Saddle up! Londoners can take the reins on a new mechanical horse simulator

Falling somewhere between a bucking mechanical bull and a whimsical kiddie ride found at an old shopping mall, a niche piece of riding technology has arrived in London.

A local equine trainer has opened up a mechanical horse simulator for business, allowing new riders to get a hang of riding techniques and experienced riders to hone their skills at a competitive level. 

"With this, you can get the muscle memory and you can get the strength," said equestrian trainer Heather Broadhead. "You can get your fitness level here before you get on a live horse. When you're more comfortable and relaxed, the horse will be as well — and you'll both move better."

The simulator is housed at Broadhead Equine's east London studio space at 461 Second St., which has specially designed interiors to fit the large machine. 

Complete with a realistic mane and tail, the black mechanical horse is "15 hands" (about 150 cm) tall, which Broadhead said is generally accurate to the real animal. The simulator can mimic the motions of a walk, trot and canter, as well as move its head according to the user's choice of settings.

"It's the same mechanics that you would have from a live animal, other than you get less wiggle through the back from its head to its tail," Broadhead said. "But, it's up motion and it's rocking motion will give you pretty much an identical feel as a live horse, but in a much safer manner."

The simulator is covered with sensors that collect data on the riders' technique, which appear on a screen in front of the machine in real time. Sensors on the saddle show riders whether they are centred, while sensors next to the stirrups show where the riders' legs are putting pressure.

"You can look at the computer screen and see where your weight is and how you're moving, then auto-correct yourself without someone telling you," Broadhead said. "It can show you your strengths and weaknesses, and help you react to them."

The simulator is from the United Kingdom and cost Broadhead $100,000, she said, adding that this model is among the newest technology and comes with settings that let experienced riders practice dressage riding, which is a more artistic and complex version of the sport.

For novices and professionals alike, Broadhead admits there is one thing the mechanical horse is missing compared to its real-life counterpart: personality.

"There's no warmth coming off this animal…so you won't get that emotion or connection with this," she said.

Still, the horse simulator can provide valuable practice for riders, Broadhead said, that will translate directly into dealing with any real-life animal's tricky attitude.

"When you are fit and confident in your ride, your horse knows and senses that. If your body's moving correctly, they're more comfortable and competent as well," she said. "You have a much better rapport and connection with your animal when they feel you're skilled, comfortable and confident."