Equestrian Performance Management and Equine Science students at University Centre Sparsholt (UCS) will soon be working with the very latest in simulator technology.
Cementing its reputation as a leading national and international home of rider performance analysis, UCS will be only the second college in the UK to have a Racewood Eventing simulator in their new Equestrian Performance Studio, due to open in December 2018.
The state-of-the-art simulator (pictured) uses motion control technology and will enable Sparsholt students to further expand their research in the growing field of rider performance. From Grand Prix dressage to show jumping and cross country, the simulator will bring all equestrian disciplines to life in a controlled, safe environment providing the ideal conditions for rider performance research and analysis.
Teaching Fellow Lorna Cameron who has worked with the University of Portsmouth (UoP) on published research said: “With the Equestrian Performance Studio we can take our research and analysis to a new level enhancing our existing research collaborations with UoP and University Centre Hartpury. The Eventing simulator, with life-like ride capabilities and sophisticated sensors will enable our students to increase the commercial rider analysis work they do and increase their research output. The repeatability of the conditions our students can data collect in will result in research published in higher impact journals and with increased relevance to the wider equestrian industry.”
With the capability to provide feedback on rein contact, balance in the saddle and leg contact the Racewood Eventing simulator will play an important role in equine welfare through the improvement of rider skills, an area of particular expertise at UCS. This exciting new capability is further intensified through the addition of a 3D analysis system for biomechanics research.
And with rider analysis a growing area of employment, UCS is keen to use this new facility to support students in developing the skills for advanced careers in this sector.
Ella Bartlett, currently completing her BSc (Hons) Equine Science at UCS and about to embark on the MSc Equine Behaviour Performance and Training said: “This investment in the equine research capabilities will have a great impact on our student experience and makes me even more excited to begin my masters’ course at UCS in September 2018”.
