
•       compensatory movement strategies

Why dynamics matter more than a single measurement

The main value of the system lies in tracking changes over time.

A single measurement shows the condition “here and now.”

A sequence of training sessions reveals:

•       whether movement is becoming more symmetrical
•       whether load returns to a previously “weaker” limb
•       how the horse responds to interventions

For example:

•       after massage
•       after shoeing
•       after changes in the training routine

You can clearly see how the metrics evolve and how movement becomes more balanced.

 What the user actually sees

The system allows you to effectively “see” movement through data:

•       which limb is more active
•       when overload occurs
•       where compensation appears

In practice, this is reflected in differences between limbs. For example, one hind leg may function less consistently or generate less force than the other.

 Conclusion

At this stage, HorseCare is not a diagnostic system.

It is a tool that:

•       detects even subtle changes in movement
•       makes them measurable
•       enables tracking of movement dynamics over time

Most importantly: it allows you to make decisions based on objective data rather than subjective perception, while preserving all data for future analysis.