The U.S. Eventing Association announced some updates on its Collapsible Fence Study study being conducted by the University of Kentucky on Sept. 15 and asked for eventers to contribute information on horse sizes through an online survey. 

“The study is focused on understanding the horse/fence contact and interaction during rotational falls as a means to provide insight into rotational fall prevention and requirements to guide the sport’s course and safety device designers,” said Dr. Suzanne Weaver Smith, who’s leading the study alongside Gregorio Robles-Vega, Lange Ledbetter, Christina Heilman and Shannon Wood. You can read more about Dr. Smith’s background here. 

“To understand and take into account the variability of the many conditions and situations that lead to rotational falls, we will use a Monte Carlo simulation similar to those used in weather forecasting,” the statement continued. “The computer models developed will enable us to consider thousands of different combinations quickly. Our goal is to understand this complex motion thoroughly, and thus how to best prevent the conversion of forward momentum into a rotational fall for various fences. 

“The model incorporates approach speed and direction, contact force and duration, horse and rider weight and size, among others. Our progress to date has been to bring together the best information available on each aspect of the motion. Unfortunately, one of the key pieces—horse size and shape—has very little information available from previous studies. We decided to ask the eventing community for help with a ‘citizen science’ survey that requests a few measurements of eventing horse size, weight, and rider height/weight.”

You can see the full explanation regarding what the survey is requesting at the USEA’s website.