Q. What is the standard of knowledge required to become and Equinalysis ‘Business Partner?

A. See http://www.equinalysis.co.uk/business_opportunity.html. Personal qualities are the most important as well as a passion and eagerness to learn and contribute knowledge to the wider team.

Q. Are there specific courses, testing or reading recommended or mandatory for a BP?

A. We advise everyone to read Willem Back and Hilary Clayton book, Equine Locomotion. We provide ongoing education based on our experience and current Biomechanics, Farriery and Veterinary research. We would actively encourage all BP’s to study Equine Biomechanics on an ongoing basis.

Q. Is it a requirement that your BP collaborate formally with a professional such as a vet or a kinetics specialist if they do not have such a background?

A. Not mandated but we do encourage our BP’s to establish relationships with all practitioners in their region. The journey we are on means we are learning by doing!

Start-up Commitments:

Q. What is the initial investment for equipment, training, license, software?

A. We provide the following at a cost in the UK of circa £13,000 +VAT

• A complete working system for Equine Gait Analysis
• Basic Training & ongoing CPD Days
• Annual Accreditation
• Equinalysis Branded, BP Specific Website (user modifiable), web hosting and email (optional at extra cost)
• Referrals via website and e-marketing campaigns
• A set of standard client documentation (pre-screening report, screening report, questionnaires etc)
• Consultancy Services with access to the UK’s leading equine practitioners and organisations
• PR advice and help in advertising and exhibiting its ‘Business Partner’ Services in the equine press locally and nationally
• Define and communicate “Best Practice” knowledge and understanding on an ongoing basis and via regular teleconferences and annual symposium
• Advice and guidance to assist in supplying the best possible service to their customers
• Management of the Equinalysis brand to ensure it is synonymous with the highest standards within the Equine performance industry
• Proactive help in developing working practices in association with allied professions

 

Q. What is the annual licensing fee?

A. Depends on what level you are accredited at. Varies from £1,250 - £2,500

Q. How many stations/computers/users does this cover?

A. One. Additional licenses and users can be trained and Accredited at a much reduced fee.

Q. What are the incremental fees?

A. 15% of the screening fee which are £95, £200 & £275 for the Farriery (Level 1), Diagnostic/Benchmark (Level 2) & Performance (Level 3) modules respectively.

Q. Are there any other start-up costs, direct expenses or annual costs?

A. No, other than a transport, telecommunications and consumables etc.

Q. Legal fees?

A. We have a standard contract.

Q. Are ‘consumables’ or material costs supplied by and purchased from the head office?

A. No. We recommend particular markers and other consumables.

Q. What is the time commitment for initial training - where does this take place?

A. Initial training is carried out over two days at a mutually convenient location and is classroom and outdoor / indoor school based. This is followed by a period (typically 2 weeks – 8 weeks during which Equinalysis periodically review their screening reports & videos) of practice on available horses until a mutual decision is made to invite the BP to become Accredited. This takes place over one day.

Q. What are the ongoing time and cost commitments required for training to maintain/update knowledge?

A. Equinalysis provides ongoing knowledge transfer via teleconference calls and workshops at no cost to its BP. Also Update and Advanced Training is provided at annual re-accreditation time.

Q. Is the equipment purchased directly from Equinalysis? If so what is the warranty protocol?

A. Yes. Normal manufacturers warranty on all the hardware and software. Since our business model requires our BP’s to carry out as many screenings as possible, we have a vested interest in ensuring their systems work effectively.

Q. Are there any software modifications, developments or upgrades planned? Is there an Equinalysis 2.0 in the works?

A. The Equinalysis software is under continuous development and all upgrades are provided to our BP’s at no extra cost. There is a 3D version being developed (at the working prototype stage) that may involve an increase in our annual fee. There is currently no available release date for this version.

Q. Are software updates included in the initial purchase price or are they additional costs?

A. See above.

Q. Is there one version of your system or are there other modules available for separate purchase?

A. There are three versions of Equinalysis. Only the advanced Elite version is currently available exclusively from Equinalysis. Other versions may be introduced through other complementary distribution channels in the future.

Q. Is there a protocol for reporting software ‘bugs’ and installing fixes?

A. Yes

Q. Do you plan to add co-coordinated peripheral equipment? i.e. link and co-analysis with pressure pad, force plates or treadmill?

