The 7th Annual HorseTech Conference was held in Del Mar, California, on the eve of the Breeders’ Cup, the world’s biggest racing event where 37,500 fans gathered to witness the crowning of 14 new world champions.

The Conference highlighted the latest advancements aimed at optimizing the performance of the world’s elite equine athletes and their jockeys and we welcomed some of the most successful and passionate equestrians, breeders, owners, veterinarians, investors, and innovators with backgrounds in data science, animal welfare, medical devices, life sciences and technology.

Scroll down to replay the presentations exploring how in 2024 technology is being used around the world to bring a vibrant future for horses, riders and our invaluable equestrian heritage (a few videos still await editing/uploading – please revisit and refresh the page to watch those):

In the opening keynote David Doherty will discuss how Californian tech brands like Apple, Google or Tesla would rebrand, market & psychologically transform the public’s perception of the Thoroughbred.

We’ve entered a new era when the world’s biggest Horse Racing event is now sponsored by Cygames (the Japanese multiplayer horse racing themed game developer owned by a Japanese Racehorse owner). This Panel Discussion will discuss why this is happening now and the pros/cons for the sport when cross media online content like “Uma Musume Pretty Derby” (a game set in a world of animation, comics, live concerts and music where the ‘horse girls’ characters inherit the names & souls of real racehorses and make bids to conquer the Twinkle Series while living a school life with friends & trainers) start becoming the most popular way for the next generation to start engaging with the Sport of Kings.

Will Duff Gordon is the CEO & Founder of Total Performance Data – the world’s leading Horse Racing Data Provider. With data from 150+ racetracks, TPD’s global inventory is your go-to source for horse racing data. Will will discuss how data innovations are bringing in a new era in Horseracing and securing the future for the sport.

Anthony Ginter, CEO, WEO, is a seasoned water expert and successful serial entrepreneur. The company he has built since its humble beginnings in 2005 is known today as the world’s global leader in the advancement of water science research and innovation and its beneficial application to all living systems – humans, animals and plants. The core biotechnology is a a proprietary diamond electrolysis process that transforms and perfects water – the world’s most precious molecule – and allows for the creation of known antioxidants, oxygen species and other unique by products that have many positive biological impacts. Because our very existence depends on water, the far-reaching effects of this unique health-promoting technology are limitless.

PETA‘s Senior Vice President Kathy Guillermo will discuss ways technology can protect racing’s social license to operate. A must watch for anyone who cares about the continuation of Equestrian cultures and the future of horses in society.

Pierce Dargan will discuss the work Equine Medirecord have done to build a platform that sets a new global standard in the management and oversight of equine health and regulatory compliance. Equine MediRecord is not just software; it’s a movement towards ethical, accountable, and unparalleled equine care, recognized as the world’s foremost equine health software solution. NOTE: Above is an introduction that was made for social media sharing, the presentation is being edited and will be uploaded here soon.

Nathan Horrocks is a Former Jockey (10 years in National Hunt). Award-Winning Director, Producer, Filmmaker, Co Founder of Equine Productions and JockeyCam. If you need inspiration to innovate with HorseTech look no further than to how he combined his two passions of film and horses to find a solution to his frustration with the undervalued visual output of his sport. With unrivalled levels of credibility, authenticity and industry knowledge his creativity is producing products that are engaging those familiar and unfamiliar with the equestrian world by portraying the sport in a completely new immersive experience. Note: Nathan’s presentation above was given at the recent Asian Racing Conference and is used with permission from the organisers.

Pavla Nygaard, is the President & Owner, is a Thoroughbred owner and Breeders’ Cup winning breeder. With a B.Sc. in genetics/molecular biology Pavla is a non-practicing attorney. Interests span equine training, performance, investing, to biotechnology, AI and emerging tech. Linkedin

David Evans PhD and Bachelor of Veterinary Science, taught Veterinary Physiology as a Professor at the University of Sydney and has more than 30 years experience conducting research and developing techniques for monitoring training and fitness in thoroughbreds. His presentation will discuss the scientific bases of fitness tests and how the results can be used to guide the decision making process for racehorse trainers.

