Can objective gait analysis be a decision support during the horse inspections in Eventing Long Format? 

Author

Dr Elin Hernlund, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU)

Description

The SleipApp is used to gather biomechanical data from horses during the 1^st and 2^nd Horse Inspections at CCI L.

Phase 1: Data is analysed and compared with the outcome of the Horse Inspection and competition performance.

Phase 2: Data is shared with the Veterinary Delegate and the usefulness is evaluated to determine if the technology could be used to support decision making on fitness to compete.

Status

Phase 1 will be finalised in 2024. Phase 2 to start in 2025.

Correlation between footing and forces in horse’s limb and their correlation to injuries

Author

Dr Lars Roepstorff, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU)

Description

Experimentally define and quantify how different surfaces affect forces in load bearing structures of the limb thus enabling possible advice on surface properties in relation to risk of orthopaedic injuries.

Status

A digital model has been produced and preparations are ongoing for kinematic analysis and data collection of horses jumping 150-160 cm obstacles.

Volume kinetics in horses

Author

Dr William Muir, Lincoln University

Description

The study aims at understanding the kinetics of intravenous fluids in horses as clinical guidelines are largely based on data from humans. FEI’s objective is to establish evidence based guidelines and regulations on fluid therapy.

Status

The study has been finalised and a paper submitted for publication in the Equine Veterinary Journal. 

Establishing an FEI Detection Time for ophthalmic administration of Timolol 

Author

Dr Carl Ekstrand, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU)

Description

Timolol is a critical drug for the treatment of glaucoma. There have been no studies determining the pharmacokinetics of the substance after ophthalmic administration. Detection Times give guidance to veterinarians and are preventive against EADCM violations.

Status

Administration has taken place and FEI is awaiting the final report.

Development of a FEI protocol and procedures for inspection of horses for oral lesions related to use of bits

Author

Dr Mette Uldahl, Dr Inga Wolframm, Dr Ylva Rubin, FEI Veterinary Department

Description

The overall purpose of the project is to increase knowledge and awareness of oral cavity health in all FEI disciplines. One of the objects is to design a protocol and related procedures concerning inspection for oral lesions in relation to use of bit and rider aids, to govern horse welfare and to ensure that horses are fit to compete.

The protocol is dependent on the cooperation and support of the involved stakeholders, 
In addition to the development of the protocol, the project aims to work with principles of human behaviour change, behavioural economics, stakeholder engagement, and appropriate communication on strategies.

Status

Phase 1 – literature study is finalised.

Phase 2 – A pilot study was conducted in October 2024 with FEI Veterinarians, Judges, Riders and Grooms within Jumping. The data is being analysed and a project plan for phase 3 will be produced before end of 2024.

Phase 3 is planned to start in early 2025.

Can a sniffer dog be used to detect FEI prohibited substances in horse saliva?

Author

FEI Veterinary Department

Description

The project aims to train a sniffer dog to detect micro-dosed substances in saliva collected in horses in the Vet Gate during Endurance Events. The method would be used for selection of horses for regular EADCMP sampling.

Status

The project is ongoing and has proved that substances administered to horses in very low concentrations can be detected in saliva afterwards by a trained dog.

Decision for field testing will be taken before the end of 2024.

Elucidating the microbial air profile/particulate characteristics to establish a standardised air quality test for riding surfaces

Author

Dr Samuel White
Nottingham Trent University

Description

The overall aim is to establish appropriate air quality limits, by quantifying particulate matter characteristics and the relative abundance of different airborne microorganisms using a range of methods, including rapid whole-genome sequencing.
The study is being conducted as a part of match funded three-four year PhD at Nottingham Trent University.

Status

Literature review and establishment of the protocol for sample collection has happened. The study is in the third year of the PhD wherein the data collection and analysis phase will be conducted, followed by dissemination.

Epidemiological analyses of longevity in jumping horses

Author

Dr Tim Parkin, University of Bristol

Description

The project aims to identify factors associated with career longevity, with a particular focus on competition intensity

Status

Contract approved the study to commence