Hartpury University proudly played a prominent educational role at this year’s Horses Inside Out Conference, reinforcing its commitment to advancing equine science, welfare and performance through research-led teaching and industry collaboration.
Across the three-day event, Hartpury academics delivered expert presentations, led interactive workshops and supported practical learning experiences for delegates from across the equine sector.
Dr Kirsty Leśniak, Senior Lecturer (Teaching and Research) in Equine Science, led the Interactive Zone within the Horses Inside Out Anatomy Exhibition during the first two days of the conference. Delegates were invited to arrange the bones of an equine skeleton while exploring joint alignment, bone orientation and key structural features. Kirsty also discussed skeletal anomalies in relation to individual horse history, encouraging delegates to consider the practical implications of anatomy in performance and welfare.
On day two, Kirsty presented Equine Skeletal Asymmetry: Developmental or Discipline Related? The session examined subtle left-right differences in facial and limb traits, exploring why asymmetries occur and whether asymmetries of certain bilateral traits may provide discipline-specific advantages. Her research-informed insights prompted discussion around the interpretation of asymmetry in both sport horse development and clinical assessment.
On Saturday evening, Kirsty was honoured with a special ‘Contributions to Horses Inside Out Award’. The award recognised her significant impact on equine science education, including promoting anatomical understanding to thousands of students, her research and teaching at Hartpury, and her longstanding collaboration with Horses Inside Out, notably co-delivering annual equine dissection workshops.
Professor Meriel Moore-Colyer delivered a focused and thought-provoking presentation titled Where We Are Now: An Update on the Science Behind Nutrition. She explored three interconnecting key areas: feeding forage, its impact on the equine microbiome, and how the microbiome plays a significant role in obesity. Her session highlighted the latest research insights shaping nutritional management strategies and emphasised the importance of evidence-based approaches in supporting equine health and weight management.
Professor Moore-Colyer also coordinated the conference poster sessions, where students and industry professionals presented research and project work they had undertaken. Six contributors were selected to deliver short theatre-style presentations, further showcasing their ideas, methodologies and findings to delegates. The sessions demonstrated the depth of innovation and collaboration taking place across the equine sector.
Dr Gillian Tabor (Reader in Veterinary Physiotherapy and Programme Manager) also represented Hartpury University, delivering two lectures focused on evidence-based musculoskeletal assessment, treatment and rehabilitation strategies. Her sessions explored the detection of asymmetry, subtle dysfunction and postural imbalance, improving the accuracy of equine soundness evaluation. Emphasising research-supported physiotherapy approaches, Gillian highlighted how restoring symmetry can support recovery and promote sustainable performance.
On Sunday, Dr Kathryn Nankervis (Associate Professor and Equine Therapy Centre Director) presented on the application of water treadmill exercise for training and rehabilitation. Her session included highlights from Hartpury’s recent research projects in this area, demonstrating how controlled aquatic exercise can support conditioning, recovery and performance development across a range of equine disciplines.
On the final day of the conference, Gillian led hands-on Equine Postural Assessment workshops. Delegates were guided through structured observation and interpretation of key postural indicators linked to musculoskeletal health. The practical format enabled attendees to build confidence in identifying early signs of dysfunction, enhancing equine comfort, performance and welfare outcomes.
Kirsty also delivered Hoof Asymmetry Assessment workshops, guiding participants through the evaluation of hoof symmetry and conformation. The sessions equipped delegates with practical assessment techniques designed to support multidisciplinary teams in optimising horse comfort, performance and long-term welfare.
Hartpury University’s active participation at the Horses Inside Out Conference reflects its ongoing commitment to bridging scientific research with industry practice. By combining academic expertise with applied workshops and collaborative learning, Hartpury continues to play a leading role in advancing equine education and supporting professionals across the sector.
