Establishing media as scene partner to the producing interdisciplinary artist

This thesis asks how practice-as-research methodologies can inform producing interdisciplinary artists in the context of contemporary performance production. Recognizing a growing trend of self-producing artists, I demonstrate how creative artists can balance aesthetic goals with organizational concerns. Taking a case study approach, I draw on the growing trend of artists relying upon themselves to perform most, if not all functions of a small production company in addition to mastering their primary craft. I look at modern examples of performers who rely heavily on projection design and test several roles in the devising, designing, promotion, and execution of an original media-driven story. Sources indicate the avenues where artists may find themselves most successful are those in which they must serve in several capacities to the production, including the wearing of many hats. It becomes therefore important for the interdisciplinary artist to maintain flexibility in order to assume other roles in addition to those specific to their craft. Through the lens of a producing artistic director, I consider the following main questions: How may theatre technicians navigate the threshold of technological competence and artistic integrity? Where and when (if at all) does the artist (performer) become the technician and vice versa? What common languages (i.e. Viewpoints, Semiotics, musicianship) can be formed to aid in the cohesion of collaborators from different disciplines (i.e. music, design, movement)?Theatre and Danc

Local back pressure caused by a training roller during lunging with and without a Pessoa training aid

Ground schooling (especially lunging) is routinely performed in the rehabilitation and training of horses. Training rollers are commonly used to provide attachment for training aids. The objective of the study was to objectively measure pressures beneath a training roller during lunging exercise with and without a Pessoa training aid. To measure pressures underneath the roller; 10 nonlame horses (mean ± standard deviation [SD] age 12 ± 8.77 years, mean ± SD height 1.65 ± 0.94 m) were lunged on a 16-m circle wearing a training roller on top of a high withered dressage square and wool pad. A Pliance (Novel) pressure mat was positioned transversely over the spinous processes covering thoracic vertebrae 10 to 15. Data were collected in both trot and canter on the left and right reins, with and without a Pessoa training aid. For pelvic range of motion (ROM), horses were instrumented with five inertial measuring unit sensors (IMU). A paired t-test was used to determine differences in pressure and pelvic ROM with/without Pessoa training aid (P ≤ .05). In trot and canter, consistent high pressures on the spinous processes beneath the roller were greater than those thought to cause back discomfort. These pressures were consistent between horses. No significant differences were found in any IMU outcome parameters. An awareness of the increased local spinal pressure a training roller exerts on the back, especially in horses undergoing rehabilitation of back problems is needed

Assessment of saddle fit in racehorses using infrared thermography

The aim of this study was to assess the influence of horse, saddle, and rider on saddle fit in racehorses by detecting pressure distribution using infrared thermography. In this study, 22 saddles used on 65 racing horses ridden by 21 riders were used. Data from horses including gender, breed, age, training intensity, and level of performance were collected. Type and mass of the saddle were also obtained, along with information about the rider's body mass and riding skills. Thermographic images of the saddle's panels were captured immediately after untacking the horse at each thermographic examination. On each thermographic image of the saddle panels, six regions of interest (ROIs) were marked, with mean temperature calculated within each ROI to indicate pressure distribution. Saddle fit was evaluated for right/left panel pressure, bridging/rocking pressure, and front/back pressure according to horse's: gender, breed, age, training intensity, level of conditioning, rider's skills, and load (saddle plus rider mass). There were statistically significant relationships (P < .05) between left/right asymmetry and age, training, intensity and load. In front/back pressure, there was a statistically significant relationship (P < .05) for load. No statistically significant relationships were observed between bridging/rocking pressure and the rest of the aforementioned variables. The study indicated that load, horse age, and training intensity influence pressure distribution in racing saddles. Therefore, animal age and load have to be considered in saddle fit. Infrared thermography has been confirmed as a useful tool in the evaluation of saddle fit in racing horses

Evolving protocols for research in equitation science

Within the emerging discipline of Equitation Science the application of consistent methodology, including robust objective measures, is required for sound scientific evaluation. This report aims to provide an evaluation of current methodology and to propose some initial guidelines for future research. The value of research, especially that involving small sample sizes, can be enhanced by the application of consistent methodology and reporting enabling results to be compared across studies. This paper includes guidelines for experimental design in studies involving the ridden horse. Equine ethograms currently used are reviewed and factors to be considered in the development of a riddenhorse ethogram are evaluated. An assessment of methods used to collect behavioral and physiological data is included and the use of equipment for measurements (e.g., rein-tension and pressure-sensing instruments) is discussed. Equitation science is a new discipline, subject to evolving viewpoints on research foci and design. Technological advances may improve the accuracy and detail of measurements, but must be used within appropriate and valid experimental designs