Joe Carr, Founder of the Equine Risk Management Group LLC, will present on the technological innovations being adopted to manage Equine Safety and maintain the optimal racing Surfaces.

Tom MacGuinness, Founder of HorsePal, explains how every barn in America can now have an inexpensive, quick and easy to use high quality Heart Rate Monitor and how this important vital sign will help equestrians and advance horse welfare.

The future of the racing industry is at a critical juncture across the world eg. the recent closure of $500Million state of the art Singapore Turf Club and with it the end of 180 years of horse racing in Singapore. This panel will bring together (brave) visionaries to share advice on the strategies being used to cancel the sport and how they can be survived and countered in the Information Age.

Luke Cole is a long-standing pioneer in robotics, computer vision and product development. He is also developing next-gen paddock automation tech such as the Clean Earth Bot system that collects and recycles manure into fertiliser creating a localised circular economy system that will transform yards across the world. Demo Video.

Andrea Banchio, is a highly respected Equine Veterinarian in Italy who has done pioneering work bringing the Internet of Things to the horse world. In his presentation he will discuss the technology, it’s. application in the breeding world and the new opportunities it’s creating.

Lee G. Waters MSc, SFHEA is the Director at Clear Waters Sports Vision Ltd. In his presentation he shares the research studies he does looking to understand the cognitive process of decision making. He will explain how he’s mixing technology, reflective techniques and analytical competence to provide an experience that leads to no assumptions, no guessing, and no bias, which is vital for understanding performance enhancement.

Bridget Doran, Technologist at EnlightKnowledge.com, will discuss the key opportunities emerging from the blockchain space in the Equine World and how to leverage thesee to drive organizational success across multiple functions.

Roger Meacock, Founder of Natural Health Solutions, is a pioneering British Veterinary Surgeon that has specialised in advanced medical technologies and alternative medicine for more than 20 years. In this presentation he will discuss the misinformation surrounding complimentary and alternative health and the opportunities it offers to help advance the health of horses and riders.

Sean Cooney, founder of Botanica.ie, presents on the exceptional range of Creams, Washes and Sprays that he’s developed with natural ingredients to promote and maintain healthy skin. Established in 2005 the Botanica range of products hold a highly prized Royal Warrant and are relied upon by the world’s top Trainers, Studs, Veterinarians and Riders. The company is currently seeking a distributor for the USA.

Sharon Quigley, Founder of the Pythagoras Institute of Sound & Vibrational Healing, will present on pioneering research that has been conducted with leading racehorse trainers and breeders in Ireland. Audiences will discover more about how Horses ‘hear’ (it’s very different to our systems) and research being done to develop audiovisual systems that help optimise a horses natural healing systems, raise awareness of their routines and training schedules, make the shift to lunar calendars, etc. Audiences will take away things they can do immediately to help improve their stable environments and an invitation to get involved in this exciting field of research.

Frank Nitty, an experienced Executive Producer & HipHop Innovator, will present on the need for music to engage the next generation of HorseRacing fans before introducing his Horseracng HipHop album. He’ll discuss the powerful music and lyrics before explaining how this movement will transform the racing industry. Visit HorseRacingMusic.HipHop for more info.

Dr Adele Williams-Xavier is a specialist in equine internal medicine and an AI and clinical data expert within the veterinary industry. She has been overseeing clinical AI tool creation and getting data to sufficient quality for AI builds to produce high quality AI tools for the past 6 years. Adele runs her own AI and clinical data consultancy business, AWX Consultancy, where she advises veterinary business and veterinary technology start ups on implementation, ethical and responsible use of AI, as well as AI tool product improvements and how to get the most value from clinical data.

Joseph Harding and Marie Marks will present on how at Bridl they’re using tech to simplify Equine Trade and the advantages this will offer to Horse owners, for animal welfare and the industry.

