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Physics : The Sport Of Equestrian Show Jumping

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Physics is the study that deals with the properties, changes, and interactions of energy and matter. It can be applied to a majority of daily activities, one including equestrian show Jumping. The sport of equestrian show jumping requires a connection between horse and rider, and an understanding of how the horse gets from point A to point B. Many components of equestrian jumping take a lot of technique and courage, as well as applied physics. Newton’s three laws of motion are portrayed through different components of riding, such as the horse and rider’s balance, jump and even fall.

Lunging a horse is a method used by a majority of riders to help tire and relax their horse before mounting. Lunging is when the trainer (center of rotation) attaches their horse to a 24 to 30 foot long rein, which guides the horse to circle round them. During this exercise, riders will have a constant hold on the line, given that horses frequently have the tendency to pull against the moving lunge line, creating slight tension. As a result, centripetal force will allow the horse to follow in the set circle. Once the rider mounts their horse, physics is applied in many other aspects. Newton’s first law states that “an object at rest stays at rest unless acted upon by an outside force”, which is applied to the forward movement of the horse. The second the horse takes a step forward, the rider is automatically thrown backwards, since they are being acted upon by the horse, which in this case is

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