Testimonials

A selection of previous graduates were asked to describe their current employment, their view of the programme at the University and their impression of how it equipped them for their current careers.

I thoroughly enjoyed completing my MSc Equine Science Degree with Edinburgh University. The modules were always well-organised and the topics diverse and stimulating. The course being online and part-time meant that I could fit my learning around my other commitments. The lecturers and course organisers have all been so encouraging and supportive, helping me to achieve my potential and graduating with a Distinction. The course has boosted my confidence and has led me to become a Peer Tutor, as well as continuing my studies into a PhD with Hartpury University.

Eva Styles

I would like to thank everyone involved with the MSc Equine Science programme at Edinburgh for providing such an enjoyable and interesting experience. I am looking forward to building on the skills and knowledge I developed during this course in future equine research projects.

Kate

I had a bit of a unique perspective on the programme as, despite being accepted to study at the RAC and Hartpury College, I could not attend any on campus programmes due to custody arrangements for my son at the time. I was extremely pleased that the University of Edinburgh Equine Science MSc programme became available at just the right time. I could continue to care for my son at home and work towards my MSc as well. It is a top class degree and the perfect solution for those (like me) that wish to further their education/knowledge whilst working from home. A truly wonderful opportunity that I highly recommend.

Wendy Watson

I found the MSc in Equine Science to be a wonderful experience. The online format allowed me to maintain full time employment while enhancing my academic qualifications. While this format may seem daunting at first, the support you receive from the Equine Science team is tremendous. The whole team contributes to a sense of community which makes asking questions and participating in discussions very easy. I would recommend this programme to anyone with an interest in horses or a desire to sharpen their scientific skills.

Christine Filion

A super programme that allows you to continue your professional development in the equine field whilst carrying on in employment or with other commitments. This programme enhances your knowledge with up to date research underpinned and supported by the tutors, professors, students and all those involved in running the programme. I feel confident this qualification will enhance my current and future employment opportunities.

Diane Ross

Online education is challenging, whilst it is convenient because you can maintain your current career track and not interrupt your children's education in the pursuit of your degree it adds a bit of difficulty to the learning environment as you work in your own space in your own time. You must be proactive in online education and reach out for help when you need it. The Equine Science team and particularly Sharon Boyd, were phenomenal. I wouldn't have got through without such brilliant assistance. They were always prompt in riding in to save me when I called for help. The technical support was first rate and the effort they put for the encouraged me to remain connected. I can't say enough about them, their support has been above and beyond the call of duty, and nothing ever seemed too daunting. I sometimes imagined them receiving the same questions, the same emails about problems with the website or a PDF that wouldn't open or a programme that wouldn't download, but they never relayed any impatience in their emails and this made it easy for us to communicate openly with them. Their professionalism, but at the same time, informal friendliness made the development of the relationship effortless. Do I think the effort/expense was worth it.....absolutely. My technical expertise has grown immensely and the content of the programme provides a deepened base of knowledge in my focus area. Both of these areas have enhanced my professional credentials and were the catalyst for pursuing this programme of study. My appreciation for the programme and the people who helped me in the pursuit of this degree have my deepest gratitude.

Amy Newman

I have dreamt of attending the University of Edinburgh for many years and to experience the beauty and elegance of the graduation ceremony in November for a degree I'm so passionate about was extremely special.

Nadia

I can't tell you how much I enjoyed the Nutrition class. It was tough since I hadn't had any kind of science class since my first year in University 20 years ago (being a BA student), but I put my nose to my books and ignored the brain fry and got through it, and I have already made changes in my barn management as a result. I loved the balance between the theoretical/science and the very practical. I also loved the assessment structure with the presentation and the ration calculation scenario and infographic. I learned so much for both, but the structure made it exciting work rather than "here-we-go-again" paper-writing. Thank you to you and your staff for how you have sculpted the courses and coursework.

Anna Grace

It has been incredibly enjoyable (and life changing!) on many levels.  Thanks for an amazing experience :)

Emily

A big thank you for all your help and assistance throughout the years. 

It has been an amazing experience, I learned a lot with the programme. The dissertation research was also a lifetime opportunity, hard to describe how valuable it was, professionally and personally.

Horacio

A Day in the Life of an Online Learning Postgraduate Student: MSc Equine Science

2020 Graduation

Shirley Ferber

2019 Graduation

Nancy  McLean (USA)

2017 Graduation

Kaitlin Knox (Canada)

2017 Graduation

Shayne Mathieson (UK)

2017 Graduation

Victoria Lindsay (UK) discusses her dissertation, the support from staff, and what she enjoyed most about the MSc programme.

2017 Graduation

Emily Stearns (USA)

2017 Graduation

Maria Wihelmsson (Sweden)

2016 Graduation

Aurélie Jolivald (France)

Equine Science Dissertation Thesis Award Winners

• Dawn Ianson (2020-2021) Canadian horse owners use of Cannabidiol: A Survey.

