Innovation is critical for horse breeding farms to keep pace with evolving consumer demand, new technologies, and competitive forces within the industry. This Equine Innovation Maturity Model provides a framework to guide breeders in assessing and advancing their innovation capabilities.
The model outlines a progressive pathway across five levels of maturity. At each stage, horse breeders can focus on improving specific aspects of innovation ‒ from initial leadership commitment and resource allocation to fostering an ingrained culture of experimentation and data-driven decisions.
Utilizing this model, stud farm managers, breeding decision-makers, and other equine specialists can chart a course toward building robust systems and disciplines for bringing impactful innovations to market. The model also highlights metrics and benchmarks tailored to the breeding context to track progress.
Five principles provide directional guidance for horse breeders pursuing innovation excellence:
- Breeding Customer Insight – Innovate to elevate breeding customer experiences and address unmet needs
- Equine Welfare – Innovations must uphold horse health, safety and wellbeing standards
- Data-Informed Decisions – Leverage breeding records, registry data, and research to guide strategic innovation
- Collaborative Approach – Partner with jockeys, trainers, owners, veterinarians and others to ideate
- Agile Iteration – Test and refine concepts rapidly through prototyping and controlled trials
Breeding Customer Insight – Innovate to elevate breeding customer experiences and address unmet needs
| Element | Level 1 (Fragmented) Requirements | Level 2 (Coordinated) Requirements | Level 3 (Efficient) Requirements | Level 4 (Streamlined) Requirements | Level 5 (Transformative) Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Understanding customer needs | Innovation in equine breeding programmes has minimal understanding of core customer needs and problems. | Innovation in equine breeding programmes has ad-hoc research into customer needs, but lacks coordination across the breeding programme. | Innovation in equine breeding programmes systematically researches core customer needs and problems through surveys, interviews etc. | Innovation in equine breeding programmes has real-time insights into shifting customer needs and emerging problems through advanced analytics. | Innovation in equine breeding programmes has predictive modelling of future customer needs and proactively addresses latent needs. |
| Ideation | Innovation in equine breeding programmes generates few ideas to address customer needs. | Innovation in equine breeding programmes holds occasional ideation sessions to develop solutions for known customer needs. | Innovation in equine breeding programmes regularly holds structured ideation sessions to develop solutions for researched customer needs. | Innovation in equine breeding programmes has an ongoing ideation process integrated with customer insights to rapidly prototype potential solutions. | Innovation in equine breeding programmes uses AI and computational creativity to generate breakthrough solutions for predicted customer needs. |
| Concept testing | Innovation in equine breeding programmes rarely tests concepts with target customers prior to development. | Innovation in equine breeding programmes intermittently tests concepts with sample target customers to guide development. | Innovation in equine breeding programmes systematically tests all concepts with representative target customers prior to development. | Innovation in equine breeding programmes rapidly prototypes and iterates concepts based on continual customer feedback through development. | Innovation in equine breeding programmes uses virtual simulation and augmented reality to immerse customers and refine concepts prior to development. |
| Implementation | Innovation in equine breeding programmes has limited launch plans with minimal customer input. | Innovation in equine breeding programmes designs launch plans with some customer feedback incorporated. | Innovation in equine breeding programmes designs comprehensive launch plans shaped by customer testing and insights. | Innovation in equine breeding programmes continually optimizes launch plans based on ongoing customer engagement and co-creation. | Innovation in equine breeding programmes launches innovations as live prototypes and continually adjusts based on customer usage data and feedback. |
| Value measurement | Innovation in equine breeding programmes rarely measures customer value delivered by innovations. | Innovation in equine breeding programmes occasionally surveys customers post-launch to measure value from innovations. | Innovation in equine breeding programmes systematically measures and tracks value delivered to customers by innovations. | Innovation in equine breeding programmes monitors real-time customer usage and satisfaction to demonstrate value delivery. | Innovation in equine breeding programmes uses predictive analytics to model and maximize customer lifetime value from innovations. |
Equine Welfare – Innovations must uphold horse health, safety and wellbeing standards
| Element | Level 1 (Fragmented) Requirements | Level 2 (Coordinated) Requirements | Level 3 (Efficient) Requirements | Level 4 (Streamlined) Requirements | Level 5 (Transformative) Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Animal husbandry | Innovation in equine breeding programmes has basic animal husbandry practices but limited focus on optimizing horse health and wellbeing. | Innovation in equine breeding programmes adheres to industry minimum standards for nutrition, hygiene, healthcare etc. to maintain horse health and wellbeing. | Innovation in equine breeding programmes systematically monitors key health indicators and proactively addresses any issues to safeguard horse health and wellbeing. | Innovation in equine breeding programmes leverages technology and data analytics to predict health risks and enable preventative care for optimal horse health and wellbeing. | Innovation in equine breeding programmes fully integrates welfare into the breeding decision making process, using genetic screening and mate selection tools to produce robust, healthy foals. |
