Horse-related Research/Experiment Ideas?

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In summary, the person is searching for advice on what subjects to research for their capstone project. They are interested in horses and education, and are unsure of what to research. They have thoughts on riding therapy and how it could be researched from a physics perspective.
  • #1
IROofpez
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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!
 
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  • #2
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.
 
  • #3
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.
 
  • #4
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!
 
  • #5
Sounds like an interesting subject, should post back with your project results heh.
 

FAQ: Horse-related Research/Experiment Ideas?

What are some potential research topics related to horse behavior?

Some potential research topics related to horse behavior could include investigating the effects of different training methods on equine behavior, studying the impact of social interactions on horse behavior, or examining the relationship between horse behavior and their living environment.

How can I design an experiment to test the effectiveness of a new horse feed?

An experiment to test the effectiveness of a new horse feed could involve dividing a group of horses into two groups, one group being fed the new feed and the other group being fed their usual feed. The horses' weight, energy levels, and overall health could be monitored over a period of time to determine if the new feed has any significant effects.

3. What are some potential methods for studying equine nutrition?

Some potential methods for studying equine nutrition could include conducting laboratory analyses of different types of feed to determine their nutritional content, studying the effects of specific nutrients on horse health, or conducting field studies to observe the dietary habits of horses in their natural environments.

4. How can I measure the stress levels of horses in different environments?

To measure the stress levels of horses in different environments, you could use a variety of methods such as heart rate monitors, cortisol level tests, or behavioral observations. These methods could be used to compare the stress levels of horses in different living conditions or during different activities.

5. What are some ethical considerations to keep in mind when conducting horse-related research?

Some ethical considerations to keep in mind when conducting horse-related research include ensuring the safety and well-being of the horses involved, obtaining proper consent from the owners or caretakers of the horses, and following ethical guidelines for animal research. It is also important to minimize any potential harm or discomfort to the horses and to ensure that the research is conducted in a responsible and respectful manner.

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