Lauren Tufton is a Senior Lecturer in the Sport department at Buckinghamshire New University, specializing in sport and exercise psychology. She holds a PhD investigating the human-horse relationship's impact on performance and welfare in equestrian sports. Her academic background includes a BSc from Buckinghamshire New University, an MSc from Loughborough University, and postgraduate training with the British Psychological Society to become a Chartered HCPC Sport and Exercise Psychologist. Her research focuses on rider-horse dynamics, self-awareness in sport psychology, communication in coaching, and creativity in sport. She has published in Anthrozoös and contributed chapters to Professional Skills in Sport Psychology Consultancy and Athletic Development . Tufton also maintains a private practice and supports athletes in the Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme.
Steph Evans is an Associate Lecturer in the Department of Animal and Agriculture at Hartpury University. She holds an MSc in Veterinary Physiotherapy (Hartpury University, 2021) and a BSc (Hons) in Physiotherapy (University of the West of England, 2019). As founder and CEO of VETPHYSPRO, she specializes in enhancing the welfare and performance of retired racehorses and improving horse-rider interactions in equestrian sports. Her research focuses on optimizing post-racing careers for horses, particularly in dressage and horseball, and analyzing behavioral and performance metrics. She teaches courses like 'Introduction to Hydrotherapy' and 'Fundamental Skills of the Animal Therapist.' Evans has presented at international conferences, including the Erasmus Live Briefs event (2022) and Van Hall Larenstein University (2022). Her work emphasizes practical applications of veterinary physiotherapy and equine science.
Linda Greening is a Researcher in the Equine Department at Hartpury University, specializing in equine welfare, behavior, and sleep patterns. She holds a DPhil in Equine Nocturnal Behaviour from the University of the West of England (UWE) and additional qualifications including a PGCHE, MSc, and BSc in Equine Science. Her research focuses on stereotypic behaviors, welfare assessment, environmental enrichment, and the impact of lighting on equine sleep quality. Education: DPhil: Applied quantification of equine sleep behavior (UWE, 2023) PGCHE: Impact of graduate development programs (2022) MSc: Rider competition anxiety and performance (2021) BSc: Complementary therapies in UK equine care (2020) External Roles: Welfare Advisory Board member, Morris Animal Foundation (2022–present) Chair, Equity Diversity Inclusivity and Accessibility Committee, International Society for Applied Ethology (2021–present) Her work emphasizes the intersection of animal welfare, environmental design, and educational equity. Recent projects include LED lighting's impact on horse sleep (2022) and diversity initiatives in academic settings (2021–2024). She has received the 2013 UWESU Student Led Teaching Award and contributed to 44+ publications. Key research areas include circadian rhythms, sleep quality indices for non-human animals, and equine cognitive functions. She has advised on welfare policies for the NEWC Code of Practice and collaborated with organizations like BERF and Glwyndr University.
Dr. Laurence Protheroe is a Senior Lecturer in Sports Biomechanics within the Department of Sport at Hartpury University. He has been a key academic since 2011, contributing to curriculum development in biomechanics and performance analysis across undergraduate and postgraduate programs. He currently leads biomechanics modules and the Sport Research and Knowledge Exchange Project. His educational background includes: BSc (Hons) in Sports Science, University of Central Lancashire (2003) MSc in Sports Biomechanics, Liverpool John Moores University (2005) PhD in Biomechanics, University of Central Lancashire (2011) PGCert in Learning and Teaching in Higher Education, University of Central Lancashire (2010) Laurence's research centers on inter-segmental coordination , movement variability , and injury prevention , with a focus on youth and female athletes. He also explores biomechanical aspects of equestrian performance, particularly rider coordination and pelvic dynamics in dressage. His work bridges applied sports science and pedagogy in biomechanics education. His recent publications (2022–2024) show a strong trend in analyzing movement mechanics in female athletes and equestrian riders, using biomechanical modeling and experimental testing. Key themes include verbal cueing in jump performance, pelvic posture dynamics, and eccentric training for injury prevention in ballet dancers. Scientific recognition includes: BASES Recently Qualified Researcher Award - Best Oral Presentation (2012) UKSCA Annual Conference - Poster of the Year (2023) He supervises PhD students including Dr. Celeste Wilkins and Rafaelle Baby, whose work focuses on equestrian technique. He has secured research outputs and presentations, and is active in knowledge exchange. Laurence serves as an external examiner at Liverpool John Moores University and the University of Chichester, and was previously at the University of Sunderland and University of Central Lancashire. He is a Senior Fellow of Advance HE and a member of BASES and the International Society of Biomechanics in Sport (ISBS). He is involved in academic and professional networks, regularly presenting at conferences such as ISBS and participating in workshops. His ongoing research and teaching reflect a deep commitment to athlete wellbeing and effective pedagogy in sports science.
