The pony-metre: A new device for measuring the height of equids with lasers

Abstract

A new low-power laser device for obtaining increased accuracy in various measurements, including that of the height of ponies and horses, is described to aid the equine sports medicine practitioner in classifying equids into their appropriate breeds and/or categories. Both the laser device and the technique have been tested extensively and found to be accurate with an error factor not exceeding 2.0 mm (1/12th inch) on more than 1,000 animals tested routinely over a ten-year period. In contrast, old or recent measurement data obtained by the traditional Standard Stick Technique (SST), presented statistically significant errors when compared to data obtained by the utilization of the new ''Pony-Metre.'' The data errors caused by the preexisting non-laser measurements have been compared to those of the new laser technique described here and have been found as varying as p < 0.005 to p < 0.001 in all categories of horses and ponies measured. It has been concluded that the new method, based on laser beam technology, has the advantage of accuracy, an advantage lacking in previous techniques. Accuracy is considered to be more important than the cost of the device. Some precautions should be taken during laser measurements, e.g., the presence in the test area of individuals or persons who are pregnant, epileptic, pacemaker bearers, etc., is contraindicated. Standard precautions such as avoidance of wet grounds, ungrounded electric outlets or defective cables should be strictly followed when utilizing any laser beam devices.