When I first spoke with Dr. Isabel Jimenez Acquarone, she said she had information "that would turn the horse racing world upside down."
I was, of course, interested.
While researching this project, and interviewing Dr. Isabel, she proceeded to take this caveman on a journey into the modern, outer limits of horse racing. Dr. Isabel holds a PhD in Equine Science, has spent her entire life around horses and has come up with a revolutionary project to help these animals. She is one smart cookie who describes herself as a horse shrink and a coach. She's put in eight years of research and come up with a state-of- the-art, horse profiling system, designed to get inside a horse's head, by monitoring their bodies. To some, this may be "out there" a bit, but it just makes sense. Every competent horseman I know couldn't argue that a happy horse just competes better.
The doctor's system uses heart rate variability to assess the temperament of horses. The heart rate variability can pinpoint base emotions, such as fear, love, anxiety and general discomfort. These readings give Isabel a glimpse into the mind of the horse as she tries to see their world, through their eyes and ears. This information can be utilized to determine what distance the horse's specialty might be, what tracks the horse might prefer, what jockey will match up the best, and even what environment is most comfortable for the horse.
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Isabel told me: "I try to see through the horse's true perspective and understand what they are feeling. I then tune in and adjust things in their environment that might be causing problems. I try to look at the horses welfare, look into his mind and assess his general well being."
It's known as 'Equus TQ', as it's like an IQ, however, "T" stands for Temperament, which is similar, but more stable than personality. The system allows Isabel to glimpse into the horses mind, through his heart, picking up potential major problems immediately, such as colic and doping. This comes in handy for Racing Officials and places the welfare of the horse first. The procedure is totally non-invasive, can be done in any environment, and is done anywhere from a period 1-24 hours, depending on how detailed a picture the connections want.
The great doctor elaborated a bit: "It's seems to be a beneficial situation all around. If Racing Authorities were to adapt this system, it would surely benefit horse racing, projecting it into the future. It allows tailor made programs for individual horses and we all know each horse is different and unique. Through knowing a horse's internal state, as well as their real needs, it ensures they are much more likely to achieve their maximum potential. It's about seeing the horse as a whole, whatever sport he's involved in. I'm open and compassionate about what I do and what I believe in. I want to make horse racing easier on the horses and the people around them."
Isabel's preference and specialty are the babies.
"The importance of early handling is underrated," she said. "You can prime foals into learning to become a winner. If they have a good heart and great temperament the sky is the limit."
The TQ Profile involves placing a specific three-lead ECG (a small monitor attached to an elastic surcingle) for a minimum of one hour and doesn't harm the horse in any way. Readings can be taken at anytime but are ideally done when a horse first arrives at the stables, is in a 24-hour quarantine, or anytime a horse is in his stall. This ensures the horse's training schedule is not interrupted. After the readings are taken, the connections get a detailed report with recommendations to adjust feed, nutritional supplements and environment. The cost of this assessment varies, depending on the number of horses and time spent. Isabel has charged some barns $1,500 for the day, and worked 12 hours non-stop on all the barn's competitors.
Isabel's idea is scientific and patented and one of her goals is to understand our human relationship with the horse and determine what works and why. Ultimately, Isabel would like to see this project take flight and host a world-wide data base comparing every horse in every barn, the racetracks they run at and their human handlers. Trainers would really see the merit of each other and the animals they have in their care.
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I asked Dr. Isabel if she could sum up our interview in just a few words. I believe she nailed it when she replied: "Our rise from barbarism came with a hoofprint next to our footprint. Where would civilization be, without the horse? It's time to give something back to the horse. We put them in little boxes, take them out and ask them to perform. It doesn't work that way. We need to feel and address their needs and desires and to keep them happy and in return, they will always perform better."
Doctors can be scary but Isabel was not. Her passion for this project and love for horse's was obvious and beautiful and she made a caveman feel right at home around all her many degrees. There is no doubting Isabel's sincerity in this project, as she has pretty much dedicated her life to it and she is all in. She is another positive force in our racing world who is intent on helping our friends. She has earned my respect and made me a bit smarter. Thank you, Dr. Isabel!!
If you would like more information on Equus TQ, or Dr. Isabel, please go to: www.arefactor.com.
Want to talk horse racing? Email Pete at redmanontherail@gmail.com.