Performance in Equestrian Sports

The Centre for Performance in Equestrian Sport (PIES) has a strong interest in musculoskeletal, locomotion and performance in horses with members of the group also studying riders in equestrian sporting disciplines. Part of this work is being done by a collaborative research group, initiated last year, between Hartpury and the University of Worcester.  A strong therapy / behavioural / welfare theme runs through aspects of this  work with an ultimate aim to improve our understanding of what makes an elite horse or rider and factors that can improve the training and welfare of horses. Equine dentistry is also an area of interest and collaborative research with a group at the Vision Lab Research Centre at UWE is on-going.
 
Members of the Centre include:
Jane Williams, Lucy Dumbell, Kirsty Lesniak, Anke Twigg-Flesner, Jo Winfield, Victoria Lewis, Toni Williams, Darcy Bornemann, Rosie Scott-Ward, Linda Greening and Kathryn Nankervis
 
Recent Research Activity:
Jo Winfield successfully published her book ‘Eventing’ with The Crowood Press.  Aiming to ‘guide the reader through preparing for and competing at their first event’ this book reflects Jo’s extensive experiences in the area.

On Saturday 12th November Hartpury College played host to the biennial Judges Training Event of the Welsh Pony and Cob Society.  Over 400 people were in attendance and in a well received presentation Lucy Dumbell spoke about ‘Obesity and its implications’.

In October Jane Williams, Linda Greening and Kirsty Lesniak attended the 7th International Equitation Science Conference at Academy Bartels, The Netherlands on the theme ‘Equitation Science: principles and practices – science at work’.  Six abstracts from the Centre were presented and everyone enjoyed the collegiate atmosphere at this excellent conference.