Racehorses and Climate Change
Photograph: Ryan Young01Mick Peterson created the Orono Biomechanical Hoof Tester, a hulking piece of machinery meant to simulate the power of a thoroughbred’s front leg.
Photograph: Ryan Young02When the horseshoe-shaped weight hits the track, eight embedded sensors collect data on the impact, cushion depth, and moisture levels.
Photograph: Ryan Young03The wiring diagram, source code, and operating manual for the hoof tester are all publicly available online, though it costs more than $75,000 to make.
Photograph: Ryan Young04The team sticks a moisture probe into the ground beside each faux hoofmark to get another, clearer moisture readout.
Photograph: Ryan Young05The OBST hitches up to a van or truck.
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