Tom Wilson, Founder of racing², uses the latest motion tracking and machine learning technologies to help identify elite performing racehorses. In his presentation he’ll be discussing how he developed proprietary algorithms utilising pedigree data and motion tacking analysis and what how they help owners, trainers and bloodstock agents to better identify elite racehorses.

Richard Butterworth, the entrepreneurial Founder of Equine Salt Therapy who brought patented natural health technology into many of the world’s best horse stables, discusses how Equine Salt Therapy is breathing new life into Equine Health.

Jeffrey R Schab is a pioneer in the Equine Wearable market having launched NightWatch^® Smart Halter^TM – a Patented mobile IoT connected smart halter. In a world where everyday things such as parking spaces, fridges and smoke alarms are now being expected to have mobile connectivity the idea of having something as valuable and potentially fragile as a Horse unconnected is incomprehensible to the BornMobile generation. In Jeffrey’s presentation he will share unique insights into how this connectivity can be twinned with data science to advance animal welfare.

Richard GH Armentrout is a world leading Equine Certified Journeyman Farrier, an Accredited Professional Farrier( APF-I) with 19yrs experience Physiotherapist will introduce PEMF tech, its applications and explain why it’s become a standard therapy amongst the world’s leading racehorse trainers and breeders.

Jessica Cummings, Marketing Director, LipChip LLC. We are horsemen dedicated to bringing integrity and transparency to the equine industry. Our innovative Hoof Link System uses cutting-edge technology to ensure humane and practical solutions for comprehensive horse care. Partner with us to embrace a future where technology and tradition enhance the well-being of every horse.

Bruce McNeill is an experienced groom, trainer and barefoot trimmer proficient at reversing years of poor performance having worked with hundreds of horses suffering from hoof lamenes. He has developed a training regimen for hoof rehabilitation called “Barefoot Movement Therapy”. This method understands the importance of controlling diet while developing an individualized exercise program that controls stress, helping to prevent gastric ulcers which can cause hoof failures during confinement and rest. He is currently a student at a dressage farm in Harrodsburg Kentucky owned by J.P. Giacomini developing a plan to integrate Barefoot Movement into their dressage program.

Christa Lafayette is the Founder and CEO of Etalon Equine Genetics. Etalon was created to help decode the meaning of equine genetics and how it relates to horse health. They have developed an affordable, easy to use comprehensive range of quality genetic tests to help breeders, owners, veterinarians and trainers identify their horses’ health risks, determine performance traits, and pinpoint ancestry.

George Schwartz, is the co-Founder & CEO of EquineDx.tech. In this presentation he introduces his HorseTech startup EquineDX.tech and the investment and partnering opportunities on offer. EquineDX is a pioneer in the stable side diagnostic revolution happening in the Equine world and cofounder George is a great example of the talent that is now seizing the #HorseFirst opportunity to innovate as he has a He has a BA from Vanderbilt University, a MBA from Amos Tuck School of Business Administration Dartmouth College and brings a wealth of experience as Partner in a billion-dollar venture capital fund and as an. advisor to numerous companies in areas including molecular diagnostics.

Deven Patel is the CEO, President and coFounder of the Global Institute of Stem Cell Therapy And Research (GIOSTAR) headquartered in San Diego. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services refers to regenerative medicine as the “next evolution of medical treatments… …with its potential to heal, this new field of science is expected to revolutionize health care”. In this presentation Deven will discuss how the equine athlete world is the perfectly placed to pioneer stem cell therapies and quickly help generate understandings and confidence in long term effects.

This discussion panel will debate the FDA’s Animal and Veterinary Innovation Agenda and the impacts it will have on the HorseTech market.

Sandra Murphy, founder of Equidiet, will discuss equine hydrotherapy developed to safely and effectively balance a horse’s body fluids with a 100% natural, whole food fibre nutrition.

