From Vox · Nate Krieger · · 1m 20s
The two athletes in every horse race
New wearable tech and sports medicine are helping protect both jockeys and horses from injury in racing.
In brief
New wearable tech and sports medicine are helping protect both jockeys and horses from injury in racing. Wearable technology and advances in sports medicine are enabling horse racing to identify and prevent injuries to both jockeys and horses earlier. Originally reported by Vox.
Two athletes, one race
Horse racing is unusually dangerous for both jockey and horse. Riding a half-ton animal at nearly forty miles per hour means your fate depends on the health and performance of both athletes.
Why horses need fit jockeys
The horse can be at risk of catastrophic injury if the jockey doesn't have the required physical fitness to maintain proper technique and lightning-quick reflexes.
Technology changes the game
New wearable technology and advances in sports medicine are enabling everyone involved in horse racing to identify risks earlier and prevent injuries to horses and jockeys alike.
Experts at Belmont Park
Nate Krieger visited Belmont Park to speak with Dr. Sara Langsam, an equine veterinarian and chair of the American Association of Equine Practitioners Racing Committee, about horse health.
Learning from jockeys
Krieger also talked to Michaela Keener, a jockey health researcher at University of Kentucky, and ReyLu Gutiérrez, a jockey who has started in over six thousand races.
The short version
Wearable technology and advances in sports medicine are enabling horse racing to identify and prevent injuries to both jockeys and horses earlier.
