Equine
e t a u d a r G s n o i t a n i t s De
h t a e h e s a e R e r a We Are you? Let’s be honest, making important choices in life is never easy and taking that stepup to Higher Education can often seem daunting. So, why choose to study at Reaseheath? This booklet aims to give you a taste of what it’s like to be a part of the ‘Reaseheath HE Experience’, where academic excellence and student satisfaction go hand in hand. It’s your degree – why not be the best! Top of the class Last year, one in five Reaseheath undergraduates achieved a degree with First Class Honours or Distinction. Did you know that we have over 700 HE undergraduates and that our degree programmes are considered to be some of the best in the country? Here’s what we can offer you High academic standards Reaseheath works in partnership with the University of Chester and we are one of the UK’s leading specialist land-based colleges. This means that Reaseheath students graduate with a degree validated by a well-respected university and with a high level of the vocational skills demanded by employers.
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Our team of expert lecturers Our lecturers are all experts in their chosen field with extensive industry experience. Our small class sizes mean that you’ll benefit from high levels of individual support. Our links to industry Your equine degree is the gateway to your future and at Reaseheath we believe that practical knowledge is as important as academic achievement. We understand the importance of transferable skills and what sets us apart are our strong links to industry. These links have opened the door to a range of collaborative research projects and other opportunities. Along with our business collaborators and industry mentors, we are committed to ensuring that our HE graduates are industry ready. Outstanding student support At Reaseheath, we understand that the equine industry can be a demanding place and that time is often at a premium for our HE students. Therefore, we have an outstanding structure of student support in place along with the promise of flexibility within our choice of courses to assist you in achieving academic success.
“The ‘Reaseheath Experience’ is something that many of our graduates tell us was the most enjoyable time of their lives.” Rachel Ellis-Jones Dean of Higher Education
Where could your degree take YOU? According to the Destination of Leavers in Higher Education (DLHE) Survey (2013-14), 90% of Reaseheath students managed to find related employment within six months of graduating. There is no better endorsement for our degree courses than the comments of those who have experienced them, so we have compiled a selection of profiles to show where the ‘Reaseheath HE Experience’ has taken 12 of our graduates. Read more about their career destinations on pages 12 - 23.
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National Student Su
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Meet the
HE Equine Team Our HE Equine lecturers are all experts in their chosen fields and bring with them a wealth of industry experience. Meet some of our key staff and find out more about their research specialisms.
Dr Jan Birch
Kate Douglas-Dala MSc
After graduating from the University of Cambridge with a PhD in Veterinary Physiology, Dr Jan Birch conducted industry-linked collaborative research based at the University of Liverpool as an Honorary Research Fellow and as a Director of Research Studies at their Faculty of Veterinary Science. In addition, Jan was Programme Leader in Biological and Earth Sciences at Liverpool John Moores University.
Kate Douglas-Dala joined the HE team in 2006 after completing a PGCE and an MSc at Aberystwyth University. Her MSc thesis focused upon factors affecting follicular diameter in mares and was published by Theriogenology in 2010. Kate’s subject specialisms include equine parasitology, nutrition, health and welfare.
Research, Scholarship and Knowledge Transfer Manager/Equine Undergraduate Programme Leader
Away from Reaseheath, Jan acts as an External Examiner for a number of universities; she has sat on the committee for the International Conference for Equine Exercise Physiology and is the National HE Committee Member for the Advancing Equine Scientific Excellence (AESE) initiative, part of the British Equestrian Federation (BEF) Equine Development Portfolio. Jan also sits on regional equine industry and research partnerships including the Cheshire Racing Hub and the Equine Fertility Forum.
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Advanced Practitioner and E-Learning Coach for Higher Education Course Manager HE Equine
Kate, who plays a key role in the supervision of undergraduate research projects, said: “I encourage our undergraduates to forge links with industry sponsors and to share their research at equine science conferences. One of our greatest accolades was winning the Equine Undergraduate Thesis of the Year competition in 2012.” Kate has also acted as an external examiner for the University of Brighton and currently holds external examiner posts at York St John University and the University of Greenwich.
Dr Michelle Quinlivan
Sarah Loveday-Lovell MBA
Before joining our HE Equine Department in September 2014, Michelle graduated from the University of Limerick with a PhD in Equine Influenza and an MSc in Equine Science in 2006.