A. Yes

Q. How is the geographical location for a business partner determined?

A. In a pragmatic way, based on trust and cooperation.

Q. Under what conditions can the geographic location be changed? Added to? Removed from a partner?

A. If BP’s fail the Accreditation or do not satisfy the demand for their service within their geographical region. We would prefer to support the expansion of an existing BP over recruiting another BP to operate in an adjacent territory.

Q. Are the BPs viewed as a cooperative [encouraged to support and share information] or as competitors?

A. Cooperation between BP’s is seen as important and actively encouraged.

Q. Is there ever a problem with encroachment on another BP’s ‘territory’? How is this issue addressed?

A. Pragmatically and fairly.

Q. Under what conditions can the license be revoked?

A. Poor, sub-standard service to clients, failure to promote and perform the role of an Equinalysis BP…..

Q. Can a partner sell his business to an approved new partner? Share the business with an approved partner?
What is the legal structure of a BP unit?

A. A BP is a single or collective of Accredited individuals. The BP never owns the Equinalysis software and can only access it while he/she remains Accredited. We would appraise any requests pertaining to the above and would seek to ensure business continuity, protection of our IP and ensure standards are maintained.

Ongoing Support:

Q. Expectation of software/ hardware upgrades/commitments?

A. Typically and annual upgrade of the software. Typically 2-4 years for hardware.

Q. If problems are encountered with the equipment what is the repair process / turnaround time give the cross-Atlantic location of the head office?

A. Equinalysis does not support or maintain the hardware. We would expect each BP to have a local company to provide this service.

Q. Is there an annual cost for software and hardware support? Cost per use?

A. Yes. There is an annual re-accreditation (including training) cost and software licenses extension cost.

Q. Do you support your BPs from Wales or do you travel to visit your BPs?

A. Both, depending on the issues needing to be addressed.

Q. Are your BPs required to travel to Wales at any time?

A. No.

Q. Advertising support within local media/magazines etc.?

A. Equinalysis will provide copy for use within national and regional medi

A.

Q. Is promotional support? i.e. press releases, images, endorsement quotes etc. - supplied by head office?

A. Yes.

Q. ‘The software is leased on an annual basis providing the BP reaches and maintains the standards expected’ - what are the expected standards?

A. Screening standards, as specified in our Accreditation process. Standards of business conduct.

Video Gait Analysis Process:

Q. Could you ‘walk me through’ the process and approximate time involved for each step?

A. Typically:
Telephone interview with the client to establish suitability of an Equinalysis Screening and at what level => email pre-Screening information => setup of equipment & application of markers => advise handler on procedure to be followed => video capture(direct into laptop or onto tape) & calibration => review video => digitise & analysis of the data => produce portfolio report => provide client and/or relevant professional with report => telephone follow-up to clarify any points => send customer satisfaction / feedback form => follow=on actions

Q. Is this a two-person job?

A. The role can easily be divided into two parts i.e: in-the-field role and office based role.

Q. Can one person gather data in the field while another simultaneously edits and produces reports ‘in house’ based on previously collected data?

A. Yes, see above.

Q. Do you need to purchase additional resources to enable this? Does a user need to be ‘logged on’ to use the software?

A. You would need a second PC and Equinalysis License.

Q. How are the markers applied/removed?

A. Markers are attached to the horse using double sided sticky tape, Toupee tape.

Q. Do horses ever object to the markers or move differently with them?

A. Most horses are fine when being marked up.

Q. Will the markers remain in place for farriery work [before and after] or must they be reapplied?

A. In general the markers will remain in place; however the more distal markers may need to be removed. In this case it would be advised to place a small dot identifying the joint centre which can be used as reference point when marking the horse up post treatment.

Q. Are there contamination concerns if the markers are re-used?

A. This is possible; to overcome this, we recommend using disposable backings on all markers.

Q. Can the joint center be calculated in ‘real time’ to ensure accurate marker placement?

A. Yes you can manually measure markers and match this with system measurements.

Q. Can the data be reviewed on site to ensure capture of meaningful data and prevent retesting? [i.e. can a farrier review results before and after his work to assess effectiveness? Or is it necessary to wait and view produced reports?

