Plumpton students set to ride to success with help of new technology

17 Jan 2007

Students studying within Plumpton College's Equine Department are benefiting from an exciting new resource. A simulator horse will create new opportunities for students on equine courses, which form part of the SLN's Biosciences curriculum area.  

The mechanical horse is a practical aid to improve the position of riders from all levels, from novice to experienced riders, improving their confidence, balance and position. It will particularly benefit riders suffering from a lack of confidence with their riding. The simulator horse will allow the instructor to be near to the student on the horse, giving  greater scrutiny of the rider’s position during the horse's gaits of walk, sitting trot, rising trot, slow canter and fast canter.

The simulator horse will also offer research opportunities for students studying higher education equine programmes at the College.  Staff will be able to compare the heart rate of a rider on the simulator horse with a real horse and a kinematic study of position changes of a rider at walk, trot and canter.

Emma Cook, Head of Equine Department said; “I am delighted to offer equine students the opportunity to benefit from another resource.  The equine degree course we offer enables students to develop their skills in equitation, training and coaching, alongside their academic studies, preparing them for entry into the equine industry, or allied professions. 
Our students also have opportunities to develop business skills as well as general equine knowledge.

On completion, they will have a critical understanding of the well established principles of sport performance, and the ways they relate to equitation.  They will also be able to show a range of skills in preparation to competition horses and riders.

The simulator horse will also be used for school students on the taster sessions we offer, as well being as a huge attraction at the College’s Open day in May.”

Further details

For further details on the wide range of Land-based Education and Training courses at Plumpton College:

• visit the website: http://www.plumpton.ac.uk/
• telephone : 01273 890454
• e-mail: enquiries@plumpton.ac.uk.