Sarah Loveday-Lovell’s varied qualifications include an MA in Business, a BSc (Hons) in Equine Studies and a postgraduate teaching qualification in Higher Education.
Course Manager HE Equine
Michelle went on to find employment at the Irish Equine Centre in County Kildare, first as a sessional lecturer delivering practicals in virology to BSc undergraduates and, latterly, as a Research Scientist. Michelle’s research specialism is equine virology, particularly molecular characterisation of equine viruses and the development of diagnostic assays. Her broader interests lie in vaccine development and the advances in genetic engineering technologies.
Course Manager HE Equine
Sarah is the most recent addition to Reaseheath’s HE Equine team and brings with her a wealth of industry experience. She has competed in all disciplines but in recent years Sarah has concentrated on dressage and competes at Advanced Medium level. She has experience at National and Championship level; a major highlight with her current horse was winning both team tests at the British Dressage Home International at Advanced Medium. Sarah holds a UKCC Level 3 Coaching Certificate. She is a British Horse Society (BHS) Intermediate Instructor and is also a Level 2 British Showjumping (BS) Judge. Sarah is currently training to become an accredited BS Course Builder.
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Meet the
Mentors With the support of our business collaborators and industry mentors, Reaseheath is committed to providing all of our HE students with first-hand experience of how the equine industry operates.
Sue Bradshaw International Dressage Rider and Trainer The expertise of Sue Bradshaw was called upon when we were formulating our BSc (Hons) in Equine Science and Sports Performance degree. From the outset, the aim of this degree was to produce graduates who could meet the needs of the performance horse industry. Sue, who is trained by Carl Hester, was asked what transferable skills and knowledge were essential for students wishing to gain employment in the modern-day horse industry. Said Sue: “I was pleased to be involved with the development of a course that included a large amount of time spent out in the workplace. It is essential for students to experience ‘real-life’ in the equine industry.”
Sue Bradshaw
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Tyler Cassells
Georgie Critchley
Professional Event Rider and BE Accredited Coach
Equine Vet
In his role as a mentor, Tyler Cassells’ wide-ranging knowledge of the equestrian world is of huge benefit to our HE students. Tyler commented: “I see my role as being someone outside of the college environment who students can approach. This is a tough industry, but there are many opportunities and I try to make undergraduates aware of these options in order to broaden their horizons.” Tyler, who in 2011 was selected for both the BEF Excel Talent Programme and the Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme, completed a Foundation Degree in Equine Science at Reaseheath before going on to study via distance learning with Warwickshire College.
(BVSc, CERT AVP, MRCVS)
Equine Vet Georgie Critchley, graduated from Liverpool University Vet School in 2001. After a short spell working for a mixed veterinary practice in Kent, Georgie joined the Brown Moss Equine Clinic in Cheshire. Georgie said: “I was delighted when I was asked to be involved with the HE degree programmes at Reaseheath. I feel that my role as a mentor is to suggest themes that are industry relevant. If I have a personal interest in an area that I believe would benefit from more research, then I try to guide the students towards such topics”.
He graduated in 2014 with a BA (Hons) in Equine Science and Management.
Tyler Cass ells
itchley Georgie Cr
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Research opportunities at Harthill
Harthill
BEF MAREC Internship
As a Reaseheath undergraduate, you’ll benefit from our employer mentor scheme, our extensive industry links and have access to relevant work placements to give you the transferable skills which employers rate so highly.
Each year, the British Equestrian Federation (BEF) invites applications for a competitive internship at Virginia Tech’s Middleburg Agricultural Research and Extension (MARE) Center; a ground-breaking equine research and education facility located in Virginia, USA.
We are proud of our long-standing association with the Bolesworth Castle Estate and work in collaboration with the Harthill Stud and the Cheshire Equine Clinic to offer students unique research opportunities in the field of equine parasitology. This research centres on validating faecal egg counting techniques for use in industry and combines a study of the impact of parasite burden and immunology in young stock during the weaning period and resistance to anthelmintics in horses aged one to three years. The results of this project could have widespread implications by making the counting of faecal eggs more accurate. Potentially this could improve the accuracy of worming treatments used for weanlings and reduce resistance to anthelmintics in adulthood.
