Following the success of the inaugural HorseTech Conference in London we were invited to produce a dedicated HorseTech track at the Dubai International Equestrian Conference (click here to view the full programme 13MB .pdf) organised by the Royal Equestrian Resort Dubai and held at the Dubai World Trade Centre on the 15th and 17th March 2018 (part of the 14th annual Dubai International Horse Fair that is attended by over 10,000 visitors. This is the leading equestrian event in the Middle East and a showcase of innovative HorseTech from around the world.
The conference was held under the Patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, Vice Ruler of Dubai and UAE Minister of Finance. Attendance at the conference is open to the public and registration is free.
The Dubai International Equestrian Conference will be Chaired by Mustafa Ali Ahmed Amshan, CEO of the Royal Equestrian Resort Dubai, and the HorseTech talks and panels will be moderated by David Doherty, Producer of the HorseTech Conference.
Snapshot:
Day 3 Highlights.
HRH Prince Abdulaziz Bin Ahmad, Chairman of the Atheeb Group & CEO of the Atheeb Trading Company and owner of the Athba Stud being interviewed by Diana Al Nabulsi, Founder, Dianna Scoop Magazine.
Full HD Video of talks by the following will be available on this page soon (revisit and refresh the page to view or register and we’ll email you as soon as they’re posted):
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Confirmed Topics/Speakers included:
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Pregnancy Management: setting up the fetus for a journey of a lifetime on the track
Mandi de Mestre BVSc(hons) PhD FHEA MRCVS, Reader, Reproductive Immunology, Royal Veterinary College (UK)
Biography: After graduation from University of Sydney in 1998, Mandi worked as a vet in equine reproductive practice at Scone Veterinary Hospital, Australia and did a breeding season at Newmarket Equine Hospital. In 2006 she received the Frank Fenner Medal for her Ph.D. from Australian National University then spent 2 years with Professor Doug Antczak at Cornell University, USA, studying equine pregnancy. Mandi set up her research laboratory at the RVC in 2008. Her team’s research, currently funded by the HBLB, Thoroughbred Breeders Association, Alborada Trust and Racing Foundation, focuses on understanding the key physiological requirements to support equine pregnancy as well as dissecting the pathologies that underlie pregnancy failure. Her team uses a wholistic collaborative approach to answer their research questions, working closely with clinicians, epidemiologists, pathologists and geneticists to tackle previously elusive lines of investigation in equine pregnancy. She is a member of the International Equine Reproduction Symposium Committee, sits on the council for the Society of Reproduction and Fertility, was the recipient of the 2015 UK Society of Reproduction and Fertility New Investigator Award for her research achievements in reproduction and regularly presents her teams work at National and International meetings.
Mandi’s team is devoted to improving Thoroughbred fertility and breeding efficiency along with investigating conditions that impact on pregnancy and fetal outcomes. In her talk, she will draw upon research generated from her laboratory and other leading laboratories around the world, to update us on where the UK currently sits on the international stage in breeding efficiency, important management factors that can influence pregnancy outcome and what we currently know about programming of adult diseases and bone development during equine pregnancy that could impact on a horses future racing career.
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Tech for the equestrian world… it’s use and abuse
Dr David Marlin, Scientific and Equine Consultant. Website. Twitter. (UK)
Bio: David studied physiology and computing at Stirling University in Scotland (UK) before training with dressage rider and coach Judy Harvey (Fellow of the British Horse Society (FBHS) and Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI) International dressage judge; Judy Harvey is a successful rider and a well‐respected trainer hosting clinics all over the world. He obtained his PhD from Loughborough University after 4 years studying the responses of Thoroughbred racehorses to exercise and training at the world famous Animal Health Trust in Newmarket. During this time he made some of the first studies in the world on horses running on high-speed treadmills. He then worked in Newmarket as equine exercise physiologist for racehorse trainer Luca Cumani where Jockey Frankie Dettori has just joined the yard as an apprentice. In 1991 he returned to work at the Animal Health Trust and undertook a programme of study into the effects of road and air transport on horses. From 1993–1996 he undertook studies on thermoregulation and transport of horses in the build-up to the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games in conjunction with the FEI. He was also involved in advising The Beijing Organizing Committee for the Games of the XXIX Olympiad (BOCOG), the Hong Kong Jockey Club, International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the FEI on air-conditioning and cooling for horses at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. From 1990 until 2005 David held the position of Senior Scientist and Head of Physiology at the Animal Health Trust. His main areas of professional interest are exercise physiology, nutrition, fitness, training, performance, thermoregulation, competition strategy, transport and respiratory disease.
