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Van Hall Larenstein University of applied sciences

Nextquestrian sheds light on Equestrian assessment through eye tracking technology

Jan. 19, 2024

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Nextquestrian sheds light on Equestrian assessment through eye tracking technology

Nextquestrian maakt het onzichtbare zichtbaar met eyetracking technologie

Open days

Innovation in equestrian sports

The use of eye tracking technology brings innovation to equestrian sports. The Nextquestrian event on 19 January, organised by Equine Sports & Business students at Van Hall Larenstein University of Applied Sciences (VHL), focuses entirely on the use of Tobii's eye tracking technology in this sport. With clinics from international horse experts and the innovative technology, it promises to be an educational event.

Nextquestrian maakt het onzichtbare zichtbaar met eyetracking technologie

Nextquestrian event

Nextquestrian took place on 19 January 2024 from 1:00 PM to 8:45 PM at Hippisch Centrum Lathum, Huis te Lathumweg 2, 6988 BS Lathum. Tickets for Nextquestrian, including student discounts, were available at www.nextquestrian.com.

Horse riding is more than just good riding skills

Dr. Inga Wolframm, applied research group leader of Sustainable Horse Husbandry and Equestrian Sports at VHL, is the host of Nextquestrian. "Equestrian sports are not only about good riding skills. It also involves the ability to assess horse and rider combinations, during training, at competitions, and even at home in the field. Some horse experts are extremely good at this. But what do they see that the rest of us do not? This is where eye-tracking can literally be an eye-opener. This highly advanced technology allows us to follow what the most experienced trainers and judges are looking at. As a result, we better understand how to assess horses, leading to better welfare, improved horse rider interaction, and a sustainable future for equestrian sports."

Clinics with top trainers, eye-tracking analysis, and interactive panel discussion

The programme includes clinics from three international horse experts:

  • Free jumping and inspection with Jacques Verkerk - breeding expert and journalist
  • Show jumping clinic with John Ledingham - former Olympian and trainer of Ireland
  • Dressage clinic with Jan Bemelmans - former Olympic dressage trainer of Spain and France

With exclusive eye tracking footage, participants discover what judges and trainers look for. Participants can share their own observations online, and their insights will be used for the panel discussion. The panel includes:

  • Dr. Thijs van Loon, Associate Professor of Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia at Utrecht University
  • Bineke de Vries, coordinator for the Federation for Disabled Equestrians
  • Marlies Reibestein, breeder of Iberian and warmblood horses
  • and, of course, the trainers

Further information can be found at www.nextquestrian.com or on Instagram @nextquestrian.