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In 2016, Reaseheath undergraduates Michelle Hand and Zoe Greenwood made history when they were both shortlisted for this highly-prized opportunity after submitting a 3,000-word essay on the health and welfare of equines and presenting their findings to a panel of expert judges headed by Professor Graham Suggett OBE. During a three-month internship, Michelle and Zoe were involved in the advancement of equine research in the Sports Horse and Thoroughbred industries. Michelle said: “During our visit, we were incredibly lucky to observe procedures that are almost exclusively saved for veterinary students in the UK. We witnessed the full breeding process with several high calibre mares and worked on research projects which are literally ground-breaking”.
Advancing Equine Scientific Excellence (AESE)
AESE research ers Freja Woo dward and Becky Web b present thei r findings to BE F judges
Reaseheath graduates Freja Woodward and Becky Webb had the opportunity to contribute to a collaborative British Equestrian Federation (BEF) research project, part of the BEF’s ‘Advancing Equine Scientific Excellence’ (AESE) initiative. Their research was based at riding schools and their remit was to discover how to attract and retain the modern day rider. Freja’s area of focus was increasing rider participation while Becky considered how to develop client loyalty. Freja commented: “This was an interesting and challenging experience that improved our ability to work to deadlines whilst building industry contacts and enhancing our research skills.”
BEF MAREC in terns Michelle Hand and Zoe Greenwood
Data was collected by conducting questionnaires, focus groups and interviews with the owners of each establishment, their clients and industry experts from the BEF and the British Horse Society. Becky added: “Working for an industry-linked collaboration is a rewarding experience and one that I would encourage anybody who has the opportunity to take.”
Undergradua tes at Harthill
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Graduate Profiles
Amelia Kenyon
BSc (Hons) Equine Science (Top-Up) FdSc Equine Science and Management Graduated: 2014 Profession: Equine Graduate Trainee in Higher Education Amelia Kenyon graduated from Reaseheath in 2014 with a First Class Honours degree in Equine Science. The same year, Amelia was invited to present the findings of her acclaimed industry-linked thesis, which looked at the effect of Psyllium supplementation on faecal sand output, at the Alltech Conference held at Hartpury College, Gloucestershire. Amelia commented: “Lectures are based on the most recent advances in scientific research, and the assessment methods employed at Reaseheath reflect challenges you might encounter in the workplace. “An example of this was a final year assessment that required us to work as a team of consultants for an elite performance horse yard, producing a presentation that was fit for industry. These type of assessments really prepared me for employment by developing team working and communication, time management and problem solving skills.” Whilst collecting data for her thesis, Amelia worked closely with Industry Mentor Georgie Critchley (BVSc, CERT AVP, MRCVS) from the Brown Moss Equine Clinic in Cheshire.
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Amelia believes that her time as an undergraduate also provided her with the skills to succeed in her current role as an equine graduate trainee working for our HE Equine Department. “As an undergraduate, I was gradually encouraged to become more independent and to be responsible for managing my own time with regards to assignment deadlines and data collection for my thesis, alongside managing my work and home commitments,” she said.
Ashley Neely
BSc (Hons) Equine Science Graduated: 2015 Profession: Founder of EFEC Nutrition
Ashley Neely found her niche in the equine market by launching the first mobile equine faecal egg counting business in Northern Ireland. Based in Enniskillen, Ashley’s business EFEC Nutrition is a yard-based faecal egg counting service which diagnoses worm burden in equines and offers owners nutritional advice to help keep their horses in perfect health. As a part of her business, Ashley delivers talks and demonstrations to horse owners and riders on a range of topics including the science of parasitology and general equine nutrition. She’s also had the opportunity to represent EFEC Nutrition at various specialist equestrian shows and events across Northern Ireland, including the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) equine technology showcase event.
