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Kinematics in Context: The Record Jump of Huaso and Larraguibel as a Teaching Resource for Physics

Mauricio Echiburu, José L. Marcos, René Ríos, Robinson Moreno Martínez

Abstract

In 1949, Captain Alberto Larraguibel and his horse Huaso set the world record for equestrian high jump in Viña del Mar, Chile, by clearing a height of 2.47 meters, a mark that remains unbeaten. This work proposes the use of this historical event as a teaching resource for physics, integrating perspectives from biomechanics and veterinary medicine. Based on the analysis of an audiovisual record of the jump, a kinematic model is developed using the \textit{Tracker} software, determining variables such as displacement, velocity, and acceleration of the horse--rider system. The results make it possible to reflect on the biomechanical and physiological factors involved in animal performance, thus linking physics with real biological processes. It is proposed that this interdisciplinary approach, based on authentic cultural and scientific contexts, may promote meaningful learning, motivation, and a more comprehensive understanding of natural phenomena in science education.

Kinematics in Context: The Record Jump of Huaso and Larraguibel as a Teaching Resource for Physics

Abstract

In 1949, Captain Alberto Larraguibel and his horse Huaso set the world record for equestrian high jump in Viña del Mar, Chile, by clearing a height of 2.47 meters, a mark that remains unbeaten. This work proposes the use of this historical event as a teaching resource for physics, integrating perspectives from biomechanics and veterinary medicine. Based on the analysis of an audiovisual record of the jump, a kinematic model is developed using the \textit{Tracker} software, determining variables such as displacement, velocity, and acceleration of the horse--rider system. The results make it possible to reflect on the biomechanical and physiological factors involved in animal performance, thus linking physics with real biological processes. It is proposed that this interdisciplinary approach, based on authentic cultural and scientific contexts, may promote meaningful learning, motivation, and a more comprehensive understanding of natural phenomena in science education.

Paper Structure

This paper contains 10 sections, 9 equations, 4 figures.

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. Biomechanical Description of the Equestrian Jump
  3. Kinematic Analysis Methodology and Biomechanical Foundations
  4. Results and Analysis
  5. Role of the Rider in the Jump
  6. Didactic Proposal
  7. Discussion
  8. Conclusions

Figures (4)

  • Figure 1: Photograph of the Huaso--Larraguibel jump (historical reference).
  • Figure 2: Frames extracted from the video and tracking points used in Tracker.
  • Figure 3: (Left) Diagram of the sarcomere and contractile organization of striated muscle. (Right) Types of skeletal muscle fibers in equines (I, IIa, IIb).
  • Figure 4: Vertical displacement of the rider’s center of mass (CML) and quadratic fit.