Hieke Brown is a Senior Lecturer in the Equine Department at Hartpury University, where she has taught since 2015. She holds a PhD in Equine Science and an MSc in Animal Science from Wageningen University. Her academic roles include teaching equine nutrition, behavior, and physiology, and supervising undergraduate and postgraduate research projects. Education: MSc in Animal Science, Wageningen University, The Netherlands PhD in Equine Science, Hartpury College and University of the West of England (UWE), sponsored by Spillers Horse Feed Her primary research interests lie in equine nutrition, focusing on diet's impact on behavior, health, and welfare. She investigates topics such as body condition scoring, forage soaking, supplement use, and energy requirements in horses. Her work bridges academic research and industry application, aiming to improve owner knowledge and equine well-being. She frequently presents at international conferences including the International Conference on Equine Exercise Physiology and the European Workshop for Equine Nutrition. The recent publications highlight a strong focus on nutritional management (e.g., soaking hay/haylage) and equine welfare (e.g., spur use). Collectively, her work spans equine nutrition, behavior, veterinary education, and clinical training, reflecting interdisciplinary engagement across animal science and professional practice. Scientific Awards and Recognitions: Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (SFHEA) Scientific Advisory Board Member, Morris Animal Foundation She actively supervises student research and involves students in publishing and presenting findings. She has led research projects, including a 2021–2023 study on the impact of soaking hay and haylage on nutritional content. She also provides consultancy in equine feeding and has delivered invited talks on equine gut health and performance nutrition. Dr. Brown is engaged in professional networks and activities, including organizing conferences and participating in workshops. She collaborates with industry and academic partners to advance equine science education and research.
Dr. David Christiansen serves as an Assistant Clinical Professor at Mississippi State University's College of Veterinary Medicine, holding a DVM from Mississippi State (1989) and a Bachelor of Agriculture from the University of Arizona (1984). His clinical and research activities bridge veterinary science with mental health applications through specialized equine-human interaction frameworks. His educational credentials include: Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (D.V.M.), Veterinary Medicine and Science, Mississippi State University, 1989 Bachelor of Agriculture, Animal Health Science, University of Arizona, 1984 Christiansen's research pioneers the integration of equine-assisted psychotherapy in substance abuse treatment and educational settings, with particular focus on emotional safety mechanisms in agricultural classrooms and pandemic-era adaptations for collegiate recovery programs. His work uniquely connects veterinary behavior science with clinical psychology through measurable physiological and therapeutic outcomes. Analysis of his 11 publications from 2004-2024 reveals a pronounced shift toward mental health applications since 2019, with 70% of recent work examining equine interactions in substance abuse recovery during the pandemic. This interdisciplinary trajectory spans veterinary behavior, reproductive physiology (evident in 2004-2017 studies), and biomechanics, consistently leveraging comparative animal models for human health applications. His scholarly activities demonstrate active engagement with Mississippi State's research infrastructure including the Center for Environmental Health Science and Global Center for Aquatic Health and Food Security, with presentations at major conferences like the Equine Science Society Symposium indicating ongoing collaborative research efforts in therapeutic riding and veterinary mental health applications.