Julian Mitchell, Producer at Horse Town Media (all Horse Town videos are free to watch and share on the NewMarketHorseTown YouTube channel), will share on his unique experience of making the Horseracing world’s first reality show. “Horse Town’ takes views on a journey behind the scenes of a working yard in Newmarket, the renowned home of flat racing in England. Click here to watch the first episode featuring trainer Dylan Cunha preparing young horses for racing

JP Giacomini (Facebook/Website) has more than 50 years of experience as an international dressage trainer and Olympic level eventing coach. Best known for his classical foundation and innovative approach to resolving behavior and biomechanics training problems with every type of horse, regardless of their discipline. In his presentation JP will introduce and discuss the benefits of the ‘Come Along’ Halter he invented.

Meljay Turner, author of the Equine Semaphore Code, shares what has been achieved from her published research into the way horses communicate and discusses the HorseTech opportunities this creates. Imagine an App that let you point your Mobile camera at a horse to accurately translate what it was trying to say? Imagine a horse could communicate to a computer via a camera and the biofeedback mechanism could be used to make healing musical compositions? Imagine a day when Jockeys are trained by watching JockeyCam videos from events with analysis translating the meanings of the horses split second ear movements?

Sandra Cole is developing the AI Smart Rider which uses AI powered wearable tech that gives real-time feedback though haptic and/or verbal feedback, on horse and rider simultaneously. Now that Equestrians are carrying smartphones (sensor laden broadband connected super computers) isn’t it time that we used the tech to optimise how we ride and exercise our horses?

Diarmuid O Donovan-Founder/CEO is a lifetime racing enthusiast with a background in Veterinary Medicine I am passionately motivated to make this project a success. Some of my earliest memories are from golden days of youth mare’s foaling in Winter and yearlings cantering in Spring. I know this industry from the bottom up and top down. I am best placed to navigate the complexities of the industry while moving it forward into a new era via this project.

With the media spotlight on horse breakdowns it’s likely that track veterinarians will err on the side of caution and huge numbers of horses being scratched by vet lists will the lasting memory of the 2024 Breeders Cup for most trainers and owners. David Doherty, curator of the HorseTech Market Report will present on the wide range of HorseTech and data sets that are available today to make the case that the track vet is being over cautious and the horse is indeed fit to run.

As the 180 year history of horse racing in the Lion City comes to an end with the closure of the Singapore Turf Club this presentation will provide you with the SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) analysis that horseracing authorities the world over should be clamoring to produce. It will also address why they aren’t…

Details coming soon….

Please get in touch with your feedback and suggestions. We’re particularly keen to learn of any new tech innovations we could feature in future conferences and in the HorseTech Market Report (download a completely FREE copy today).

The event will also be complemented with an exclusive networking event & invite to an unforgettable Breeders Cup Party.

WEO Equine, Pythagoras Institute of Sound & Vibrational Healing, SierraSciences, Lip Chip LLC, Biofield PEMF, Talkatoo, Botanica, Equine Salt Therapy, Nightwatch SmartHolter, JockeyCam, HorsePal and EquineDx.

About the HorseTech Conference

The HorseTech Conferences are an International series of annual Conferences that share and discuss the most exciting technological opportunities and shine the spotlight on the entrepreneurial innovators that are doing the pioneering work to get these innovative new forms of best practice developed and adopted.

“HorseTech” is a term we coined to highlight how “Technology” (meaning: the application of knowledge for achieving practical goals in a reproducible way) is advancing the welfare, breeding and training of horses and improving the lives, performance and safety of equestrians. We are confident that by sharing this widely we can also contribute to efforts to protect and develop equestrian cultures.

After successful annual Conferences at the Royal Vet College London (United Kingdom), Dubai International Horse Fair (UAE), Dublin (Ireland), “Online Only” (due to the lockdown restrictions on travel), at the Cheltenham Festival (United Kingdom), an Ancient Technology Workshop in Kildare (Ireland), Tokyo, Japan in 2023. and Del Mar, San Diego (USA) on Thursday 31st October 2024 (the day before the 2024 Breeders Cup).

Please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you’d like to be involved or have ideas/suggestions for us as we’re always looking to learn and create events that surpass the expectations of our delegates, livestream audiences and sponsors.