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pliance®-s test system

The pliance®-s system marks the beginning of a new era in the assessment of the dynamic inter-action between the horse, the saddle and the rider.

How does the rider sit?
How does the saddle fit?
What does the horse feel?

pliance®-s measures the dynamic pressure distribution between the saddle and the horse using a thin elastic sensor mat.

It is possible to assess quantitatively the commands of the rider and the subsequent reaction of the horse. The technique of the rider can be objectively assessed and corrected. Data can be immediately viewed with easy to use software.

Using pliance® recorder software, the dynamic pressure distribution can be directly compared to synchronized video pictures.

Harmful pressure points that arise from poor saddle fit can be recognized and corrected. During dynamic movement, such as trotting and gallopping, substantially higher loads occur on the back and the shoulders of the horse as compared to standing. The pressure distribution under the saddle during dynamic movement of the horse can be measured in order to assess the fit.

The pliance®-s sensor mat contains 2 x 128 sensors which are scanned with a scanning speed of 20,000 sensors per second. Dynamic measurements can be recorded for all paces, from the walk to the gallop.

Gait asymmetry of the horse, possibly associated with physiological back problems or poor saddle fit, can be assessed quantitatively. The pliance®-s system is accurate and reliable. The sensor mat is calibrated in a simple, computer- aided procedure which calculates the calibration curves for each individual sensor. The calibration remains stable with time.

The pliance®-s software operates as a Windows application and displays dynamic pressure distribution on screen as a 2D or 3D color picture. The pictures can be printed in their original size to allow the user to relate the pressures precisely to the horse’s anatomical landmarks or to the saddle.
All data are fully compatible with novel scientific software packages and can also be exported in ASCII format.

With the help of the pliance®-s system and its powerful software one can analyse the quality of the saddle and obtain a better understanding of the interaction between the rider, the saddle and the horse.