Said Ashley: “Studying at Reaseheath helped me gain the knowledge and practical skills to start out in the equine industry. Thanks to the support of my lecturer Dawn Gale and her passion for parasitology, I found my gap in the Northern Irish market.” In August 2016, EFEC Nutrition celebrated a successful first year of business and, having already built up a strong reputation within the industry, Ashley now has plans to expand. Currently, the 22-year-old is studying with the Animal Medicines Training Regulatory Authority (AMTRA) to obtain her SQP qualifications. Once achieved, EFEC Nutrition will also be offering faecal egg counting in farm animals such as sheep and cows. For more information about EFEC Nutrition visit: facebook.com/EFECnutrition1
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Charlotte Woolley
BSc (Hons) Equine Science Graduated: 2014 Profession: PhD Student, The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh In 2014, Charlotte Woolley graduated with a First Class Honours degree and was awarded a prestigious internship to visit the Middleburg Agricultural Research and Extension (MARE) Center, part of the Virginia Tech State University, USA.
Charlotte, who hails from Buxton in Derbyshire, explained: “The internship was a fantastic experience – truly life changing. I was able to build on both my academic and practical skills and broaden my horizons in terms of my knowledge of the equine industry.”
This university specialises in breeding and producing top quality sports horses and 21-year-old Charlotte trained in veterinary techniques whilst assisting with research into nutrition, reproduction and parasitology. She also helped to prepare young stock for the show ring and ran educational outreach workshops with children.
Aiming for a career as a veterinary research scientist, Charlotte went on to complete her Masters degree in Animal Biosciences at the University of Edinburgh and was then awarded a funded PhD with The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh to research canine epidemiology and genetics. Charlotte added: “I really enjoyed studying for my degree at Reaseheath. There’s a great atmosphere and you get lots of individual support from your lecturers.”
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Chris Jones
FdSc Equine Science, Complementary Therapy and Natural Horsemanship Graduated: 2013 Profession: Rehabilitation Centre Team Member at Redwings Horse Sanctuary
After graduating, Chris Jones immediately secured employment as an Equine Centre Team Member at Redwings Horse Sanctuary in Norfolk. Said Chris: “Initially, I was responsible for completing general duties and working alongside our in-house veterinary team to help administer medication and to perform various health treatments. Then in August 2014, I was offered my current post in the Behaviour Unit.” Chris’s responsibilities include working with horses with behavioural issues by using various methods of training, including equitation science and learning theory; the knowledge of which he acquired during his degree. Whilst studying at Reaseheath, Chris was given the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to
become involved with a project for the BBC’s ‘Countryfile’ programme. Chris explained: “I was given the chance to train four completely unhandled, feral Exmoor foals who were owned by Countryfile presenter Adam Henson. Through the application of theory covered in modules, including applied behavioural theory and behaviour and welfare, my team and I successfully trained the foals to undertake daily tasks to a level where they could be handled with ease. “The Exmoor project was extremely valuable to my current role as it gave me the experience of working with nervous horses. This has been essential when working with the behavioural projects at Redwings.”
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Emily Westwood
BSc (Hons) Equine Science (Top-Up) FdSc Equine Science and Management Graduated: 2015 Profession: Yard Manager and Veterinary Nurse, Nantwich Veterinary Group Equine Centre/Founder of ShakeazeTM Muzzle Guard Equine Science graduate Emily Westwood is focused on a following a highly specialised career in veterinary medicine. Upon graduating in 2015 with a First Class Honours degree and an award for academic excellence, Emily was successful in securing a place at the prestigious Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies in Edinburgh to read Veterinary Medicine and Surgery. During her time at Reaseheath, Emily was given the opportunity to complete a work placement with the Nantwich Veterinary Group at their Equine Centre and it was here that her passion for veterinary medicine was kindled. Her placement led to an offer of employment at the equine centre, with Emily staying on as Yard Manager and as a Veterinary Nurse. At the same time, making the most of her business prowess and skills of innovation, Emily launched her own business designing and manufacturing a product to help horses suffering from the symptoms of ‘headshaking’ syndrome. The proceeds from sales of her ShakeazeTM Muzzle Guard have helped Emily to raise the necessary funds to pursue her dream of becoming a vet.
