Answer to Question #295265 in Physics for Jamie

Question

Hello.

I am trying to calculate the ground reaction forces of a horse walking as I have got the reaction force of them standing in one spot. The weight of the horse is 500kg and distributed 52% of weight on the front legs. The answer for both front legs was 2548N and one leg being half of this. I am wondering how to get the forces of the horse was walking on a hard surface such as concrete

thanks

Answer 1

Hello! The force is the 'effort' a surface experiences under a certain load. The force is the same independently of the surface. It may seem that the softer surfaces decrease the reaction force at the place where the horseshoe touches the ground, but this happens because of different weight distribution (pressure).