He has worked as a consultant to the British Equestrian Teams since 1994 and was a member of the World Class Performance Scientific Advisory Group chaired by John McEwen when it was created in 2006. He was also trainer for the British Endurance Team when they won the Silver Medal at the Endurance World Championships in Compiegne (France) in 2000 and has consulted for many endurance teams and stables in the Middle East. He has recently been appointed Performance Advisor to the British Endurance Team.
David’s recent projects have included a review of the effects of temperature on horses during transport for the British Government, an investigation of welfare in Endurance racing for the FEI, development of testing methods for equine protective leg boots, scientific study of the training methods of Monty Roberts and investigations into factors associated with elite equine performance. He is currently working on projects related to welfare in endurance, headshaking, nutrition and personality types in equestrian sports.
He holds the academic position of Professor in Physiology at Oklahoma State University. He is the author of over 200 scientific papers and book chapters. David’s other affiliations and positions include past Chair of the International Conference on Equine Exercise Physiology (ICEEP) and editor of Comparative Exercise Physiology. He is also the author of Equine Exercise Physiology (Blackwell) and author of All Systems Go (a book about getting horses fit).
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How technology is advancing our understanding of horses & their temperament
Dr Isabel Jimenez Acquarone, CEO, AREFactor.com. Twitter. (UK)
Bio: Born in London from an Argentinean family Isabel is a BSc (Hons First Class) Scientific Psychologist and was awarded a Ph.D. from Imperial College London for her work using Heart Rate Variability to assess equine temperament. Her doctoral thesis went on to be patented by Squire Patton Boggs as a viable method of assessing temperament in all mammals. Isabel´s method of equine temperament assessment is based on a biological variable that leads to numerical values for Adaptability, Reactivity, and Equanimity of an individual known as their Temperament Quotient (TQ®). TQ®´s can be plotted and graphed for detailed monitoring of one individual across time or cross comparison between individuals in different disciplines, breeds, species etc. Having a scientific neuroethological and anthrozoological approach to her work Isabel is a temperament consultant who is known across numerous fields from early diagnosis, detection, and intervention of autism to elite performance horses, which is where her specialty and passion lie.
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Anti-Aging & Regenerative Medicine
Prof Sam Lingam, Faculty of The American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine. Twitter. (UK)
Bio: Professor Lingam is a Consultant Paediatrician with special interest in Neurodevelopment & Paediatric Neurology and Medical Director of London’s first walk in Clinic (Est. 1984) the Medical Express Clinic and the Harley Street Paediatric Chambers. Professor Lingam was trained in paediatric neurology and child development at Great Ormond Street Hospital and is passionate about medical education. He has authored several popular books, is widely published and was elected as the Honorary secretary of the Indian Medical Association, Treasurer of the London regional Council of the British Medical Association and is the President of the International college of Paediatrics. He has been at the forefront developing therapies for allergies and human longevity and has an unrivalled understanding and ability to explain the opportunity we have to improve the lives of all species through the integration of human medicine, veterinary medicine and environmental science.
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Genomics: Shaping the Future from the Past
Prof Emmeline Hill, CSO, Plusvital and Professor of Equine Genetics at University College Dublin. Twitter. (Ireland)
Bio: Emmeline Hill is Associate Professor of Equine Science at UCD and was the co-founder of Equinome Ltd. She is now Chief Science Officer for the equine science company Plusvital Ltd, a world leader in the development and provision of genetic tests for the international Thoroughbred horse racing and breeding industries. Prof Hill has been at the forefront of Thoroughbred performance genomics during the last decade and has published more scientific papers on equine exercise genomics than any other researcher worldwide. In 2010 the publication that described the discovery of ‘The Speed Gene’ in racehorses coincided with the launch of Equinome Ltd. and the company’s first commercial genetic test. Plusvital Ltd currently offers a range of genetic tests for racing performance to the global market and has secured clients in over 30 countries in all of the major bloodstock regions of the world. In UCD Prof Hill leads a Science Foundation Ireland funded research programme in equine exercise genomics, the largest of its kind in the world.
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Gait Analysis and BioMechanics
Jay Kilgore (AKA “The Stride Guy”), Director of Operations, DataTrack International LLC. (USA)
Bio: Jay has knowledge and experience in thoroughbred sales prep and animal physiology from the University of Kentucky and is a graduate of the London School of Economics. He has been analysing the equine stride for nearly 20 years. At Datatrack International he manages the digital video programs, Cardio Score analysis and motion services which are used to produce a unique approach to biomechanics and speed ratings that draw from a database that includes detailed stride data on more than 25,000 breezing horses from all over the world.
