My own research currently focuses on two areas - road safety for riders and their mounts and the impact of bitless bridles on horse behaviour and welfare. My students have conducted behavioural studies of horses’ responses to visual and audio stimuli and also the most effective ways to introduce and familiarise a horse to unusual objects, along with much research into the racing world, looking at attendance at racecourses and reproductive issues of Thoroughbreds.
My recent road safety research since 2013 include the significance of black and white used on a rider’s tabard instead of the traditional ‘high vis’ ones. No previous research exists on this topic and I’ve had an article published on the findings in ‘Horse and Hound’ – the trade magazine. I have taken out a patent on the idea and am hoping to manufacture an actual product.
Combined with the fact that our EQS and EQT courses have, to date, seen one hundred percent of its students find employment in the industry, equine science is a really rewarding area to be involved in. I am open and happy to talk about the fact that I have Asperger’s syndrome, especially to reassure others with learning disabilities that it doesn’t mean it’ll hold you back - I’ve not let it prevent me having a successful career.