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Emily, 28, has successfully raised £150,000 which will cover the costs of her course fees whilst studying in Edinburgh. She credits the invaluable support of the Nantwich Veterinary Group Equine Centre and their connections who have assisted her in achieving this impressive accomplishment. Further information about ShakeazeTM Muzzle Guard can be found at shakeaze.com
Emma Hazell
BSc (Hons) Equine Science Graduated: 2012 Profession: Executive Assistant to the Chairman and Chief Executive of the British Equestrian Federation (BEF) After completing her degree at Reaseheath, Emma Hazell (nee Carr) worked outside of the equine industry for a short period before relocating to Oxfordshire where she secured a job as an Equine Veterinary Nurse with the Avonvale Veterinary Practice. Emma’s current role with the British Equestrian Federation (BEF) came about after she saw the post advertised. “I wanted to embark on a career at the core of the equine industry and working for the BEF – who are the national governing body for horse sports in the UK and affiliated to the FEI – is an incredible opportunity. My course at Reaseheath prepared me for the industry by helping me to develop a range of transferable skills through the various projects and work placements that I experienced,” Emma explained.
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Hannah Dickson
BSc (Hons) Equine Science (Top-Up) FdSc Equine Science, Complementary Therapy and Natural Horsemanship Graduated: 2015 Profession: Equine Faecal Analyst/Founder of ‘Equine Erudition’ After graduating with a BSc (Hons) in Equine Science and a thesis which was celebrated as being an ‘Outstanding Achievement in Undergraduate Research’, 22-year-old Hannah Dickson was keen to put her study into practice. With a blend of entrepreneurial spirit and the research skills acquired during her degree, Hannah launched her own mobile faecal egg counting business under the name of ‘Equine Erudition’.
During her degree, Hannah had the opportunity to gain valuable work experience at the Harthill Stud in Cheshire and this is where her interest in faecal egg counting was first developed. Hannah explained: “My time at Reaseheath was fantastic because it taught me how to organise many things at once. This skill has definitely helped me to set up my business and I learned everything there is to know about parasites during my studies. “It was hard to choose which direction to pursue with regards to a career, as I had thoroughly enjoyed all aspects of my degree course. However, after my work experience at Harthill, I approached one of my lecturers for advice about setting up a business which really helped me to get things started. I loved every minute of studying at Reaseheath, it truly fuelled my passion for working in the equine industry.” Find out more about EquineErudition at: equineerudition.co.uk
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Laura Friend
BSc (Hons) Equine Science Graduated: 2013 Profession: Research Assistant, Thoroughbred Health Network (University of Glasgow) In 2010, Laura Friend made the lifechanging decision to resign from her career of 10 years and to enrol as a mature entry student on our BSc (Hons) in Equine Science. As an undergraduate, Laura was committed to gaining experience and to forging links within the industry. She worked on a part-time basis for Bolesworth Castle Estate and at Kelsall Hill Equestrian Centre, whilst her work as a volunteer included the Thoroughbred Rehabilitation Centre in Lancashire. “My career will always be driven by a desire to understand and advance the health of equines in both sport and recreation. Consequently, I am also motivated by the challenges that threaten the long-term sustainability of the equestrian industry.” Upon graduating and with a burgeoning interest in the horseracing industry, Laura was fortunate enough to secure a place on the British Horseracing Authority’s Graduate Programme. This exciting opportunity began with a two-week residential course in Newmarket followed by work placements at York Racecourse and the Horserace Betting Levy Board in London.
Laura has gone on from this to undertake an MBA in ‘Thoroughbred Horseracing Industries’ at the University of Liverpool where she is in her final year of part-time study. Currently employed by the University of Glasgow, Laura is developing a new horse health initiative named the Thoroughbred Health Network.
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Lucy Atkins
BSc (Hons) Equine Science (Top-Up) FdSc Equine Science and Management Graduated: 2010 Profession: Veterinary Postgraduate Programmes Support, University of Liverpool (Leahurst) Reaseheath opened doors to a new career for Lucy Atkins when in 2007 she enrolled as a mature entry student on our BSc (Hons) Equine Science degree. Lucy’s career up until this point had been in Family Support but a life-long interest in animals, particularly horses, prompted her decision. On successfully completing her degree with First Class Honours, Lucy worked for a specialist claims management company in equine insurance before landing a job with the University of Liverpool in their Veterinary Postgraduate Unit.