• Sarah Reega (2019-2020) Anticipation of trotting: is there an effect on the horse and rider?
• Kate Horan (2019-2020) - The effect of horseshoes and surfaces on horse and rider centre of mass displacements at gallop.

• Daisy Taylor (2018-2019) - Seasonal variation of time budgets in domesticated male Icelandic horses at pasture

• Laura-Valentina Schiebel (2018-2019) - How management factors can improve welfare and future performance of the growing horse.

• Katy Welch (2017-2018) - A critical review of smart textiles or novel materials and polymers in saddlery:  A serious proposal or another fad?

• Paulette Cully (2016-2017) - Are Thoroughbred horses left or right-handed? The motor laterality preferences of the gallop gain of UK Thoroughbred, flat racehorses

• Aurélie Jolivald (2015-2016) - The effect of bridle design on stress and performance indicators in the ridden horse: A comparison between traditional English bridles and Rambo Micklem Multibridles.

Scientific Journal Publications

• Horan, K., Kourdache, K., Coburn, J., Day, P.S., Brinkley, L., Carnall, H., Harborne, D., Hammond, L., Millard, S.W., Lancaster, B. & Pfau, T. (2021). The effect of horseshoes and surfaces on horse and rider centre of mass displacements at gallop.  (In Press).

• Mott, R. O., Hawthorne, S.J. & McBride, S.D. (2020). Blink rate as a measure of stress and attention in the domestic horse (Equus caballus).  https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-020-78386-z 

• Wood, L.J., Lancaster., B.E., Breheny, M.R., and Rogers, C.W. (2020). Trainers perceptions of the impact of different feeding and management practices on racehorses they identified displaying symptoms of recurrent exertional rhabdomyolysis. New Zealand Society of Animal Production. In Press.

• Wood, L.J., Lancaster, B.E., and Rogers, C.W. (2019) The feeding and management of Thoroughbred and Standardbred Race Horses displaying clinical signs of Recurrent Exertional Rhabdomyolysis.  New Zealand Society of Animal Production. 79 pp 26-31.  DOI: http://www.nzsap.org/proceedings/feeding-and-management-thoroughbred-and-standardbred-racehorses-displaying-clinical

• Iungano, H., Lancaster, B.E. & Wolfrmm, I. (2018).  Investigating the relationship between performance strategies, resilience qualities, riding experience and competitive performance of show jumping riders. Comparative Exercise Physiology. 15(1) pp 69-76  https://www.wageningenacademic.com/doi/abs/10.3920/CEP180019

• Vertz, J*, Deblanc, D., Rhodin, M. & Pfau, T. (2018).  Effect of a unilateral hind limb orthotic lift on upper body movement symmetry in the trotting horse.  PLOSONE. 13 (6). Orthotic lift

• Cully, P.*, Nielsen, B., Lancaster, B., Martin, J., & McGreevy, P. (2018). The laterality of the gallop gait in Thoroughbred racehorses. PLOS ONE. 13 (6) Laterality of gallop gait

• Bergenstrahle, A. & Nielsen, B.D. (2016). Attitude and Behavior of Veterinarians Surrounding the Use of Complementary and Alternative Veterinary Medicine in the Treatment of Equine Musculoskeletal Pain. Journal of Equine Veterinary Science. 45, pp87-9 Musculoskeletal pain

• Hampson, A.*, and Randle, H. (2015). The influence of an 8-week rider core fitness program on the equine back at sitting trot. International Journal of Performance Analysis in Sport. 15,3, pp 1145-1159 Rider Core Fitness

• Murray, J.A., Bloxham, C*., Kulifay, J., Anne Stevenson, A. & Roberts, J. (2015). Equine Nutrition: A Survey of Perceptions and Practices of Horse Owners Undertaking a Massive Open Online Course in Equine Nutrition Journal of Equine Veterinary Science. 35, pp 510–517. doi:10.1016/j.jevs.2015.02.005 Equine Nutrition: A Survey of Perceptions and Practices of Horse Owners Undertaking a Massive Open Online Course

• Lefebvre, D*., Pirie, R.S., Handel, I.G., Tremaine, W.H. & Hudson N.P.H. (2014). Clinical features and management of equine postoperative ileus (POI): Survey of Diplomats of the European Colleges of Equine Internal Medicine (ECEIM) and Veterinary Surgeons (ECVS). Equine Veterinary Journal – In press. doi: https://dx.doi.org/10.1111/evj.12355. Clinical features and management of equine POI
• Morley, S.A*., & Murray, J.A. (2014). Effects of body condition score on the reproductive physiology of the brood mare: A review. Journal of Equine Veterinary Science. 34, pp 842-853. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jevs.2014.04.001 Effects of body condition score on the reproductive physiology of the brood mare
• Roberts, J.L*. & Murray, J.A. (2014). Equine Nutrition in the United States: A review f perceptions and practices of horse owners and veterinarians. Journal of Equine Veterinary Science. 34, pp 854-859. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jevs.2014.04.006 Equine Nutrition in the United States
• Roberts, J.L*. & Murray, J.A. (2013). Survey of Equine Nutrition: Perceptions and practices of veterinarians in Georgia, USA. Journal of Equine Veterinary Science. 33, pp 454-459. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jevs.2012.08.001 Survey of Equine Nutrition

