Regardless of which project you choose, decide on a record-keeping method to accurately record all results. If possible, take photos at different stages of your experiment.Be sure to start your project as early as possible to allow time to repeat steps for verification if necessary.
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Do Horses Perceive Different Colors?
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Use buckets or tubs of different colors to detemine if horses can recognize the difference. Proving whether or not horses can perceive color is an easy experiment that may appeal to students of all ages. You will need five gallon-size buckets that are different colors but otherwise the same. Place some of the horse's feed in one of the buckets, and let your horse see the feed in the bucket. Place the bucket in a line with the other buckets. See if the horse goes directly to the correct-color bucket that contains his feed.
To make sure your horse is not just finding the bucket by smell, place some Vicks in his nostrils. Always place the grain in the same colored bucket, but move the bucket to different positions so the horse can't be finding the correct bucket by location.
Keep a written record of each attempt. Repeat this experiment over several days.
Do Hoof Conditioners Increase Hoof Growth?
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According to both HorseTopia and All Experts, testing various hoof conditioners makes for an interesting science project. While this project should provide measurable results, it will take a month or more to complete.
Purchase several brands of hoof conditioners, such as Hooflex, Rainmaker, Fiebings and The Right Step. Apply them consistently to the hooves for at least a month, then measure the results. Ideally, since each horse has a different hoof growth rate, you should use the same horse for each brand; apply a different dressing to each hoof if desired. You may want to try plain pine tar or just standing the horse in mud also to see if actual hoof dressings really affect hoof growth.
Which Fly Spray Works Best?
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Fly spray effectiveness would make a good science fair project topic. For this project, purchase several different fly repellents, including sprays and wipe-ons. You also might want to test some homemade products and some touting all-natural ingredients. Try these products under different conditions, such as when your horse is in its stall, in pasture, or being ridden. Determine exactly how you will measure the results--by the number of flies on the horse, the number in the barn, or by the number of flies that die or fall to the ground when directly sprayed.
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