Director of Centaur Biomechanics, Russell Guire’s blog for the project, Looking at old ground in a new way

Impact report from Burghley Workshop

From the biomechanics day two sciences; equine sports science and geophysics were discussed with a view of merging their application in a shared vison. A shared vision that would identify the impact that the surface could have on equine locomotion coupled with an evaluation of any potential damage caused to the underlying archaeology as a result of galloping horses on various x country routes. This vison was realised with both sciences showing excellent applications which could be used in a multidisciplinary approach in evaluating the key areas, effect that the surface has on locomotion and effect that locomotion could have on underlying archaeology. In particular; the terrestrial land system (TLS), is of interest in determining ground deformation and from the motion capture, identifying the impact that a deformed surface can have on the horse’s locomotor system. Equally, this deformation could lead to damage of underlying archelogy.

Other systems which could be of interest both in the project and with in equine sports science are ground scanning and thermal dynamic scanning. One of the key outcomes of the day was the shared vison and the willingness to push boundaries and seek collaborations with other sciences and sectors. With a proactive approach, I am confident that this shared vison will be fulfilled using some of the latest technology available. From an equestrian perspective this is of huge interest in helping to optimise the horse’s performance but more importantly helping to reduce the risk of injury.
Russell Guire
Director of Centaur Biomechanics
June 2017