Tech that Jay has done pioneering work with includes on-screen video measuring of stride lengths and motion quality, hands-on biomechanical measuring and conformation analysis, hands-on Cardio Score data gathering and analysis. Jay’s company invented BreezeFigs™ which is a product that combines the numerous traits of a horse that can be collected while breezing and it is used as a handicapping tool by the Daily Racing Form. Jay is a featured guest on ESPN Sports Science and HRTV (click here to watch the stride analysis piece that Jay did on Kenyatta for Sports Science that aired on ESPN ahead of the Breeder’s Cup) and is a Guest Lecturer for the Darley Flying Start Program. Jay has attended Ready to Run or Breeze Up sales in England, France, New Zealand, Australia and the US and later this year he plans to attend his first breeze up in Japan.
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The therapeutic & welfare benefits of Equine Salt Therapy
Richard Butterworth, Founder, Equine Salt Therapy. Twitter. (Australia)
Bio: Richard Butterworth pioneered Equine Salt Therapy some 6 years ago in the stables of Black Caviar (the Australian thoroughbred that went undefeated in 25 races – including 15 Group One victories). His patent protected system is now widely deployed throughout the world as the most successful trainers and owners have added the system to their arsenal to keep their horses performing at their peak and ensuring their welfare and recovery is optimised.
Richard’s background in animal husbandry and passion for elite sports brought alive a notion that horses could benefit from a dry aerosol salt delivery system that was effective, natural and non-invasive. With 6 years of R&D under his belt he is now ready to introduce it to the broader animal kingdom reducing the pharmaceutical footprint and sub-therapeutic use of antibiotics in livestock preserving precious drugs for when they are needed most in human medicines.
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Performance Lighting and Optimization of the Stable Environment
Sam Murphy, Inventor & Founder, Equilux Performance Lighting. Twitter. (Ireland)
Bio: Sam has been involved with horses his whole life and 5 years ago invented a fully automated performance lighting system specifically designed to maximise health, growth and the performance in horses. This revolutionary system harnesses all the benefits of natural daylight for the stabled horse.
The lengthening days of spring have long been associated with increased fertility, growth and performance. In nature, this prepares an animal for breeding, foaling and protection of the herd. Alertness & mood are enhanced. Muscle metabolism is improved. Feed is better utilised for growth & development. From an understanding of the component qualities of natural daylight through a smart lighting system that provides biologically effective light, Sam is already helping to realise these positive physiological benefits for more than 1,000 of the most valuable Thoroughbred Racehorses in the UK and Ireland.
This will be Sam’s first trip to the Dubai and his presentation is going to discuss the evidence and opportunities for us to improve the physical and mental health of Horses in the Middle East through optimal and accurately timed smart lighting.
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Sport Science Innovation, Collaboration & Investment
Dr Mike Ponchard, Clinical Exercise Physiologist & Equine Sport Scientist, Equilytics Pty Ltd (Australia)
Bio: Mike studied at The University of Western Australia (UWA) with leaders in the field of Exercise Physiology and Sports Science. He gained his Bachelor of Physical Education (Honours) for research work in the Talent Identification of young swimmers. Mike completed a Master of Education and eventually progressed onto to his Doctoral Studies. He was awarded his PhD for research into testing and training methodologies associated with monitoring and enhancing the cardiorespiratory system of Equine Athletes. Mike was subsequently offered a full-time lecturing position in Sports Science at Edith Cowan University, where he helped established the Sports Science Degree Programme by writing and implementing a range of academic units. He remained at the University for an enjoyable 10 years with his teaching activities. Mike’s qualifications and academic background provided him with the opportunity of moving into the field of Medical Rehabilitation. He helped establish Cambridge Pain Management, a multi-disciplinary Pain Management Centre in Perth and managed the Exercise Physiology component of the programme for 20 years. Throughout these years, Mike always maintained a focus on his equine interests, working with Trainers and Equilab Pty Ltd, an Equine Exercise Physiology consultancy. In more recent times, he founded Equilytics Pty Ltd, a start-up focusing on the emerging Horse Tech Industry. His current work focuses on helping Equine Athletes reach their genetic potential using Wearables, Data Integration, Real-Time Analysis and Connected Coaching. Mike has presented papers on Equine Sport Science at International, World and Asian Racing Conferences. He has performance profiled numerous horses on the high-speed treadmill and track using the E-Trakka GPS/HR System and Lactate Kinetics. He has a strong interest in Syndicate Management based on Talent Identification, Performance Optimisation and Injury Prevention.
