Science Experiments With Horses

Scientific experiments involving horses vary from very simple basic experiments done by children as part of school projects to complex research activities performed by professional veterinarians in hopes of discovering the causes or potential treatments of a specific condition. Individual animals differ in temperament but it always wise to remember horses are large, powerful animals who do not always respond as you might wish.

  1. Educational

    • Educational scientific experiments are used primarily to educate the experimenter or his audience about a specific aspect of the horse or horses. Experiments such as determining whether horses are color blind or whether horses are predominantly using smell or sight to locate treats provide information for the sake of information rather than as a practical application. These types of experiments are often used for school science projects.

    Genetic

    • Genetic experiments can be used to determine whether a certain gene or characteristic is hereditary. Genetic experiments occur when horses of a specific bloodline or breed are compared to horses not of that bloodline or breed while looking at specific characteristics, flaws or conditions. For example, genetic research tracked the hyperkalemic periodic paralysis condition that affects a number of American paint and American quarter horses back to a single sire, a stallion named Impressive.

    Medical

    • Medical science experiments normally involve treating or diagnosing a particular condition or disease. Experiments that diagnose conditions may involve creating blood or urine tests looking for specific qualities. All new medicines, surgeries and treatments have to start out as experiments before they move into wide-spread use. If the experiment is a success, the treatment will be tried again and perfected until it is considered suitable for the general population.

    Practical

    • Practical horse experiments often involve testing a specific quality or piece of equipment. For example, which saddle pad is most effective at keeping horses cool while riding or which fly spray is the most efficient or longest lasting? These experiments test a specific property or use of an item and then report the results of the testing.