centaur biomechanics
Russell MacKechnie-Guire holds a PhD in Equine Biomechanics, graduating from the
Royal Veterinary College in 2019. Russell’s thesis was titled ‘The Relationship
between Saddle and Rider Kinematics, Equine Locomotion, and Thoracolumbar
Pressures in Sports Horses’. Russell is based at Centaur Biomechanics, a company
which he founded in 2006. He has extensively researched the effect that tack
(saddle, bridle and girth) and the rider has on equine health and performance.
Russell holds a post at Hartpury University as a Reader in Equine Biomechanics.
Russell’s current area of research is horse-saddle-rider interaction, spinal
kinematics in horses when ridden over ground, the effect that rider asymmetry
has on equine back movement, and from a rehabilitation perspective, the effect
that training aids and pole work exercise has on back movement. In addition,
Russell collaborates with researchers on various research projects associated
with equine health, rehabilitation and performance. Russell is a consultant for
the British Equestrian Federations World Class, Team GBR programme and is a
member of Team GBR’s Scientific Advisory Group. Russell also sits on the Society
of Master Saddlers Scientific Advisory Group, and is part of the executive
committee for the International Task force on Laterality in Sports Horses.
Russell is also a Pilates instructor, Intrinsic (Human) Biomechanics Trainer, a
BHSI equestrian coach, and a keen competitor in dressage and show jumping.