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Photos from the conference:
Mustafa Ali bin Ahmed Amshan (CEO, Royal Equestrian Resort Dubai), David Doherty (HorseTech Conference) & Saif Khalifa Al Mizaina (Chairman, Royal Equestrian Resort Dubai).
Mustafa Ali bin Ahmed Amshan (CEO, Royal Equestrian Resort Dubai) and His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum (UAE Minister of Finance, Deputy Ruler of Dubai)
His Excellency Mirza Al Sayegh, Director of the Office of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum (Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Minister of Finance UAE) and Mustafa Ali bin Ahmed Amshan (CEO, Royal Equestrian Resort Dubai).
Brigadier General Abdul Razzak bin Abdul Qader Al-Shahorzi, Commander of the Royal Cavalry of Oman, H.E. Saeed Hareb, Secretary General of the Dubai Sports Council, and H.E. Khalid Al-Midfa, General Assistant Secretary, General Authority of Sports.
Dr Isabel Jimenez Actuaron, CEO, AREFactor.com, introduces the term ‘TQ’ (Temperament Quotient) and explains why a temperament profile is important.
His Royal Highness Price Abdulaziz bin Ahmed bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, (Chairman of the Arabian Horse Organisation-KSA), Mustafa Ali bin Ahmed Amshan (CEO, Royal Equestrian Resort Dubai) and Sheikh Mohamed Issa Al-Fairuz (President of the International Tent Pegging Federation).
David Doherty introduces the HorseTech Conference speakers to delegates at the Dubai International Horse Fair.
The HorseTechConference Dubai website.
Saif Khalifa Matar Bin Mazina, Chairman of the Royal Equestrian Resort Dubai, Mustafa Ali Ahmed Amshan, CEO of the Royal Equestrian Resort Dubai, His Royal Highness Price Abdulaziz bin Ahmed bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, (Chairman of the Arabian Horse Organisation-KSA), His Excellency Mirza Al Sayegh, Director of the Office of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum (Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Minister of Finance UAE), Mr Abdullah Mohammed Al-Marri (Committee Member of show jumping and dressage, Emirates Equestrian Federation UAE), and Ms Reem Al-Abbar (Committee Member of show jumping and dressage specialist, Emirates Equestrian Federation UAE).
(L-R)
Saif Khalifa Matar Bin Mazina, Chairman of the Royal Equestrian Resort Dubai.
(L-R)
Ms. Samah Munir, Dubai Media Incorporated/Dubai Racing Channel
Sheikh Mohamed Issa Al-Fairuz (President, International Tent Pegging Federation).
(L-R) Diana Al Nabulsi, Founder, Dianna Scoop Magazine.
Sam Murphy, Inventor & Founder, Equilux Performance Lighting.
Dr Mike Ponchard, Clinical Exercise Physiologist & Equine Sport Scientist, Equilytics Pty Ltd
Richard Butterworth, Founder, Equine Salt Therapy.
Dr Isabel Jimenez Actuaron, CEO, AREFactor.com,
Mohammed AlQassim, Founder, “Equine Reproeducation”
Mustafa Ali Ahmed Amshan, CEO of the Royal Equestrian Resort Dubai, Dr Isabel Jimenez Acquarone, CEO, AREFactor.com and Saif Khalifa Matar Bin Mazina, Chairman of the Royal Equestrian Resort Dubai.
Mustafa Ali Ahmed Amshan, CEO of the Royal Equestrian Resort Dubai, Dr Isabel Jimenez Acquarone, CEO, AREFactor.com and Saif Khalifa Matar Bin Mazina, Chairman of the Royal Equestrian Resort Dubai.
Mustafa Ali Ahmed Amshan, CEO of the Royal Equestrian Resort Dubai, Dr Isabel Jimenez Acquarone, CEO, AREFactor.com and Saif Khalifa Matar Bin Mazina, Chairman of the Royal Equestrian Resort Dubai.
Mustafa Ali Ahmed Amshan, CEO of the Royal Equestrian Resort Dubai, Richard Butterworth, Inventor & Founder, Equine Salt Therapy, and Saif Khalifa Matar Bin Mazina, Chairman of the Royal Equestrian Resort Dubai.
