Science Project Topics Related to Horses

Many horse lovers go to great lengths to incorporate their love of horses into everyday tasks and mundane projects. For youths contemplating science fair projects, incorporating something they love and enjoy can bring some much-needed enthusiasm to the task. While horses do not lend themselves to portability, there are some ways to experiment with and learn from our equine friends.

  1. "Tune" Into Horse Emotions

    • In 2010, a California middle school student conducted a science fair project designed to test horses' responses to the emotions of their human handlers. Her test horses mirrored physiological signs of heightened emotions. Revise the project using music -- do horses respond to music, or to certain types of music over another? Use heart rate monitors to measure any changes after exposure. This has practical applications, as music is often played at horse shows, with some horses exhibiting stress at the sound. It could also help freestyle competitors who select music for their performances.

    How Conformation Influences Horse Owners

    • Many horses will jump, but conformation issues may mean they will break down their joints over time.

      A 2010 California State Science Fair Project noted that horses with smaller shoulder angles exhibited larger strides, which is desirable for competition. There are numerous conformation issues that can affect a horse's ability to perform at certain sports, regardless of their willingness to do so. Following a horse's career is prohibitive for science projects, but you could select a research pool of local horses and interview owners as to what conformation flaws, if any, were noted, and whether it factored into sport choice decisions. This can help trainers and veterinarians pinpoint where more horse owner education might be beneficial to the overall welfare of competition horses.

    Steel versus Aluminum Shoes

    • Many horse owners and trainers believe a horse's movement can be enhanced with aluminum shoes.

      It is common for equine hunter competitors to outfit their show horses with lightweight, aluminum shoes. This is based on the premise that the horses will move better in these shoes. The ultimate proof, though, lies in the judge's ranking in the show ring. This topic could actually have a few different components. First, you could simply assess the movement of individual horses at home, comparing movement before -- with steel shoes -- and then after, with aluminum. You can then transfer that same test to the show ring, comparing scores or results with steel shoes, and then subsequent shows with aluminum, on the same horses.

    Are All Bits Painful

    • Observe any differences in a horse with a bit versus a no-bit bridle or hackamore.

      Dr. Robert Cook invented a bitless bridle amid claims that bits are inhuman and painful to a horse. If his claims are true, this affects millions of horses who have been ridden with bits for years. You can observe horses going in a bitted bridle, and then a bitless bridle and make observations on their demeanor and willingness. Heart or respiratory monitors for physiological signs would be very helpful in this experiment.