Force between Rider and Saddle or Stirrup – Balance of the Rider

The riders‘ and stirrup loadpad® systems evaluate the total force between horse saddle and rider or between the feet and stirrups.

The loadpad® measures the normal total force using a thin, flexible sensor. Based on a new patent, it is the first sensor which can accurately measure the total force even if partially or heterogeneously loaded across the sensor surface. The loadpad® sensor has matchbox-sized electronics and communicates wirelessly via Bluetooth® with a mobile device. The force values are displayed in real time. The user can also receive immediate feedback regarding the applied force via an auditory, visual, or vibratory signal. The measured data can be stored on the mobile device and to the cloud and additionally transferred to a computer for a more detailed analysis. Long-term measurements allow the evaluation of different force parameters such as impulse, frequency, or loading rate.

force measurement between objects | loadpad

The loadpad® app can be modified for specific applications. It is easy to use, offers numerous display options, and allows the analysis of various parameters. Data can also be exported to an ASCII file for additional analysis not included within the app. Additionally, the Windows loadpad® analysis software offers an extensive evaluation of the loadpad® data on the computer. riders’ loadpad® monitors the normal force between the rider and the horse saddle. The sensor mat consists of 6 sensors (3 for left and right side, each divided into frontal, medial, and posterior areas). Placed on the saddle, the sensor pad provides feedback regarding the rider’s balance, symmetry, and stability while riding. The stirrup loadpad® measures the normal force exerted on the stirrups by the rider’s left and right foot. The combination of the riders’ loadpad® and the stirrup loadpad® enables precise monitoring of the rider’s posture and balance.

Software: The visualisation is made twofold: As bars (each color represents an area and the force measured in that particular moment), and as force diagrams, showing the whole measurement over time, with the possibility to zoom in a particular sequence. The force diagram shows that the rider is not sitting well balanced, as the right area (blue) shows a force higher than on the left (red).

With the help of real-time biofeedback the rider can immediately correct his or hers sitting position during riding. This system supports both the rider and the trainer in achieving a more harmonious riding position and obtaining a better understanding of the interaction between the rider, the saddle, and the horse.

With the help of the loadpad® system and its powerful software the progress of the changes in posture of the rider can be measured, visualized, and documented.

In addition to saddle and stirrup, there are for sure many other places on the horse and the rider where load measurement can be reasonable, e.g. under the bridle.

The loadpad® sensors measure the total force acting on the sensor in the normal direction. novel also offers the pliance® system which enables dynamic pressure distribution measurement. Both the pliance® and the loadpad® sensor families can be configured according to customer-specific requirements in terms of shape, size, sensitivity, and surface coating. All novel systems work with capacitive sensor technology and provide accurate, reproducible, and reliable pressure and force data.

Features

Measure the normal force during riding or standing
Scan the saddle and/or stirrups with up to 100 Hz
Display force vs. time and give biofeedback • Provide force curve and feedback for adjustable force levels
Run via the loadpad® app providing various settings
Enable connection to the novel loadpad® software
Use patented, capacitive sensors
Use small, lightweight electronics
Transmit the measurement in real time to mobile devices • Work with iOS and Android devices
Provide ASCII output for scientific data analysis
Operate with disposable or rechargeable coin cell batteries