Training program under development.
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Observing a horse moving in field conditions and deciding if its quality of movement has changed can be challenging. The lack of assessment tools to determine if treatment is effective and whether the horse is getting better or not leave the equine industry vulnerable to low quality care, potentially hindering horses' recovery. While technology is rapidly advancing there is still room to do the basics better. To bridge the gap between subjective lameness scoring and instrumented gait analysis, this research created a field-based outcome measure for monitoring quality of movement in horses.
Upskill with a standardized approach for evaluating quality of movement in the field, allowing you to better monitor treatment effectiveness.
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The EQoMS is a battery of 30 standardized in-hand movement tests, with a 6-point scale and directives of key features to guide scoring.
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This core group of movements is ideal for screening, establishing a baseline and routine assessment of horses undergoing rehabilitation, performance management or routine therapy.
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Standardized movement tests means they are repeatable and less subject to bias.
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Using a a numerical grading score and a descriptive comment is better for accurate documentation and precisely monitoring changes over time.
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The directives remind you of key features to check for, further enhancing standardization and repeatability.
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The EQoMS easily integrates into your standard physical assessment process.
Completing online training in the convenience of your home or workplace saves time and money. While the EQoMS is designed to be fairly intuitive to use, the definitions provided within the training program will improve clarity, the practice videos will increase your familiarity with the movement tests, the key features of the directives and the grading scale. By practicing online, implementing the EQoMS with a client and their horse will be quicker and smoother, helping you to maintain your professional reputation. Plus you can compare your assessment scores and comments to those provided by 6 experts who participated in the development of this new outcome measure.
Who this training program is for -
anyone working with horses and interested in tracking their quality of movement
veterinarians, equine veterinarians, sports medicine and rehabilitation practitioners, animal physiotherapists, osteopaths or chiropractors, equine sports massage therapists, hydrotherapists, saddle-fitters (in-hand movements), farriers and hoof trimmers, equine science students, sports officials, dressage judges, stewards, coaches, riders of all levels, dedicated horse owners and horse lovers.
"I liked that it considered a lot more aspects of movement than a lameness grading scale," Expert 1.
"It provides many opportunities to assess movement under different conditions," Expert 5.
"I believe this work will contribute greatly to all of those working on bettering horse health and performance," Examiner.
Learning Objectives:
1) Understand the purpose of the EQoMS, where and how it integrates into the routine clinical assessment process, including which horses it is suitable for.
2) Become familiar with the components of the EQoMS; standardized movement tests, 6-point scale, directives to guide scoring and assessment form.
3) Have knowledge of when to cease or modify testing.
4) Understand additional external or environmental factors that may affect performance.
5) Be able to observe the key features identified for each movement test.
6) Practice grading the horses in the videos.
7) Integrate your existing knowledge of behaviours indicating discomfort, pain face, gait, biomechanics, ...
Key Information
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The EQoMS online training program has a one off cost of $119.95 (AUS)
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Training consists of at least 2 hours of video presentations, explaining the EQoMS components, how and when to use it and footage of 3 horses performing the full battery of movements for you to practice your scoring and comments. At the end there is a quiz and certificate for your CPD hours. Also included are several versions of the EQoMS assessment form that you can download including some templates compatible with digital notes practice software.
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Once you have signed up you will have 6 months access to the online training program.
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If you experience technical issues please contact me via dr.annette.bowen@outlook.com.au
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I assert my rights to the video content included and do not consent to it being downloaded, filmed, photographed or otherwise copied or shared. The video footage includes horses owned by Charles Sturt University (Wagga Wagga, Australia) and several privately owned horses. Those included have consented to their horses being included in this educational resource, but I ask you to respect that privilege and not share their images or video footage. During sign up you will be asked to promise the above.
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The video footage was collected as part of my PhD program of research, human and animal ethics approval was obtained through Charles Sturt University. Approval numbers: Pilot testing human ethics #H23540, animal ethics #A23553, Reliability trial human ethics #H23782, animal ethics #A23778.
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Filming was conducted during June and December of 2023. This training program includes video footage of horses displaying varying levels of movement dysfunction. Feedback was provided to owners at the time on any areas of potential concern.
"There was lots of clear easy communication in what was being looked for," Horse owner.
"I liked that I could review the desired criteria for each movement if needed," Expert 5.
"I think it is going to be a really valuable tool," Expert 2.
"This research also has the potential to impact clinicians worldwide and with video instructions could easily be learned and adopted by clinicians," Examiner.