EQUINE VOLUNTEERS WANTED!

[Steve Andrews]

Would anyone be interested in taking part in a biomechanics study in Gloucestershire / Warwickshire area?
I am conducting my final year BSC Equine Science dissertation and am currently in the process of looking for suitable equine subjects (and owners) Thoroughbred and Warmblood horses that have competed in dressage competitions up to BD Elementary level.

Horses will be videoed in walk and trot in hand over a set distance on a level concrete surface. Circular markers (~3cm in size) will be positioned on the lower limbs and pelvis area for data analysis after videoing.

The aim of the study is to compare static conformation and stride parameters (angle of hocks and pelvis tilt) in walk and trot of Thoroughbred and Warmblood dressage horses. With this information to it would be possible to identify factors that may limit performance in the dressage horse.

If you are interested in taking part in this undergraduate study all relevant health and safety documentation and equipment will be provided by Warwickshire College at no cost to you! This is an exciting opportunity to be involved in new research and find out more about your horse.

 

[rossiroo]

I would offer to be a guinea pig if my horse had been more successful in dressage and I wasn't the other end of the country, but good luck sounds interesting.

 

[Fahrenheit]

Would the horses be travelling to Warks College?

 

[Steve Andrews]

Hi Fahrenheit,

Thanks for your reply. We might be able to arrange for suitable study horses to travel to Warks College.

 

[SpottedCat]

Do you do travel to do the assessment or do the horses need to come to you?

 

[Steve Andrews]

The study is being held in Gloucestershire / Warwickshire, so if you are located in these counties assessmets can be arranged.

 

[Fahrenheit]

I don't mind putting my horses forward sounds interesting, although I am down near Hartpury.

I have a 5yo competing elementary about to debut at Medium and a 12yo at Medium/Advanced Medium (if thats not too over qualified), if either or both are any interest to you?

 

[Steve Andrews]

Exellent! Hartpury is not far from where I am. Where abouts in Hartpury are you based?
I could probably travel to you especially as you have two horses to put foward.

I am hoping to get horse assessments under way during the next three weeks. Once I have the required amount of volunteers I will finalise all arrangments with regards to dates and timings.

In the mean time if you require any further information please feel free to message me.

 

[flippa_t]

This sounds really interesting - make sure you post the results!

Unfortunately I'm nowhere near you and also not competing at the level you want yet but would be very interested in your findings.

 

[Steve Andrews]

Will do, not much biomechanics research has been done involving the walk and trot Thoroughbred dressage horses.