This course delves into the millennia-old partnership between humans and horses, revealing how it has influenced transportation, sports, and warfare. We’ll explore the evolution and science behind horse movement, highlighting its impact on society. Special attention is given to selective breeding, examining how draft horses and thoroughbred racehorses are tailored for specific tasks. The course also features the Al Marah Arabian horse, known for its endurance, and the history of the University of Arizona’s Al Marah Equine Center. Modern technological advancements, such as high-speed videography and inertial measurement units, will be discussed for their role in analyzing horse gaits and improving performance. Looking to the future, we will discuss how studying the mechanics of equine movement as well as the dynamics of horse-human interactions can inspire innovations in robotics. The lectures will be combined with live demonstrations in the arena at the Al Marah Equine Center. Whether you’re a horse enthusiast or simply curious about the history of the horse-human relationship, this course will provide new insights into the science of horse movement.
Horses in Motion: A History of the Biomechanics of Movement
Required Reading
Taylor, W. T. (2023). Hoof beats: How horses shaped human history. University of California Press.
Harris, S. E. (2016). Horse gaits, balance, and movement: Revised edition. Turner Publishing Company.
Spataro, L. (2012). The Long Ride: The record-setting journey by horse across the American landscape. Skyhorse Publishing.
Meet Your Professor
LAURA MILLER is a Professor of Mathematics and Adjunct Professor of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Arizona. She specializes in systems biomechanics with nearly 30 years of experience and has earned prestigious awards for her research, including the Burroughs Wellcome Career Award and an NSF CAREER Award. Passionate about horses since childhood, she’s involved in classical dressage, horse care, and equine facility management. Her latest project explores horse movement and breathing at the UA Al Marah Equine Center.
Location
AL-MARAH EQUINE CENTER
4101 N Bear Canyon Rd
Tucson, AZ 85749