A. You can do instant capture allowing you to watch the footage back, but to gain quantified information would require digitization therefore this is usually done off site.

Q. Have you considered using ‘virtual pointers’ in place of [or as well as] markers?

A. The system is designed as such to pick up the center of a marker.

Q. How many analyses would/could a BP perform in a day?

A. On average 1.5 - 2 Level 3 Screenings, more if Level 1 or Level 2.

Q. Is weather a consideration to allow accurate screening? i.e. for outdoor video capture would rain, snow, wind or shadows create interference?

A. Yes, for example, when there is a head wind the horse locomotion would be significantly altered therefore affecting the kinematic output. In rain, markers tend to loose the adhesive properties.

Q. Do your BP's report to head office the type and quantity of analysis? Is this mandatory or optional?

A. Yes, mandatory – we need this information for product development and planning purposes.

Q. Based on data gathered by Equinalysis head office, what is the most frequently requested type of analysis? [i.e. basic w/o markers, baseline w/ markers, ‘deluxe’ w/ markers and reports, analysis by vet or farrier]

A. Currently, Level 3 Performance Screening, Farriery Referral.

Q. Historically what type of clients contact your BPs and for what specific purpose? [i.e. professional referrals [vet, farrier, chiro], horse owners [riding discipline?], insurance baseline, performance etc.]

A. All of the above.

Q. What other markets have you identified and targeted as potential clients?

A. Breeding, Horse Sales, Thoroughbred Racing.

Q. Do you have well-known endorsers, supporters and high profile users of Equinalysis? [I notice dressage rider Richard Davison and the vets and farriers part of ‘team Equinalysis’] - any others in UK, North America, Europe?

A. Yes, numerous leading UK World Class Programme riders and vets that are prevented from publicly endorsing Equinalysis. We have run various PR competitions where the winner has qualified for a lesson with leading Dressage and Event riders.

Q. Can the reports/CDs be produced on the spot or delivered at a later date post-production? What is the usual turn-around time for editing and delivery?

A. Yes they can be produced on the spot (especially Level 1) or back at your office base. 24 Hour turnaround achievable, dependant on doing small batches.

Q. Can they be viewed on the client’s computer? I believe the client must load ‘player’ software?

A. The standard raw video clips (.WMV files) can be viewed on any Windows PC. They can also be view via the Equinalysis Player which is provided to clients FOC.

Q. Is the slow motion playback something that the client can control or is that established during the editing process [client can ‘view’ only]?

A. The client can view the video and carry out some basic functions within the Equinalysis Player.

Q. What is the standard size in MB of the CD and various reports?

A. A standard AVI file is 1.43 MB. Standard CD would be adequate to store data and AVI Files.

Q. Given that the data is quantitative and evidence based, is the analysis of the reports/video also consistent from one professional’s view to another? Is there an ‘art’ or subjective element to analyzing the data?

A. All BP’s receive standardized training, annual Accreditation and ongoing CPD to try and eliminate subjectivity (bear in kind what Vets do today). Our experience (during annual Accreditation days) as shown that there is a high degree of consistency in the results when a range of BP’s screen the same horse.

Q. Does a farrier or vet need training to interpret the data or reports?

A. Yes, typically – provided via referral and/or similar case studies and ultimately by our BP’s.

Q. What is the expectation or scope for the BP to give an analysis or interpretation of the results?

A. Our BP’s do not diagnose but can be asked for their opinion.

Q. Can the client’s video, data and reports be uploaded for outside review?

A. Currently via email. In the future we will provide a secure Equinalysis Portal to allow each BP and their clients to share the screening video and report data with other parties.

Q. I believe you reference a database into which the BPs can contribute their data - can this be used as a reference point for comparison to a particular client’s horse?

A. We are at the early stages of being able to effectively store and manage large volumes of video data. In the future we will provide this facility and be able to carry out epidemiological studies on the data.

Q. Can this information be downloaded or viewed only? What characteristics make up the database fields [age, breed, discipline, height etc.]?

A. No.

Q. Does the BP archive data for backup purposes and/or in addition does your company offer a backup server to store and archive raw data and finished reports for safekeeping and future review/comparison? [i.e. online storage such as iDisk?]

