معرفی
Professor Hayley Randle serves as Head of the School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences at Charles Sturt University in Wagga Wagga, Australia. With over 20 years of experience in higher education, she has established herself as a leading expert in equine science and welfare, with particular expertise in rider-horse interactions and equitation science.
Dr. Randle earned her BSc (Hons) in Biology and Psychology in 1990 and completed her PhD in Animal Science on cattle at Exeter University, UK in 1995. Her academic journey has spanned multiple international institutions, focusing on animal welfare, statistics, and equitation science.
Professor Randle's research primarily centers on equine welfare, with specific interests in:
- The direct and indirect impacts of riders/handlers on horses within equestrianism
- Rein tension studies and their implications for horse welfare
- The ridden horse ethogram as an assessment tool
- Application of Learning Theory in horse training
- Breeding management plans for feral herds of equids
- Impacts of weaning practices on mare and foal welfare
- Quality of life assessment in equids
Her recent publications (2022-2025) demonstrate a continued focus on practical applications of equitation science, with particular emphasis on welfare assessment tools, rider-horse interactions, and evidence-based training approaches. Key trends include the development of standardized assessment methodologies for equine movement quality, investigation of emotional indicators in horses, and practical interventions to improve equine welfare in various management contexts.
Professor Randle has received numerous professional recognitions:
- CSU RED Community Award for Bushfire Evacuation Centre coordination (2019)
- CSU RED nomination for Equine Science Team (2018)
- Honorary Fellow for services to Education (2017)
- International Society of Equitation Science (ISES) Honorary Trustee (2018)
- Honorary President of International Society for Equitation Science (2015)
As an academic leader, Professor Randle has examined PhDs internationally and serves as a frequent reviewer for high-impact animal and veterinary journals. She has led projects to develop academic land-based programs aligned with industry needs and has contributed significantly to Teaching and Learning Quality Assurance at the national level. Her work with the International Society for Equitation Science, where she has served in multiple leadership roles including President, has helped shape the global direction of evidence-based equitation practices.
Professor Randle is actively involved in several research projects investigating quality of life in equids and has organized major international conferences, including the successful ISES 2017 conference at Charles Sturt University. She continues to bridge the gap between research and practical application in equitation science, working closely with industry stakeholders to translate scientific findings into improved welfare practices.