Lucy’s current role involves supporting the Veterinary Postgraduate Programmes Coordinators and Administrators in the production and delivery of online modules for all postgraduate taught students within the unit. In addition, Lucy supports the Postgraduate Diploma/MSc Veterinary Physiotherapy Programme by coordinating all clinical placements and provides technical support during Residential Schools including the recruitment and handling of animals for Veterinary Physiotherapy training. Said Lucy: “I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Reaseheath. I always felt fully supported by the lecturers particularly as I had returned to Higher Education as a mature student. The modules were very interesting and challenging and gave me the knowledge that I needed to change my career path. “I particularly enjoyed the research year where I was able to study in depth a condition that had affected my own horse.”
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Natalie Harrison
BSc (Hons) Equine Science Graduated: 2016 Profession: Founder of Cheshire Equine Services
Before enrolling at Reaseheath, Natalie Harrison ran her own business as a freelance groom but after working at a racehorse rehabilitation yard, her interest in equine rehabilitation and therapy blossomed. As an undergraduate on our BSc (Hons) Equine Science programme, Natalie grew her existing business to incorporate her work as an Equine Bodyworker and, in July 2015, she launched Cheshire Equine Services.
Since graduating, Natalie has accepted an offer to study Veterinary Physiotherapy with Canine and Equine Physiotherapy Training (CEPT) at the University of Nottingham. Said Natalie: “I am very grateful for all the help I received from my lecturers at Reaseheath and in particular the support of Equine Undergraduate Programme Leader Dr Jan Birch. For someone who considers themselves to be ‘not really academic’, I couldn’t have done it without their encouragement.” Find out more about Cheshire Equine Services at: cheshireequineservices.co.uk
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Phillip Adams
BSc (Hons) Equine Science Graduated: 2013 Profession: Course Manager, Writtle University College
Phillip Adams graduated from Reaseheath with a BSc (Hons) in Equine Science whilst he was working as a member of staff on our Equine Unit. Phil, who holds the BHSAI certificate along with a Diploma in Education and Training, decided to return to education as a mature student after many years of working as an Operations Manager for a large communications company. In that role he was responsible for managing a team of people to meet company objectives. Prior to this, Phil worked at the Yorkshire Riding Centre under Jane and Christopher Bartle before he relocated to Italy to become a Yard Manager and Federal Rider in Florence.
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Phil‘s broad experience of the horse industry fostered a keen interest in gait analysis, anatomy, biomechanical efficiency and the way in which each ridden discipline can affect a horse’s physiology. Phil commented: “During my second and third year of study at Reaseheath, my wife had some health issues and without the help, guidance and fantastic teaching abilities of the HE teaching staff I would have never finished my degree and I certainly wouldn’t be where I am today. I can never thank them enough.” Phil is currently completing an MSc in Veterinary Physiotherapy and, since September 2015, he has been Course Manager for the Integrated Masters in Veterinary Physiotherapy and the BSc in Animal Therapy at Writtle University College in Essex.
Sarah Kearney
BSc (Hons) Equine Science (Top-Up) FdSc Equine Science and Management Graduated: 2012 Profession: Nutritionist, Dodson and Horrell In 2012, Equine Science undergraduate Sarah Kearney (nee Rainford), was awarded the prestigious Eqvalan Duo Equine Thesis of the Year. The following year, Sarah was invited to speak at the HETI (Federation of Horses in Education and Therapy International) Conference and at the National Equine Forum (NEF) where she was honoured to meet HRH Princess Anne. The Royal Agricultural Society of England devised this award in recognition of exceptional equine academic achievements among college and university students.
chosen as the winner of the thesis of the year award, especially with the high standard of other entries. I hope that the work I have done will go towards validating the work of the RDA.” After graduating, Sarah secured a post as a nutritionist with feed company Dodson & Horrell. Her duties include advising owners on their horse’s dietary requirements, writing magazine articles and helping to develop new feed ranges.
Sarah faced much competition, with finalists being chosen from Writtle University College, the Royal Agricultural College, Anglia Ruskin University and the University of Limerick. The remit of Sarah’s thesis was to consider whether horse riding could successfully increase joint mobility in physically disabled children. She developed an interest in this subject after doing work experience with the Riding for the Disabled (RDA) group at Foxes Riding School on the Wirral. Sarah, who has gone on to study for an MSc in Equine Science at the University of Edinburgh, said: “I was extremely proud and honoured to be have been
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