Tracy graduated with a BSc (Hons) Equine Science from the University of Central Lancashire in 2006 and worked practically within the equine industry as a coach and centre manager for several years before starting work as a lecturer in 2011. Tracy then completed an MSc Equine Science in 2018 at the University of the West of England, studying alongside her job role. For her MSc dissertation, Tracy studied the link between laterality and asymmetrical movement patterns in horse riders and started her PhD studies in October 2019.
Research
Research Title: Investigating the Origins of Rider Asymmetry
Tracy’s PhD project aims to describe the locomotor patterns of horse riders, including the relationship between posture, asymmetry, and the location and variability of the centre of pressure at the horse-rider interface. The project will investigate factors contributing to asymmetrical movement and associated loss of balance with the aim of being able to identify antecedents to long-term compensatory movement patterns and associated low back pain.
External activities
Tracy currently works as a lecturer within the Equine department at University Centre Bishop Burton (UCBB) in East Yorkshire, delivering modules on physiology, biomechanics, and performance analysis as well as research methods and statistics for the biosciences. Tracy leads the organizing committee of the Equine Performance Conference held annually at UCBB and is Chair of the Research Group within the UCBB Faculty of Higher Education. Tracy is also an external examiner for equine sports performance-related degree programmes, currently for the University of Chester.
Featured publications
- Bye, T. and Lewis, V. (2019) Saddle and stirrup forces of equestrian riders in sitting trot, rising trot, and trot without stirrups on a riding simulator. Comparative Exercise Physiology- in press
- Holwell, A., Lacy, S., Brassington, R. and Bye, T. (2018) An investigation into the knowledge of horse owners surrounding equine musculoskeletal therapy and practitioners. Saddle Research Trust Conference, Dec 2018, Nottingham, UK.
- Ure, K., Bye, T. and Brewer, D. (2018) Kinematic analysis of rider position on a dressage simulator compared to a live horse. 14th International Society for Equitation Science Conference, Sept 2018, Rome, Italy
- Ure, K., Brewer, D. and Bye, T. (2018) The impact of a dressage simulator-based training programme on rider position Conference: 14th International Society for Equitation Science, Sept 2018, Rome, Italy.
- Bye, T. and Benoist, C. (2018) Investigating the accuracy of commercially available rein tension gauges. Conference: 14th International Society for Equitation Science, Sept 2018, Rome, Italy.
- Bradley, N., Brassington, R., Bye, T. and Benoist, C. (2018) Quantifying the stress response of horses bitted for the first time. 14th International Society for Equitation Science Conference, Sept 2018, Rome, Italy
- Bentley, G., Bye, T. and Benoist, C. (2018) The impact of ‘designer’ bits on the behaviour of show jumping horses. Conference: 14th International Society for Equitation Science, Sept 2018, Rome, Italy.
- Bye, T. and Chadwick, G. (2018) Physical fitness habits and perceptions of equestrian riders. Comparative Exercise Physiology 14(3) p183-188
- Bye, T., Walker, R., Shaw-Webster, C.A. and Brewer, D. (2017) A preliminary investigation comparing rein tension between bitted and bitless bridles. Conference: Horses Inside Out Conference 2017, Feb 2017, Grantham, UK.
- Greening, L., Palmer, L. and Bye, T. (2016) A preliminary investigation indicating the use of forelimb data may have limitations in accurately determining laterality in horses. Journal of Veterinary Behaviour 15 p84
- Greening, L., Palmer, L. and Bye, T. (2016) A preliminary investigation indicating the use of forelimb data may have limitations in accurately determining laterality in horses. Conference: 12th International Society for Equitation Science, June 2016, Saumur, France.