Equine research staff from Hartpury University presented a series of new studies at the prestigious British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) Congress in Birmingham – one of the world’s leading equine veterinary science events.
Dr Russell MacKechnie-Guire (Associate Professor in Biomechanics (Research)), Dr Vicki Walker (Senior Lecturer), and Lucy Douglas (a former MSc Veterinary Physiotherapy student at Hartpury University), alongside national and international collaborators, shared findings that will help inform equine health, performance, and welfare practices across the sector. Several of the projects were supported by Hartpury University’s Research and Knowledge Exchange (RKE) funding, reinforcing the university’s commitment to applied research with real-world impact.
Research highlights included:
· Relationship between noseband tightness and noseband pressures in novice horses and riders: Implications for guidance to support horse welfare
· Does bridle type influence frequency of occurrence of conflict behaviours in high-level dressage horses?
· Does ridden exercise influence tongue colour: A standardised photographic approach
· How does trotting over raised and ground poles on a circle and straight line alter equine spinal motion?
· How does pole distance alter equine spinal and limb kinematics during in-hand walking?
· How does trotting over ground and raised poles alter equine spinal kinematics?
Dr Russell MacKechnie-Guire said: “Presenting at BEVA Congress is a fantastic opportunity to share Hartpury University’s world-leading equine research with veterinary professionals and researchers from around the globe. These projects reflect the strong collaboration between our staff, students, and partners, and the role Hartpury plays in advancing equine welfare and performance.”
Hartpury University continues to be recognised as one of the UK’s leading specialist institutions for animal and equine science. Undergraduate and postgraduate students benefit directly from this research-led environment, with opportunities to engage in projects, contribute to publications, and present at international conferences.
Learn more about the range of undergraduate and postgraduate equine degrees available.
