Impact of the technology to monitor horse behaviour and health: a scoping review

Technology for monitoring behaviour and health of horses has evolved significantly, presenting new opportunities and challenges in equine management and healthcare. This scoping review consolidates recent findings on wearable sensors and non-contact technologies, discussing their benefits and limitations. Among these advancements, heart rate monitors stand out as a key point in equine monitoring. By tracking heart rate variability, devices help monitor cardiac autonomic regulation, optimise training regimens and allow early detection of cardiac issues, although accuracy can be compromised by inadequate placement or signal interference. Beyond heart rate monitors, wearable biometric sensors and smart stable systems are revolutionising equine care. Biometric sensors track vital signs, temperature, and activity levels, offering continuous monitoring of health data. However, challenges remain regarding data accuracy, device durability, and integration with existing systems. Non-contact technology like computer vision provides a non-invasive method of analysing images and videos to detect horses, recognise specific features and track movement over time. This technology helps monitor behavioural patterns, social interactions, and overall activity. In conclusion, the application of wearable and remote monitoring technologies has shown specific benefits in supporting equine welfare. This review presents an overview of current sensors that support daily horse management and promote animal health through the detection of behavioural changes. These metrics could prevent the development of more serious issues. However, addressing limitations such as accuracy, reliability, and privacy concerns is essential. Scientific validation is necessary for guaranteeing the effectiveness of these systems and to maximise their potential to improve equine health and performance.