Industry Info reach out to the larger livestock industry stakeholders prior to finalizing this rule , but specifically for not reaching out to the equine industry considering the constant and repeated travel inherent to the competitive , coast to coast nature of our industry . While horse haulers are able to provide more accommodating shipping conditions compared to other livestock sectors , the issues we have with immediate implementation of the rule mirror those of the larger animal agriculture community .
The American Horse Council will continue to petition for an enforcement delay , to be followed by a waiver and / or limited exemptions from compliance with the final rule on ELDs , and specifically the expected Hours of Service ( HOS ). Additionally we will continue to take advantage of any opportunity to collaborate with FMCSA and the DOT during this delay to better meet the needs of the animal agriculture community on future regulatory efforts .
Please contact Cliff Williamson at the American Horse Council with questions or comments at 202-296-4031 or at cwilliamson @ horsecouncil . org .
New Equine Assisted Activity Research Grant Funded
Horses and Humans Research Foundation awarded $ 10,000 to Texas A & M University to complete their research project “ Tracking Kinematic and Kinetic Data during Horse Riding for Optimizing Therapeutic Outcomes .” This study will investigate the impact the horse ’ s movement has on a mounted client by measuring both horse and mounted participant simultaneously . This innovative project relies on new , technologically advanced sensors , to be placed on both mounted client and horse , to collect data on the movements experienced by the participant while on the dynamic surface of the horse .
The data collected by the sensors from the mounted client and horse during equine assisted therapy ( EAT ) sessions will provide insight into : i ) the impact of the equine movement on the client during an EAT session , ii ) the effects of the movement pattern of specific horses paired with specific mounted client on the client ’ s mobility , iii ) how EAT affects the client ’ s core movements , and iv ) how refinements in horse selection , utilization and / or training might further enhance effectiveness of an EAT session ( horse-client coordination ). In addition , sensor data will enable EAT professionals to more accurately determine movements of the horse that are beneficial to improve client ’ s functional gait and balance .
According to principal investigator Dr . Pilwon Hur the movement of the horse is a key factor contributing to the success of EAA / T as demonstrated by previous studies using both qualitative and quantitative data . As the EAA / T industry grows and expands , a tool that measures the horse movement and the mounted participant ’ s movement is necessary . The tool can quantify the biofeedback responses that the mounted participant receives from the rhythmical , symmetrical movement of the horse . For instructors and therapist , this information could be groundbreaking in assessment of individuals , therapy horses , and treatment strategies .
More information can be found on the HHRF website . http :// www . horsesandhumans . org
Mission : Through sustained investment in rigorous research , HHRF serves as a catalyst to advance global knowledge of horse-human interactions and their impact on health and wellness .
Horses and Humans Research Foundation ( HHRF ) is dedicated to funding research to investigate the equine-assisted activities and therapies field . Since its founding , HHRF has awarded over $ 460,000 in professional research efforts led by twelve research teams in the United States , Canada and Germany . HHRF is a non-endowed foundation dependent solely on donations . To make a donation and / or learn more about this and other Horses and Humans Research Foundation projects visit http :// www . horsesandhumans . org .
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