Objective

By the end of this lesson, you will understand the basic principles of physics and how they relate to horses.

Materials and Prep

• Pen and paper
• Internet access
• Optional: access to a horse or horse-related videos

Activities

1. Research: Use the internet or books to find information about the physics involved in horseback riding. Focus on topics such as balance, motion, and forces.

2. Observation: If you have access to a horse, spend some time observing its movements and behavior. Pay attention to how it maintains balance while walking or running.

3. Experiment: Create a simple balance experiment using a toy horse or a horse figurine. Explore how different positions of the horse affect its balance. Take notes on your observations.

4. Discussion: Write a short essay or have a discussion about how the physics concepts you learned apply to horseback riding. Explain how understanding these principles can help riders improve their skills and communicate effectively with their horses.

Seventh Grade Talking Points

• "Physics is the branch of science that deals with matter, energy, motion, and force."
• "When it comes to horses, physics helps us understand how they move, maintain balance, and interact with their environment."
• "Balance is important for both the horse and the rider. It allows the horse to move smoothly without falling or stumbling."
• "Motion is the change in position of an object over time. Horses can move in different gaits, such as walking, trotting, or galloping."
• "Forces are pushes or pulls that can change the motion of an object. When a rider applies pressure with their legs, it can signal the horse to move faster or change direction."
• "Understanding the physics behind horseback riding can help riders make adjustments to their posture, balance, and communication to have a better riding experience."