Hartpury University researchers and a PhD candidate have presented new research spanning equine biomechanics, rehabilitation, tack and horse management at the British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) Congress.
The research presented at the Congress has also been accepted for publication in the Equine Veterinary Journal, highlighting Hartpury’s contribution to the growing evidence base supporting equine health, welfare and performance.
Associate Professor in Biomechanics Dr Russell MacKechnie-Guire and Hartpury colleague Dr Vicki Walker were among those presenting research at the Congress, covering areas including bridle pressures, polework and movement symmetry, and thoracolumbar movement during different forms of exercise.
One study compared nasal and occipital pressures in horses ridden in snaffle and bitless bridles. The research was conducted by Russell MacKechnie-Guire, David Marlin, Hilary Clayton, J. Douglas, H. Reader, M. Fisher, D. Fisher, Vicki Walker, Jane Williams and Rachel Murray.
A second study investigated whether polework exercise performed in trot on a straight line and circle alters movement symmetry in horses. Led by Vicki Walker and involving an international research team including Hartpury PhD and MSc Veterinary Physiotherapy graduate Dr Isabeau Deckers, the study adds to the evidence available to equine professionals when considering the use of polework.
Vicki also presented research examining thoracolumbar range of motion during walking in-hand, long reining and treadmill exercise in horses. The work was part of undergraduate projects completed by Annette Stobbe and Charlotte Brookes, who both studed BSc (Hons) Equine Performance and Rehabilitation at Hartpury. The study contributes to understanding how different exercise modalities influence movement of the horse’s back, with potential relevance to training and rehabilitation.
Hartpury PhD candidate Cobi Baillie also presented findings from her doctoral research exploring the veterinarian’s role in horse owners’ management of saddle fit. The research, conducted with Kathryn Nankervis, Jane Williams and Russell MacKechnie-Guire, was well received at the Congress.
Dr Russell MacKechnie-Guire, Associate Professor in Biomechanics (Research) at Hartpury University, said: “It was fantastic to see Hartpury so well represented at BEVA Congress and to have the opportunity to share our latest research with veterinary professionals and researchers.
“The breadth of the work presented – from biomechanics and exercise to tack and owner decision-making – demonstrates the importance of multidisciplinary research in improving our understanding of equine health, welfare and performance.
“It was particularly pleasing to see Cobi presenting findings from her PhD alongside research involving colleagues and collaborators from Hartpury and further afield. Having this work accepted for publication in the Equine Veterinary Journal is another important step in ensuring the findings reach the wider equine and veterinary communities.”
The studies presented were:
· Comparison of nasal and occipital pressures for horses ridden in snaffle and bitless bridles – R. MacKechnie-Guire, D. Marlin, H. Clayton, J. Douglas, H. Reader, M. Fisher, D. Fisher, V. Walker, J. Williams and R. Murray.
· Does polework exercise in trot on a straight line and circle alter movement symmetry? – V. Walker, A. Landry, R. Zhu, R. MacKechnie-Guire, I. Deckers, N. te Moller, G. Tabor, J. Winfield, R. Murray and C. Maddock.
· Thoracolumbar range of motion during walking in-hand, long reining and treadmill exercise in horses – V. Walker, A. Stobbe, C. Brookes, G. Tabor, H. Donovan, R. MacKechnie-Guire, R. Murray and C. Maddock.
· The veterinarian's role within horse owner management of saddle fit – C. Baillie, K. Nankervis, J. Williams and R. MacKechnie-Guire.
The research reflects Hartpury University’s continued focus on applied equine research, bringing together academics, postgraduate researchers and external collaborators to address questions with practical relevance to horses and the people who care for, train and treat them.
Hartpury’s active research environment also brings direct benefits to students, who learn alongside academics engaged in current, industry-relevant research. By embedding the latest scientific evidence and emerging knowledge into teaching, students gain insight into the questions and challenges shaping the equine sector today, while opportunities to engage with research projects, postgraduate researchers and external collaborators help develop valuable practical, analytical and research skills. This research-led approach supports Hartpury students in building the knowledge, experience and professional networks they need to contribute to the future of equine health, welfare and performance.