A. Archive and backup of the data is currently the responsibility of each BP.

Q. Could you send me a sample client Equinalysis-produced report and CD/DVD with accompanying farrier and/or vet analysis?

A. Most, if not all, reports are client confidential. Please ask Russell and I’m sure he can show you a report when he visits next week.

Q. What type of liability insurance is recommended or required?

A. Recommend Professional Indemnity Insurance.

Q. What can go [and has gone] ‘wrong’ in the screening process?

A. The most common problem is the quality of the video. Also the handler does not always trot the horse up correctly and/or gets in the way of the markers.

Q. Are there occasions where the process is incomplete? [uncooperative horse for example]

A. Yes.

Q. I notice your prices as listed on some partners’ websites - are these set by the head office?

A. Yes.

Q. Do your BP’s have the authorization to offer group prices? Do they typically charge a call fee?

A. This is a business decision for the BP and should only be considered if the situation allows him/her to reduce their costs. The fee to Equinalysis remains the same.

Q. Are there commissions or royalties payable to Equinalysis - per analysis? Per £ earned? Per year? On gross fees? Net fees?

A. 15% of the agreed fee.

Q. Are BP’s ‘on their own’ as far as running the business? [accounting, marketing, personnel, website etc.]

A. Yes for the most part. See previous answer on what we provide e.g: Website, marketing support.

Q. Is there capability for overlaying and comparing video or video stills? i.e. bare horse vs. ridden, comparison year-to-year?

A. Yes?

Q. Can the BP export the raw data to a spreadsheet for additional analysis and production of reports?

A. Yes, we use Excel (Microsoft Office is supplied with the system).

Q. Are graphing capabilities built into the software for comparison purposes?

A. yes.

Q. Is there scope to customize or ‘get creative’ with report generation [from a data point of view not an artistic one]?

A. We have a standard report that is under constant development and would encourage suggestions on how we can improve. Providing the standard report is complete, other information can be presented as an appendix.

Q. Can comments and/or notes be recorded and transcribed for the client’s reports?

A. Yes.

Q. Are there recommended horse age limits for analysis to give meaningful results?

A. No.

Q. Can you analyze a jumping horse? Free jumping?

A. Yes.

Q. Is there meaningful distortion of captured data and does the software rectify?[ i.e. perspective foreshortening, barrel distortion, ‘fish eye’ effect etc.]

A. The software provides the ability to rectify for some if not all of these affects.

Q. Do you have plans to integrate rider motion analysis?

A. We will extend the screening processes and procedures if the market demands.

Q. Would there be a useful application for saddle fit co-analysis? Perhaps tied into pressure pad data? I could see that a coordinated study of motion while testing different saddles would be extremely valuable.

A. Yes. A study on saddle fit was carried out using Equinalysis. Similarly Equinalysis and one of its BP’s did a study for a joint supplement manufacturer during 2007.

Q. Is the equipment fully mobile? Does it require ‘plug in’ power or is the equipment battery supported?

A. Yes, both mains and battery power.

Q. What video equipment do you specify?

A. We offer three levels of equipment.

Q. How many frames per second? HD? Hi speed?

A. We do not support HD. Standard cameras are 50 Hz. We support high speed cameras.

Q. Is it possible to upgrade or use different cameras for data collection?

A. Yes.

Q. Are the two required camcorders recording each side of the horse simultaneously?

A. Possible but would need two operators. Usually lateral (right / left) & posterior / anterior

Q. What comprises ‘ancillary equipment’?

A. Cables, Video to PC cards etc.

Q. Would your software run on an Intel processor Mac capable of running ‘Windows’? i.e. is there capacity to use different but compatible hardware?

A. No.

Q. What advantages does your product offer over other video gait analysis products and software?

A. Equine specific, Ease of use, Price, IP, Portability, Support…….

Q. Have you been in contact with insurance providers to address this issue?

A. Yes. They are very supportive and understand the value and potential. They are looking to the veterinary profession to endorse the use of Equinalysis.

Q. Are there any future directions or applications for Equinalysis that you are excited about?

A. Yes, we have a 3D version in development. We are also carrying out field test on measuring hemoglobin’s in saliva.