Horse-related Research/Experiment Ideas?

[IROofpez]

Hello PF Community,

I've been browsing this site for...probably years now, and the time has come for me to seek advice!

I'm having some difficulty in deciding on an area of research for my capstone (senior) project for college. I'm interested mainly in two things: horses and education. I'm a secondary education minor, so any research I do in science education would really be a great benefit. I know I'd be more than passionate about any work dealing with horses. I can't really think of any potential research topics in either field that would be intricate enough to satisfy the department heads.

Does anyone have any ideas for Physics research in some equestrian or educational sense?
Thanks in advance for any input!

 

[davesface]

The thing that immediately jumps out at me would be studying how horses run and jump. You could analyze the forces involved and try to figure out different ways to optimize the process (weight, leg length, angle of jump, etc.). I'm sure this has been studied from a biological perspective, but it may be worthwhile to look into it from a physics perspective.

If that doesn't sound appealing, do a quick Google Scholar search about it and I'm sure you could find some sort of starting point.

 

[Choppy]

Well, there's riding therapy. I'm not sure if that's the officical term for it or not, but what I mean is a type of physiotherapy where learning to ride helps injured people develop stabilization. From a physics point of view you could analyze where a rider has to keep his/her centre of mass to remain balanced for various gates (gaits(?)), and therby provide a basis for progression. in this kind of therapy.

 

[IROofpez]

Thank you both for the feedback. I had thought of the running/jumping but could think of a way to make It sophisticated enough. The therapy idea is very interesting; a fellow member of the equestrian team is studying physical therapy to work in riding therapy...could be a fun co-op! We'll see where these ideas take me. Thanks again!

 

[carag]

Sounds like an interesting subject, should post back with your project results heh.