• Walker, V.A*., Dyson, S.J. and Murray, R.C. (2013). Effect of a Pessoa training aid on temporal, linear and angular variables of the working trot. The Veterinary Journal. 198 (2): pp 404-411 http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.tvjl.2013.07.005

Presented at Conferences

• Howard, D*., Lancaster, B.E. and de Grauw, J.  (2021).   Development of a chronic pain monitoring instrument for owners recognition of osteoarthritis pain in horses through behavioural indicator. International Society for Equitation Science online conference, Advancing equine practice to improve quality of life. Oral Presentation.

• Bohara, G*., Lancaster, B.E.  and Randle, H. (2021).  The effect of elastic reins on rein tension and performance in dressage horses.  International Society of Equitation Science Online Conference:  Advancing Equestrian Practice to improve equine quality of life. 20^th & 21^st October 2021.

• Reega, S.J*, Lancaster, B.E., and Randle, H. (2021). Anticipation of trotting: is there an effect on the horse and rider?  10^th Alltech Hartpury Virtual Conference, 30^th June – 1^st July 2021.

• Ferber, S.*, Lancaster, B.E. and Ellis, A.E. (2021). Arid Climates: The occurrence of equine colic in relation to management practices.  13^th International Equine Colic Virtual Symposium, 4-7^th September 2021.

• Shirley Ferber* (2020), Feeding management and health of horses in arid climates. Online Oral Presentation, European Society of Veterinary and Comparative Nutrition 2020 Virtual Conference.
• Kate Horan* (2020), The effect of horseshoes and surfaces on horse and rider centre of mass displacements at gallop. – Online Oral Presentation, UK Equine Student Conference 2020
• Ida Meyer* (2020), Rethinking reinforcement: Protected contact training to improve welfare in horse training. Online Oral Presentation, UK Equine Student Conference 2020
• Wood, L.J*,Lancaster, B.E. and Rogers, C.W. (2019)  The feeding and management of Thoroughbred and Standardbred Racehorses displaying clinical signs of recurrent exertional rhabdomyolysis. New Zealand Journal of Animal Science and Production 2019 Annual Conference -  2-4 July 2019, Palmerston North, New Zealand
• Hayes, H*., Lancaster, B.E. & Ellis, A.E. (2019) – Poster - Foal Serum and Mare Colostrum IgG content according to time of collection and nutraceutical dietary supplement. 23^rd Congress of the European Society of Veterinary & Comparative Nutrition, Turin, Italy,  18 - 20^th September 2019
• Wilhelmsson, M.* (2018) Poster - Observations on digestive and ingestive parameters in 6 performance horses when moved form a traditional, high concentrate diet (TD) to high forage (HF) diet – A field study. International Conference on Equine Exercise Physiology – 12-16 November 2018
• Iungano, H.* (2018) Investigating the relationship between performance strategies, resilience qualities, riding experience and competitive performance of show jumping riders. European Workshop on Equine Nutrition – 15 & 16 August 2018.

• Lindsay, V.* (2018) Poster -  An investigation into the use of digital infrared thermal imaging as a diagnostic tool in horses with recurrent exertional rhabdomyolysis and polysaccharide storage myopathy

• Bornmann, T.* (2016)  Riders’ perceptions, understanding and theoretical application of learning theory. 12th  International Society of Equitation Science Conference, Saumur, France. http://www.equitationscience.com/documents/Conferences/2016/Proceedings%20ISES%202016.pdf
• Bulmer. L.S*, McBride, S.D., & Murray, J.A. (2014). The effect of a high-starch or high-fibre diet on normal equine behaviour. Presented at 7th Equine Workshop on Equine Nutrition, Leipzig, Germany.
• Wentworth-Stanley, C*, Randle, H., & Wolframm, I. (2014), Survey of Canadian certified coaches’ understanding and application of learning theory in horse training. Poster Presentation at the International Society for Equitation Science Annual Conference, Denmark.
• Brown, S*; Hastie, P. M., O'Shaughnessy, P, Waggett, B, Warren, H, & Murray, J.A. (2012) The effect of live yeast culture supplementation on fibrolytic and saccharolytic bacterial populations in the faeces of horses fed a high-fibre or high-starch diet. Presented at Sixth European equine Health and Nutrition Congress. Ghent, Belgium.

Link to ISES Conference

• J.David Stack*, Matthieu Cousty, Ruth Sanders & Florent David. (2014) Techniques and Indications of Intraoperative Ultrasonography in Horses. American College of Veterinary Surgeons Conference in San Diego.

Link to ACVS

* MSc Equine Science Student.