Dr Daly founded BLACKDOG in early 2019. She's combined her experience of computer vision, machine learning and mathematical analysis with her 28 years of equestrian experience to create a unique system that will help horse riders of all levels to improve their performance.

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She gained her PhD in 2017 from the University of Bristol with a research project investigating animal vision. In particular, she was investigating the role that eye movements play in vision. It's during this that she learned the advanced computer vision techniques that allow you to track objects in 3D using video cameras. It occurred to her that you could use that same technology to track the upper body of a rider on a horse, and that was the very early beginning of BLACKDOG. 

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Dr Daly has ridden competitively in Dressage, showing and showjumping, fitting horses and competing around her education and research. She's found time to work a summer season for both the international Grand Prix riders Judy Harvey and Anna Ross. With her own horses, she has trained to Inter I and competed to Advanced Medium as well as competing at HOYS, Royal International and countless county shows

Dr Ilse Daly

Founder

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Who is Blackdog?

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Professor Julian Partridge

Scientific advisor

Professor Partridge has over 30 years of scientific research experience on vision systems. His contribution is invaluable for improving the systems, spotting many potential pitfalls before they even become a problem. He is currently an Associate Professor and Deputy Director of the Oceans Institute at the University of Western Australia.

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Although not a horse rider himself, Professor Partridge has conducted several research studies into equine vision.

The Blackdogs

Brand ambassadors and support

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Of course, the Blackdogs (aka Scottish Terriers Dougal and Lilly) are a vital part of the company both as brand ambassadors and as technical support!

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