Michaela Keener (PI), Kimberly Tumlin, Nicholas Heebner

University of Kentucky, Rehabilitation and Health Sciences; University of Kentucky, Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health; University of Kentucky, Sports Medicine Research Institute

Purpose: To 1) develop a multi-sensor system to predict reliable energy expenditure through kinetic (e.g., heart rate, oxygen consumption, and respiration rate) and kinematic (i.e., 3D acceleration) of race riders and kinematic data of the horse while exercising live horses; and 2) advance a multi-sensor system from existing pilot data on a galloping simulator to predict energy expenditure through kinetics and kinematics data of race riders while training on a mechanical galloping simulator.

Design: Observational repeated measures study with a convenience sample.

Methods: Eight exercise riders (ExR) will be recruited. Each ExR will complete a set of five simulated rides on a galloping simulator. We will then follow each ExR for a work week while they exercise Thoroughbreds (I.e., riding a horse for fitness of the horse). During this time, we will record the kinematic and kinetic data of the ExR, and the kinematic data of the horse. We will also collect daily workouts, distance and speed traveled, weather, and horse temperament (i.e., behavior) rated by the ExR. Throughout the ExR’s work week, we will collect this data on four different days while they exercise the same five horses.

Results: The devices used for data collection are being validated. Primary data collection is targeted for November-December 2023.

Conclusion: The horse racing industry is fast-paced, with change being the norm. Although the racing industry welcomes researchers, horse and rider safety are at the forefront of horse trainers’ decisions. Working in this industry requires patience and understanding of community feedback. We are currently in the process of ensuring the equipment we use is validated and reliable but also allows the trainer to feel comfortable that the equipment will not increase risk for the horse or rider.

Impact Statement: The proposed results will inform the racing community and health specialists working with race riders to create healthier training and diet regimens to shift away from current weight-making practices causing mental and physical health decrements. Secondly, this is an excellent example of how community engagement enhances research protocols and the safety of humans and animals.