From the outside, the MSC Scanning van looks ordinary. But the equine transport trailer of the company based in Reux (Calvados) reveals its singularity inside: 24 small cameras go around it. “They allow the horse’s back to be scanned in barely a second,” explains general director Damien Flacelière. This tool, already developed in the site's premises, was launched on the roads at the end of October 2024. The scan thus comes as close as possible to the horses to collect data on their morphology.
MSC scanning, originally specialized in 3D scanning and design, has been providing its expertise to the equine industry for several years now. Winner of a call for projects as part of the Olympic Games in 2019, the company set up in the Pays d'Auge, “closer to riders and equine structures”, and has notably developed tailor-made saddles. . “We worked with professional rider Tony Hanquinquant (brother ofAlexis, the Paralympic champion triathleteEditor’s note) on tests in a closed arena, outdoors, on grass, on jumps at several heights to quantify the impacts on landing,” explains the manager. The horse's footprints after its jump were also scanned.
With this information and using 3D printing, a shock absorber system was created. They are made up of “biosourced flexible plastic inserts, based on corn starch, to be fixed on the saddle depending on the heights to be jumped”, or more generally the needs of the rider and his mount. The device “absorbs the pressure” of impacts. And all the better since it is tailor-made, taking into account the ground, the jumps, the weight of the rider, and even the morphology of the horse. In this game, the company's equine scan provides this ultra-precise 3D vision of the animal's back.
With its innovative saddles (also lighter and more ventilated than traditional saddles), MSC Scanning is seeking greater commercial prospects. “Professional riders have equipment manufacturers who supply the equipment. We sell a product,” says Damien Flacelière, who intends to get closer to owners… and not only that. “The scan provides lots of data on the horse’s morphology. It also interests veterinarians and geneticists,” says the general director, who works with the Cadre Noir de Saumur.
The mobile van should help MSC Scanning expand. From 5,500 euros for a saddle and its set of advanced inserts to just under 800 euros for more mainstream shock absorbers, the Reux company wants to talk to the industry. Saddles, or even… orthopedic insoles for horses. 3D scanning and printing all the way.
