Abingdon, England — July 30, 2026 — The McTimoney College of Chiropractic and the McTimoney Animal Association have announced preliminary findings from an ongoing research project evaluating the reliability and practical utility of the Equestic EQ Saddle-Clip as an objective movement measurement tool for equine research and clinical practice.
The study represents another important step in exploring how objective motion data can support evidence-based decision-making, equine welfare, rehabilitation, and professional practice.
The EQ Saddle-Clip (ESC) employs a gyroscope and an accelerometer to capture three-dimensional movements and rotational speeds of the horse, thus facilitating the calculation of index G-force. Capturing raw data at 50 measurements per second, the ESC transmits data to the cloud-based Equestic Intelligence Platform which, under normal commercial use, produces synoptic figures and distribution charts for symmetry, G-force and other consumer metrics, such as gait and direction, for each exercise session. This information is accessible to the owner, trainer or rider via the mobile app.
The raw data, however, does not provide manageable datasets for research purposes and synoptic data does not provide sufficient detail for research or practice. Working with trot data only, the research team, led by McTimoney Veterinary Chiropractors, set out to determine the most appropriate summary interval of data to produce a manageable dataset and enable accurate interpretation.
The project gathered data from 20 horses of mixed breed and age across three locations. Each horse performed two standardised lunge sessions in trot on both left and right reins, morning (AM) and afternoon (PM), whilst wearing the EQ Saddle-Clip (ESC).
Summary data for every 3, 5 and 10 seconds of trot gait were provided by Equestic. Datasets consisted of Rhythm (bpm), Impulsion (G), Landing Force (G-), Push-off Force (G+) and Symmetry (%) of Rhythm, Landing and Push-off. Descriptive and inferential analyses were conducted in R and RStudio.
Tentative Conclusions to Date
- For % landing asymmetry, % push-off asymmetry and % rhythm asymmetry, 10 seconds of gait is reliable for research.
- Horses are individuals — variations between AM and PM sessions seem to be present regardless of horse and/or trial location.
- The EQ Saddle-Clip has the potential to be a useful tool for further McTimoney research, and in practice.
“Our preliminary results mark a significant step forward in the support of clinical research and practice with hard quantitative metrics, although we still have more data to interrogate,” said Sally Charlton, Research Lead. “If we are able to accurately capture minute changes in locomotor symmetry, we can inform horse and practitioner training as well as rehabilitation and equine welfare protocols.”
Leon Rutten, Founder and CEO of Equestic, welcomed the preliminary findings:
“At Equestic, our mission has always been to give horses a voice through objective movement data. Seeing independent research explore how the EQ Saddle-Clip can contribute to scientific studies and clinical practice is an important milestone. We believe technology should empower better decisions, advance equine welfare, and support professionals with reliable data they can trust.”
About The McTimoney Animal Association
The McTimoney Animal Association regulates and supports members by facilitating professional development and research, ensuring ethical practice and advocating the recognition and advancement of McTimoney Veterinary Chiropractic within the animal healthcare industry. Our mission is to enhance the quality of life for animals by providing safe, effective and compassionate McTimoney Chiropractic treatment, optimising health, welfare and performance.
About Equestic
Founded in the Netherlands by Leon Rutten, Equestic is the consumer brand of Smart Horse Technologies B.V. It was built on his family’s equestrian coaching heritage and strengthened by over 30 years of software and hardware product leadership.
Blending deep knowledge in equestrian sport with cutting-edge expertise in artificial intelligence (AI), product engineering, and marketing, Equestic is focused on innovations that genuinely support coaches, riders, and their horses. The company’s innovation has been recognized internationally with two Silver TITAN Innovation Awards and selection as a finalist in the Equestrian Business Awards 2026.
For more information, visit www.equestic.com.
Media Contacts
Equestic: Nicole Graf nicole.graf@equestic.com
McTimoney College: sallycharlton@mctimoney-college.ac.uk
