07/02/2014

NI Firm Shortlisted For Prestigious Award

A Northern Ireland company, which specialises in equestrian products, has been shortlisted for an inaugural Sports Technology Award.

The KAN body protector, worn to prevent injury in the event of a fall or kick from a horse, was designed and developed by entrepreneur Wendy McCaughan.

As a keen horse rider, Wendy saw the need for a safer and performance enhancing body protector for female horse riders.

Wendy, who has previous experience designing bullet proof vests, formed a partnership with Knox, the leading motorcycle protective wear company.

As a result, the KAN body protector is the first in the world to incorporate smart foam technology used in motorcycle protection into horse rider protective wear.

Wendy said: "I am delighted that the KAN body protector has been shortlisted for these awards.

"This is a culmination of many years of hard work bringing motorcycle technology, developed by Planet Knox, to the equestrian market.

"Injuries to horse riders can be life ending, with serious injuries life changing. I know that the KAN body protector will contribute to reducing injury as it provides greater protection than more traditional body protectors."

With technology influencing sport like never before, The Sports Technology Awards reward and celebrate the best and most innovative technology advances within sport.

The awards are being judged by some of the biggest names in the industry including Olympians, World Cup winners, leading coaches and representatives from cutting-edge digital brands such as Twitter, BT and the BBC.

(CD/JP)

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