| Exercise and socialization | Innovation in equine breeding programmes provides limited structured exercise or socialization for horses. | Innovation in equine breeding programmes implements a schedule of workouts and turnout to ensure adequate exercise and socialization. | Innovation in equine breeding programmes customizes exercise and socialization plans for each horse based on age, disposition, needs etc. | Innovation in equine breeding programmes uses behavior monitoring technology and social dynamics research to adapt exercise and socialization for optimal outcomes. | Innovation in equine breeding programmes mimics natural settings and herd dynamics with ample pasture time in ethical concentrated spaces to promote natural behaviors. |
| Injury prevention | Innovation in equine breeding programmes has reactive injury treatment with limited prevention focus. | Innovation in equine breeding programmes follows general protocols like padded stall walls, staff training etc. to minimize injury risks. | Innovation in equine breeding programmes assesses and mitigates site-specific risks through safety audits, non-slip flooring, customized equipment etc. | Innovation in equine breeding programmes uses biomechanical analysis and impact monitoring to identify potential causes of injury and proactively address them. | Innovation in equine breeding programmes integrates injury prevention into breeding selection, facility design, training regimens and all aspects of horse management. |
| Veterinary care | Innovation in equine breeding programmes provides basic veterinary care on an as-needed basis. | Innovation in equine breeding programmes implements a schedule of wellness exams and preventative care to maintain health. | Innovation in equine breeding programmes has on-site vets conduct specialized services like dentistry, imaging, physical therapy etc. to optimize care. | Innovation in equine breeding programmes facilitates rapid diagnosis and treatment by vets through connected tech like health wearables and cameras. | Innovation in equine breeding programmes takes a One Health approach – veterinary insights inform nutrition, facilities, training to improve lifelong wellbeing. |
| End of life | Innovation in equine breeding programmes has reactive or minimal end of life support for horses. | Innovation in equine breeding programmes provides for euthanasia when recommended by vet for medical conditions or age. | Innovation in equine breeding programmes has structured retirement planning to transition aging horses to new roles or homes. | Innovation in equine breeding programmes customized end of life programs – from palliative care to memorialization – based on each horse’s needs. | Innovation in equine breeding programmes is designed holistically around the entire lifespan – selection, care, transition and grieving when a beloved horse passes. |
Data-Informed Decisions – Leverage breeding records, registry data, and research to guide strategic innovation
| Element | Level 1 (Fragmented) Requirements | Level 2 (Coordinated) Requirements | Level 3 (Efficient) Requirements | Level 4 (Streamlined) Requirements | Level 5 (Transformative) Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Breeding data collection | Innovation in equine breeding programmes has minimal data collection with major gaps in pedigree, health, and performance records. | Innovation in equine breeding programmes has basic data collection including partial pedigree records, some health data, and limited performance metrics. | Innovation in equine breeding programmes has comprehensive data collection with extensive pedigree records, health histories, and performance metrics. | Innovation in equine breeding programmes has integrated data flows from breed registries, veterinarians, trainers etc. providing expansive connected data. | Innovation in equine breeding programmes has state-of-the-art sensing and tracking technologies providing exceptional phenotypic and genomic data. |
| Data analysis capabilities | Innovation in equine breeding programmes has minimal analysis capabilities limited to basic summary statistics. | Innovation in equine breeding programmes has initial analytic capabilities including ancestry analysis and basic performance correlations. | Innovation in equine breeding programmes has capable analytics leveraging statistical genetics, multivariate analysis, predictive modeling etc. | Innovation in equine breeding programmes has advanced analytics like high-dimensional phenotyping, network analysis, and genomic selection models. | Innovation in equine breeding programmes has leading-edge analytics like deep learning, simulations, and causative modeling. |
| Research integration | Innovation in equine breeding programmes has little research integration with minimal awareness of latest findings. | Innovation in equine breeding programmes has some research integration including ad-hoc review of published studies. | Innovation in equine breeding programmes has proactive research integration with systematic review and application of new insights. | Innovation in equine breeding programmes has collaborative research integration with scientists to transfer and validate new knowledge. | Innovation in equine breeding programmes has embedded research with dedicated scientists and real-time integration of discoveries. |
| Data-driven decisions | Innovation in equine breeding programmes has instinctive decision making with minimal data influence. | Innovation in equine breeding programmes has occasional data-driven decisions on an ad hoc basis. | Innovation in equine breeding programmes has frequent data-driven decisions across many parts of the breeding programme. | Innovation in equine breeding programmes has pervasive data-driven decisions embedded in all breeding practices. | Innovation in equine breeding programmes has fully optimized data-driven decision making enabled by predictive analytics. |
| Information sharing | Innovation in equine breeding programmes has no sharing of data and insights beyond the programme. | Innovation in equine breeding programmes has limited sharing of data with select partners on request. | Innovation in equine breeding programmes has proactive sharing of data and insights across its community. | Innovation in equine breeding programmes has fully transparent data assets and analysis accessible to all. | Innovation in equine breeding programmes has collaborative ecosystems with shared data driving community-wide innovation. |
Collaborative Approach – Partner with jockeys, trainers, owners, veterinarians and others to ideate
