Career Overview
I joined Hartpury as a junior lecturer in the Equine Department in 2006, after successfully completing a Master's degree (Equine Science). I became a Programme Manager in 2007, a Senior Lecturer (themed around Widening Participation) in 2008, a Subject Manager for Equine in 2012 and then Head of Department (Equine) in 2013, before settling into the Head of Inclusivity role in 2016. Throughout this time, I have continued to lecture around the topic of Equine Behaviour and Welfare and supervise undergraduate and postgraduate dissertations in this area, whilst conducting my own research into equine nocturnal (sleep) behaviour that led to my doctoral qualification in 2023. My research aims to understand how we can change management and husbandry to optimise sleep opportunities for horses. Within my Head of Inclusivity role, I have oversight of Hartpury's Access and Participation Plan and work to promote an inclusive culture on campus.
Externally, I chair the EDIA Committee for the International Society of Applied Ethology, and I also sit on the British Horse Society EDI Advisory Committee. I recently undertook work with the European Food Standards Agency to develop an outline for first of its kind equine welfare legislation in the EU.
Teaching and supervision
- I lead the level 7 Equine Behaviour and level 6 Equine Ethics and Welfare modules.
- I contribute to a range of undergraduate and postgraduate research, behaviour or welfare related modules.
Research interests
(Equine) Sleep behaviour
- Novel measurements
- Environmental factors affecting sleep
- Owner perceptions/management
Equine cognition
- Judgement bias testing
- Influence of different reinforcers
(Equine) Stereotypic/ abnormal repetitive behaviours
See also...
Our partners & accreditations
