Problems at the human–horse interface and prospects for smart textile solutions  Paul Damien McGreevy, Maria Sundin, Magnus Karlsteen, Lena Berglin, Johanna Ternström, Lesley Hawson, Helena Richardsson, Andrew N. McLean  Journal of Veterinary Behavior: Clinical Applications and Research  Volume 9, Issue 1, Pages 34-42 (January 2014) DOI: 10.1016/j.jveb.2013.08.005 Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. Terms and Conditions

Figure 1 A finite element methods analysis of the pressure imposed by a bit. Journal of Veterinary Behavior: Clinical Applications and Research 2014 9, 34-42DOI: (10.1016/j.jveb.2013.08.005) Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. Terms and Conditions

Figure 2 An electrocardiograph signal recorded with smart textiles through the hair-coat of a horse. Journal of Veterinary Behavior: Clinical Applications and Research 2014 9, 34-42DOI: (10.1016/j.jveb.2013.08.005) Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. Terms and Conditions

Figure 3 A smart textile capacitive sensor. (photograph: Johanna Ternström) Journal of Veterinary Behavior: Clinical Applications and Research 2014 9, 34-42DOI: (10.1016/j.jveb.2013.08.005) Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. Terms and Conditions

Figure 4 Two measurements of the elongation of a textile sensor attached encircling the horse's chest, with and without a girth present. The resistance on the y-axis is proportional to the elongation of the sensor. These measurements indicate that the girth may restrict thoracic excursions. Journal of Veterinary Behavior: Clinical Applications and Research 2014 9, 34-42DOI: (10.1016/j.jveb.2013.08.005) Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. Terms and Conditions

Figure 5 The anatomical sites at which bridles and bits of different basic design can apply pressure. The severity of action (implied by the degree of shading) would depend on various factors, such as the tightness of curb chains, the thickness of the bits, and the length of the shanks (after McGreevy and McLean, 2010, with permission). ∗Depends on the presence of a joint. 1) Increases the effectiveness of a standard halter by additional pressure on the maxillary and mandibular regions. 2) Works outside the buccal cavity by compressing the nose and/or mandible. 3) The aversiveness of the bit is increased by pulling it toward the ears. 4) Transforms bit into a fulcrum, thus increasing its aversiveness. Journal of Veterinary Behavior: Clinical Applications and Research 2014 9, 34-42DOI: (10.1016/j.jveb.2013.08.005) Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. Terms and Conditions

Figure 6 The sites in which various common devices are used and have their effect. The severity of action (implied by the degree of shading) would depend on various factors such as the tightness of nosebands, the length of straps and the inclusion of elastic (after McGreevy and McLean, 2010, with permission). ∗May include secondary lower strap. 1) Used by trainers who prioritize outline before lightness and rhythm. At best, these devices use negative reinforcement to arch and shorten the neck and give the impression of correct training, but they force the wrong muscles to carry the neck, which usually results in a contracted neck. 2) Uses negative reinforcement to train the horse to lower its head, thus reducing hollowness or hyperreactivity and facilitating rounder topline. Possibly replicates postural calmness. 3) Uses force to obtain head-carriage for trainers who struggle to obtain lightness and roundness with dorsal muscle groups. 4) Causes intermittent pressure on the horse's mouth, from its hindleg action, to force it into a rounder outline. Journal of Veterinary Behavior: Clinical Applications and Research 2014 9, 34-42DOI: (10.1016/j.jveb.2013.08.005) Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. Terms and Conditions