Research output per year
Research output per year
Personal profile
Biography
Ciara King-Urbin teaches within the field of equine science, with interests in equine behaviour, welfare, and horse-human interactions. Her areas of focus include rider biomehancis, hrose training, horse–human interactions and communication, and the application of scientific evidence to equine training and management practices. She contributes to modules in horsemanship, rider biomechanics, equine behaviour, the equine industry, performance horse management, and undergraduate research. She also has a particular interest in Irish native breeds and equine communication, and is actively involved in equestrian education beyond the university through Pony Club teaching.
Teaching Interests
My teaching interests centre on fostering student engagement, confidence, and independent learning across both practical and academic domains within equine science. I am particularly committed to creating an inclusive learning environment in which students feel supported to explore, question, and develop their practical competencies alongside critical academic skills.
A key focus of my teaching approach involves the integration of scientific evidence into both classroom-based and applied settings, encouraging students to critically evaluate traditional and contemporary methods used in the training and management of horses. I have a strong interest in delivering curricula that bridge theory and practice, including the application of rider biomechanics across equestrian disciplines, equine behaviour, and the broader structure of the equine industry at both national and international levels, with particular emphasis on ethics, welfare, and the concept of social licence to operate. At an advanced level, I am engaged with teaching aspects of performance horse management.
Beyond the university context, I am also interested in the application of evidence-based principles within equestrian education, including Pony Club instruction, where I support learners in examination preparation and the development of practical skills such as mounted games, hunter trails and in-hand training and management.
Research Interests
My research interests are situated within the field of equine behaviour and welfare, with a particular emphasis on rider biomechanics and the multifaceted dynamics of horse–human interactions. I am particularly interested in the scientific understanding of equine behaviour and training processes, and how these influence learning, performance, and overall welfare.
I have a strong interest in the effects of rider position and movement on equine biomechanics, in conjunction with the role of tack, particularly saddle fit, in mediating comfort, performance, and musculoskeletal health. A central area of interest is the horse–saddle–rider interaction as an integrated biomechanical unit.
Additionally, I have a strong interest in native equine breeds, especially Irish native horses, and the extent to which their conformation, behavioural traits, and historical functions inform contemporary equestrian practice.
Related documents
Education/Academic qualification
Safeguarding 1 Child Welfare & Protection Basic Awareness Workshop, Sport Ireland
… → 4 May 2029
Award Date: 4 May 2026
First Aid Response , Optima Training and Consulting Ltd
… → 13 May 2027
Award Date: 13 May 2025
Horse Sport Ireland Level 1 Coach , Horse Sport Ireland
Award Date: 1 Aug 2022
Graduate Diploma, Grad. Dip in Teaching, Learning and Scholarship
Award Date: 18 Jan 2022
Masters, MSc in Equine Behaviour, Performance and Training , University of Portsmouth
Award Date: 7 Dec 2017
BHS AI Coach , British Horse Society
Award Date: 1 Sept 2017
Bachelor, Bachelor of Science in Equine Science
Award Date: 26 Aug 2015
Garda Vetting Approved, An Garda Síochána
… → 21 May 2030
External positions
Scarteen Hunt PC Mounted Games Trainer, Irish Pony Club
Jul 2025 → …
Keywords
- L Education (General)
- LB2300 Higher Education
- LB2361 Curriculum
- Q Science (General)
- Equine Science
- QL Zoology
- Equine
- Equine Behaviour
- Equine Biomechanics
- Equine Science
- Equine Training
- Horse Management
Expertise related to UN Sustainable Development Goals
In 2015, UN member states agreed to 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. This person’s work contributes towards the following SDG(s):
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SDG 4 Quality Education -
SDG 10 Reduced Inequalities -
SDG 15 Life on Land
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Collaborations and top research areas from the last five years
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Research output
- 1 Article
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Breast biomechanics, exercise induced breast pain (mastalgia), breast support condition and its impact on riding position in female equestrians
Cameron, L. J., Burbage, J., Lewis, V., Dumbell, L., Billingsley, E., Young, K., King-Urbin, C. & Goater, F., 2022, In: Comparative Exercise Physiology. 18, 1, p. 9-19 11 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open Access