Hartpury University has played a major role at the inaugural BSAS Equine Conference, held under the presidential year of Dr Helen Warren, who has been fundamental to the success of the long-running Alltech Hartpury Equine Student Conference. Hartpury University contributed expert speakers, session chairs, and graduate presenters and was the headline sponsor of the landmark event
Hartpury’s Charlotte Dodson and Kirsten Gartland showcased their postgraduate research from the MSc Applied Equine Science, while Saranna Jordan, a graduate of the MSc Equitation Science, presented her work on the retraining of racehorses. Hartpury BSc (Hons) Equine Science students also attended as delegates, gaining valuable exposure to cutting-edge research and industry collaboration.
Several Hartpury University staff members contributed significantly to the programme. Dr Russell MacKechnie-Guire, Prof. Jane Williams, and Dr Vicki Walker delivered keynote presentations, while faculty and alumni featured prominently across multiple sessions. Hartpury’s Lorna Cameron chaired the Behaviour and Welfare session, and Dr Kirsty Lesniak chaired both the Equine Health and Disease session and the Therapy and Rehabilitation session. Dr Linda Greening shed light on stable lighting practices as part of her presentation within the Behaviour and Welfare session, while Dr Gillian Tabor led a workshop around keeping horses sound.
Dr MacKechnie-Guire and Lorna Cameron also took part in the Careers Panel, offering advice and insight to early-career researchers and students.
The conference highlighted the depth and breadth of Hartpury’s equine expertise, as well as the achievements of its alumni, many of whom returned to present their latest research. Their involvement reflects Hartpury’s ongoing impact within the global equine science community and its commitment to supporting the next generation of researchers and industry leaders.
Hartpury University extends thanks to the British Society of Animal Science (BSAS) CEO Maggie Mitchell for enabling the use of conference imagery and congratulates everyone involved in delivering a successful first edition of this exciting new event in the equine science calendar.
