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| Staff Writer |
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The global horse racing industry, generating billions in revenue annually and home to Thoroughbreds valued in the millions, is at a pivotal moment of transformation. Despite the astronomical figures involved and the sophisticated nature of modern racing, many prestigious yards have continued to rely on surprisingly basic tools for their daily operations—whiteboards for scheduling, paper trails for health records, and verbal communications for critical updates. This stark contrast between the high-stakes nature of the sport and its traditional management approaches is finally beginning to shift, driven by an emerging wave of digital innovation.
The pressure for increased efficiency within the horse industry, combined with the growing adoption of digital technologies by equestrian athletes, has created a perfect storm for change. According to recent industry research, more than 90 start-ups are now offering digital applications for equine management, signalling a significant shift in how racing operations are managed. This surge in technological solutions ranges from automated feeding systems to sophisticated training documentation platforms, representing a fundamental reimagining of stable management practices.
Moreover, the digitalisation of equestrian sport is occurring at the intersection of modern technology and traditional horsemanship. As the HFP study on digitalisation observes, while no other sport may be as steeped in tradition as equestrian pursuits, the industry can no longer ignore the benefits of digital transformation. The emergence of digital aids providing performance measures, supervision, and management support marks the beginning of a new era in racing stable operations.
The HFP study on digitalisation highlights a compelling observation, "Innovation doesn't meet with as much tradition as in equestrian sport." However, this traditional landscape is rapidly evolving. With over 90 start-ups now offering digital applications—ranging from automated feeding systems to sophisticated training documentation platforms—the industry stands at the cusp of a technological renaissance.
Traditional stable management methods present considerable obstacles to efficiency and productivity. Manual entries require meticulous attention to detail, while physical storage of records demands careful organisation and periodic updates. Communication delays can result in overlooked tasks, potentially affecting horse care quality. These challenges become particularly acute when managing multiple schedules, coordinating veterinary visits, and organising race entries.
At the forefront of this transformation stands Gerben Morsink, founder of EquineM, whose unique background as both an international show jumper and master of applied physics positions him perfectly to bridge the gap between tradition and innovation. Growing up on a horse breeding farm and competing internationally from an early age, Morsink brings a deep understanding of both equestrian needs and technological solutions.
"In 2013, I wanted to improve the management of my stable, especially in terms of operational efficiency and data collection on horse performance and training schedules," Morsink recalls. "Being an engineer, I decided to build the tool myself when I couldn't find the right solution."
Modern stable management extends far beyond simple record-keeping. Morsink identifies three critical challenges that contemporary digital solutions must address:
1. Operational Efficiency: "For stable managers, the health, well-being and performance of horses is a top priority," Morsink explains. This requires coordinating nutrition, veterinary care, farrier services, health monitoring, and custom training schedules—particularly challenging for larger operations. Digital solutions streamline these processes by centralising schedules and automating routine tasks.
2. Staff Management: The complexity of managing skilled workers, creating work schedules, and delegating tasks demands sophisticated coordination, especially with shift rotations. Digital platforms ensure clear communication of individual responsibilities and task status, which is particularly crucial during shift changes.
3. Administration and Client Relations: Clear communication and maintaining high service standards are essential for retaining clients. Digital systems enable proper recording of activities, monitoring, and reporting while automating financial processes like expense tracking and invoice generation.
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The emergence of cloud-based management systems marks a significant advancement in stable operations. These platforms enable real-time updates and seamless communication among stable managers, staff, and clients. As Morsink notes, "Our centralised platform enables real-time updates and seamless communication among stable managers, staff, and clients. All records are safely stored and accessible in one place for horse owners, staff, and health care professionals."
French Olympic show jumper Kevin Staut attests to the practical benefits, "I use the app and the dashboards to organise for the days ahead. I can keep an eye on the work when I'm travelling. What I particularly love is being able to share our passion with owners and sponsors as they have access."
Perhaps the most revolutionary development on the horizon is the concept of 'Digital Twins'—a technology already transforming manufacturing and logistics. "We envision digital twin models of the stable operation being used for simulation and optimisation," Morsink reveals. "Possibly digital twins will even be created for horses, allowing the simulation and optimisation of nutrition, training schedules and performance for individual horses."
This advancement could revolutionise how training yards operate, enabling predictive analytics for injury prevention and performance optimisation. The technology promises to transform everything from daily care routines to race preparation strategies.
The future of stable management lies in seamless integration with external organisations and software applications. According to the HFP study, digitalisation has already reached the horse industry through screening and gathering information, with digital aids providing performance measures, supervision, and management support to the equestrian industry.
This trend is driven by stable managers seeking more efficiency and remote control of operations, as well as horse owners demanding greater insight into their horses' care and progress. Modern platforms facilitate this by offering unlimited access to important information about activities, health status, racing information, and training schedules from any location.
Interestingly, the HFP study notes that in the era of digitalisation, the horse acts as an counterbalanceto the accelerating everyday routine of people, with horse care considered a meaningful pastime by a growing population. This understanding helps shape how digital solutions are implemented—enhancing rather than replacing the essential human-horse connection.
The digital transformation of racing stables represents more than just technological advancement—it's a fundamental shift in how the industry approaches horse care and management. While the equestrian world has long valued tradition, the pressure for increased efficiency combined with the everyday usage of digital technologies by athletes serves as a powerful innovation driver.
As Morsink and his team at EquineM demonstrate, the key lies in balanced development. "We don't want to offer every possible functionality, but we want to be the best in what we do. That's why we keep developing," Morsink states. This approach—maintaining the essence of horsemanship while embracing technological advancement—points the way forward for an industry in transformation.
The future of racing stable management lies not in choosing between tradition and innovation, but in finding ways to enhance time-honoured practices with the help of modern tools. As the industry continues to evolve, those who successfully bridge this gap will likely find themselves at the forefront of racing's next golden age—one where technology and horsemanship work in perfect harmony.