The research team compiled a databank of images, including 100 equine fracture cases, 70 feline cases and approximately 4,000 human fracture images from a public database.
The researchers built an AI system that can identify the type of scan (such as an X-ray, CT, or MRI), recognises the image angle and detects and locates fractures. They found the system was effective in finding fractures in horses, using knowledge gained from thousands of human fracture images. This is known as transfer learning.
It meant that the model could be trained on human scan images then adapted for veterinary use. The system reached an accuracy of 71 to 84%, without needing “an unrealistically large number of equine images” to learn from.
The study, funded by the Horserace Betting Levy Board, was led by Ruby Chang, associate professor of statistics at the RVC, and carried out by Hanya Ahmed.
“Dr Ahmed has brilliantly translated expertise in medical image analysis to the veterinary field, developing a novel AI system to detect fractures in racehorses,” said Dr Chang.
Horse & Hound Newsletter
Never miss out on the latest happenings in the equestrian world
“This exceptional work has now also been published in Bioengineering. This dual recognition is a testament to Dr Ahmed’s skill and dedication and a wonderful celebration of our team’s collaborative effort to advance diagnostic technology.”
The team has also expanded its collaboration with the Hong Kong Jockey Club to explore whether AI can identify early bone changes in racehorses before a fracture happens. It is hoped that, if successful, this could support efforts to prevent catastrophic injuries.
Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now
Lucy is an experienced news journalist, reporter and presenter. Since joining the Horse & Hound team in 2015, Lucy has reported from major global sporting events including the Tokyo Paralympic Games and multiple European Championships, as well as Badminton, Burghley and London, to name a few. She has covered current affairs and sports news across the full spectrum of equestrian disciplines and racing, as well as human and equine welfare, industry news and court cases.
