A NEW approach to horse training being developed at the University of Sydney will employ techniques developed to train our Olympic rowers, boxers and fencers.

Modelled on systems and techniques used to train elite Olympians, the study will investigate how specialist emerging technology can be applied to equestrian sports.

The results will not only give a competitive advantage to our top riders, but also have important benefits for animal welfare.

Experts predict horse riders everywhere will benefit from the new research project.

Lead researcher, Associate Prof Paul McGreevy said horses were an integral part of Australian cultural heritage and it was appropriate Australia showed leadership in horse training and welfare.

"The project will see the development and validation of novel tension and pressure measuring devices for riders, coaches, instructors and judges that permit assessment of the behaviour of humans as they engage with a horse's head, back and sides," Prof McGreevy said.

"Ultimately, this should lead to an innovative package of training tools for coaches that combine advances in sport measurement technology with learning theory for the careful objective evaluation of training methods.

"Better coaching will improve welfare of horses and enjoyment of riders.

"The research findings will also help to improve our understanding of training techniques animals that are used for draught work.

"It will examine, for the first time, the mechanical interactions between riders and horses."

The three-year project has been funded by the Rural Industries Research & Development Corporation and will involve horse industry participants from a number of states.

The project will be conducted in collaboration with the International Equestrian Federation.