Horses

Systems Biomechanics of the Horse Website

Our research explores the biomechanics, physiology, and behavior of horses using a combination of mathematical modeling, engineering, and experimental methods. We study how gait, breathing, and heart rate interact in both horses and riders, analyze movement asymmetries that may indicate injury or training imbalances, and apply computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to understand blood flow and sudden cardiac death in horses.

Our work is highly interdisciplinary, bringing together mathematics, biomechanics, veterinary science, and equine behavior to answer fundamental questions about horse movement and health. We use high-speed video, motion tracking, wearable sensors, and physiological monitoring to collect real-world data, which informs both scientific research and evidence-based training methods. Students and researchers at the Al Marah Equine Center gain hands-on experience applying STEM principles to equine science, working with live horses in a research setting. Our goal is to bridge the gap between science, engineering, and horsemanship, advancing knowledge in equine biomechanics, rehabilitation, and welfare.