| Element | Level 1 (Fragmented) Requirements | Level 2 (Coordinated) Requirements | Level 3 (Efficient) Requirements | Level 4 (Streamlined) Requirements | Level 5 (Transformative) Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stakeholder Involvement | Innovation in equine breeding programs has minimal input from key stakeholders like jockeys, trainers, and veterinarians. | Innovation in equine breeding programs seeks periodic feedback from select stakeholders, but collaboration is limited. | Innovation in equine breeding programs regularly involves key internal and external stakeholders for feedback and insights. | Innovation in equine breeding programs has structured processes to engage a diverse group of stakeholders early and often. | Innovation in equine breeding programs is fundamentally collaborative, with stakeholders deeply embedded as co-creators across the entire process. |
| Customer Focus | Innovation in equine breeding programs is breeder-centric with limited emphasis on customer needs. | Innovation in equine breeding programs balances breeder and customer considerations but lacks rigorous customer insights. | Innovation in equine breeding programs is informed by customer research and feedback, but insights are not fully integrated. | Innovation in equine breeding programs deeply understands customer needs and co-designs with customers. | Innovation in equine breeding programs has customer needs and experiences at the core of every breeding decision and process. |
| Cross-Functional Teams | Innovation in equine breeding programs has siloed teams with minimal cross-functional collaboration. | Innovation in equine breeding programs has occasional collaboration across functions but lacks dedicated cross-functional teams. | Innovation in equine breeding programs assembles cross-functional teams for select innovation initiatives. | Innovation in equine breeding programs has dedicated cross-functional teams managing the end-to-end innovation process. | Innovation in equine breeding programs is built on a culture of seamless collaboration across all functions and partners. |
| Co-Creation | Innovation in equine breeding programs is devised solely by internal teams with minimal external collaboration. | Innovation in equine breeding programs seeks periodic external input but lacks co-creation mechanisms. | Innovation in equine breeding programs pilots co-creation initiatives on select projects like hackathons or design sprints. | Innovation in equine breeding programs regularly co-creates with partners through secondments, consortiums, and open innovation. | Innovation in equine breeding programs is predicated on true co-creation, with porous boundaries enabling ecosystem-wide collaboration. |
| Knowledge Transfer | Innovation in equine breeding programs lacks mechanisms to capture and share knowledge across partners. | Innovation in equine breeding programs has ad hoc knowledge sharing mechanisms with key partners. | Innovation in equine breeding programs institutes structured knowledge sharing programs internally and with select partners. | Innovation in equine breeding programs has real-time knowledge exchange protocols fully embedded across its network. | Innovation in equine breeding programs has frictionless flow of knowledge across its entire ecosystem. |
Agile Iteration – Test and refine concepts rapidly through prototyping and controlled trials
| Element | Level 1 (Fragmented) Requirements | Level 2 (Coordinated) Requirements | Level 3 (Efficient) Requirements | Level 4 (Streamlined) Requirements | Level 5 (Transformative) Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prototyping | Innovation in equine breeding programmes has minimal prototype development with limited testing. | Innovation in equine breeding programmes has some prototype development and controlled trial testing in select areas. | Innovation in equine breeding programmes has robust prototype development and testing through controlled trials. | Innovation in equine breeding programmes has extensive prototype development with rapid testing and iteration through controlled trials. | Innovation in equine breeding programmes has fully integrated prototype development and testing enabling continuous improvement through controlled trials. |
| Iteration Speed | Innovation in equine breeding programmes has slow iteration cycles measured in years. | Innovation in equine breeding programmes has moderately fast iteration cycles measured in months. | Innovation in equine breeding programmes has fast iteration cycles measured in weeks. | Innovation in equine breeding programmes has very fast iteration cycles measured in days. | Innovation in equine breeding programmes has extremely fast iteration cycles measured in hours or real-time. |
| Data Feedback | Innovation in equine breeding programmes has minimal data feedback from testing to refine concepts. | Innovation in equine breeding programmes has periodic data feedback from testing to refine concepts. | Innovation in equine breeding programmes has timely data feedback from testing to rapidly refine concepts. | Innovation in equine breeding programmes has instant data feedback from testing to immediately refine concepts. | Innovation in equine breeding programmes is continuously improving through real-time data feedback. |
| Trial Design | Innovation in equine breeding programmes has limited controlled trial capabilities. | Innovation in equine breeding programmes has basic controlled trial design capabilities. | Innovation in equine breeding programmes has advanced controlled trial design capabilities. | Innovation in equine breeding programmes has highly optimized controlled trial design capabilities. | Innovation in equine breeding programmes has industry-leading controlled trial design capabilities. |
| Collaboration | Innovation in equine breeding programmes has minimal collaboration during prototyping and trials. | Innovation in equine breeding programmes has some collaboration with key partners during prototyping and trials. | Innovation in equine breeding programmes has extensive collaboration during prototyping and trials. | Innovation in equine breeding programmes is fully integrated with partners enabling seamless collaboration. | Innovation in equine breeding programmes has ecosystem-wide collaboration embedded in prototyping and trials. |