Mustafa Ali Ahmed Amshan, CEO of the Royal Equestrian Resort Dubai, Dr Isabel Jimenez Acquarone, CEO, AREFactor.com and Saif Khalifa Matar Bin Mazina, Chairman of the Royal Equestrian Resort Dubai.
Mustafa Ali Ahmed Amshan, CEO of the Royal Equestrian Resort Dubai, Jacqueline Doyle, ex-Trainer & Journalist with GulfNews, and Saif Khalifa Matar Bin Mazina, Chairman of the Royal Equestrian Resort Dubai.
David Doherty, Founder, HorseTechConference.com.
Mustafa Ali Ahmed Amshan, CEO of the Royal Equestrian Resort Dubai, Dr Isabel Jimenez Acquarone, CEO, AREFactor.com and Saif Khalifa Matar Bin Mazina, Chairman of the Royal Equestrian Resort Dubai.
Mustafa Ali Ahmed Amshan, CEO of the Royal Equestrian Resort Dubai, Dr Isabel Jimenez Acquarone, CEO, AREFactor.com and Saif Khalifa Matar Bin Mazina, Chairman of the Royal Equestrian Resort Dubai.
The Dubai Sports Council extended incredible generous hospitality to the guest speakers who were flown in from Ireland, Australia, UK, Spain, Holland and the USA.
With 22 local broadcast media channels reporting on developments it was great to see so much mainstream media interest in horsetech innovations.
The most exciting tech to be found on the exhibition floor at the Dubai International Horse Fair has got to be the Plusvital from Ireland with their range of supplements including the world’s first nutrigenomic supplement. International Sales Director Ciara Watt was on hand answering questions and taking orders from exhibition visitors.
Mandi de Mestre BVSc(hons) PhD FHEA MRCVS, Reproductive Immunology, Royal Veterinary College uses the latest video calling technology to provide a lecture from London on “Pregnancy Management: setting up the foetus for a journey of a lifetime on the track” to delegates attending the Dubai International Horse Fair.
Mohammed AlQassim and his team of young Emirati entrepreneur’s share the work they’re doing with their “Equine Reproeducation” startup.
Useful Visitor information for the Dubai International Horse Fair
Registration
To attend the Conference you will need to register for a Visitor Pass and present your Emirates ID or Passport at the visitor registration desks located at Za’abeel Hall 6 for verification.
Dates/Times
15 March: 10am-8pm
16 March: 2pm-8pm
17 March: 11am-8pm
* The HorseTech Conference talks and panels will be held on Thursday 15th & Saturday 17th March and details will be updated here when the program is finalised.
Flights & Accommodation
Emirates Airline are sponsors of the conference and offer an exclusive 10% discount on their flights to Dubai for DIHF visitors. Click here to upgrade your Airline to Emirates and avail of the “EVE6DHO” discount code.
There is a also special discount available with The Apartments Dubai World Trade Centre which is the hotel adjacent to the Dubai WTC. Click here for more details and to book your accommodation.
For a hassle-free travel (hotel reservations, visa services, airport pick-ups, transfers, concierge service, etc) please contact the DIHF’s Official Travel Partner.
Venue
The Dubai World Trade Centre, located on Sheikh Zayed Rd, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, is the region’s largest purpose built complex for events and exhibitions. It was opened in 1979 as the landmark 39-storey Sheikh Rashid Tower – the first skyscraper built in Dubai and the pioneer that led to Dubai’s rise as a cosmopolitan commercial centre at the crossroads of the world.
Parking
There is free outdoor parking available at Car Parks B, C and D opposite the Novotel Hotel and Car Park F located opposite Za’abeel Hall.
Admission Policy & Regulations
Admission to the exhibition is FREE to the general public. Admission is subject to full completion of all sections of the onsite registration forms. Visitors under the age of 16 do not need to complete a registration form but must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) must supply all tickets to events in Dubai. To secure your pass to our event you must allow us to provide your name, email, mobile number, country of residence, nationality and age group to DTCM on your behalf. The government body states it will not disclose the data to any third parties unless required to do so by law.
For security reasons, you must wear your badge on your lanyard around your neck. The badge is your pass to access all the Dubai International Horse fair exhibition halls, features etc. Lost or stolen badges will not be replaced. Please keep your badge with you at all times
Why not book a stand?
With over 10,000 potential customers attending the DIHF is a great opportunity to launch new products and services and meet with existing customers and distributors. Click here to book a stand.
Visa Requirements
Your guide to Dubai visa and entry information.
Useful links
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