Dr. Inga Wolframm is a Professor of Sustainable Equestrianism at the University of Applied Sciences Van Hall Larenstein , with an external research affiliation at the Department of Clinical Sciences within the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at Utrecht University . Her work bridges equine veterinary science and equestrian sports psychology. University: University of Applied Sciences Van Hall Larenstein External Affiliation: Utrecht University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Wolframm's research focuses on equine veterinary care , animal welfare , and equestrian performance psychology . Key areas include vaccination protocols, dressage judging behavior, rider-horse interaction, and employee engagement in veterinary settings. Her peer-reviewed articles (2025–2009) explore topics like equine healthcare priorities , visual perception in dressage judges , pre-competition rider psychology , and human-horse coordination dynamics , with keywords spanning veterinary medicine, behavioral science, and sports physiology. As a published author, she has written books such as Mentaal fit: perfect rit and The Science of Equestrian Sports , addressing mental resilience and rider performance. No scientific awards or student advisement details are mentioned in available texts.
Patrice Régnier is a Lecturer and researcher at the Catholic University of the West - South Brittany (UCO-BS) since 2014, qualified for the 74th section of the CNU (STAPS). His academic journey includes a Doctorate in Sociology (2014), DEA in Educational Sciences (2001), and STAPS degrees (2000-1999). His research focuses on intra- and inter-species bodily interactions in physical, sporting, and artistic activities, particularly examining human-horse dynamics. He explores themes like anti-speciesist relations, interspecies communication, and the evolution of martial arts as social realities. Recent publications address equestrian practices' cultural symbolism, smartphone use in equitation, and the sociology of martial arts. Key conferences include organizing JORRESCAM 2025 with APCoSS and CHUS teams. His work spans animal welfare ethics, civilizing processes in sports, and comparative analysis of physical education systems. Research Teams: APCoSS, VIPS2 Methodologies: Ethnographic immersion, Goffmanian analysis Key Themes: Human-animal relations, bodily techniques, sport ethics
Sarah Rigg is a Lecturer at the University of New Hampshire (College of Agriculture, Nutrition, and Food Systems). Since 2000, she has taught courses in horsemanship, equine science, and riding instruction, serving as Director of the Equine Program since 2006. She specializes in classical dressage and combines equine pedagogy with interdisciplinary topics like the horse’s role in history, art, and culture. Education: B.S., Equestrian Studies, University of New Hampshire Her research focuses on horsemanship, systematic development of horse and rider, pedagogical frameworks for riding instructors, and ethical considerations in equestrian sports. Recent publications highlight human rights issues in equestrian contexts, including child labor in Mongolian horse racing and ethical horsemanship practices. Over her career, Rigg has coached the UNH Dressage Team to a national championship (2009) and serves as a Dressage Technical Delegate for the United States Dressage Federation. She is also a PATH International certified therapeutic riding instructor, emphasizing accessibility and ethics in equine-assisted activities. Her work bridges equestrian science with social justice, particularly in equine welfare and rider-horse dynamics.
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.
Dr. Euan Bennet is a Lecturer in Research and Numerical Skills at the University of Glasgow's School of Biodiversity, One Health, and Veterinary Medicine. He holds a PhD in Plasma Physics and transitioned into veterinary epidemiology, specializing in equine sports risk analysis and data ethics. His research focuses on improving horse welfare in equestrian sports through collaboration with organizations like the FEI, US Jockey Club, and British Eventing. Education: MSci in Astronomy & Physics (Glasgow, 2008), PhD in Plasma Physics (Glasgow, 2012) Roles: Neurodiversity Champion on the School Diversity Committee, Bristol Cats Longitudinal Study Steering Group member Research interests include epidemiological analysis of equine sports injury risks, welfare ethics, and mitigating 'data hazards' in AI-driven veterinary research. He has published over 25 peer-reviewed articles and received a 2023 award for outstanding veterinary research. Teaching: Leads statistics courses for veterinary biosciences and animal nutrition programs Professional Activities: Peer reviewer for Equine Veterinary Journal , Animals , and others; grant reviewer for Hong Kong Jockey Club and Horserace Betting Levy Board
Mick Peterson is a Professor at the Stanley and Karen Pigman College of Engineering, University of Kentucky. His research focuses on animal biomechanics, particularly equine sports surfaces, through interdisciplinary approaches combining engineering principles and biological systems. Research Interests Animal Biomechanics Dynamic Surface Characterization Equine Sports Engineering Biomechanical Modeling Publications His recent work examines mechanical properties of horse racing surfaces, hoof-surface interactions, and gait analysis using inertial sensors. He has also contributed to sustainable surface design, thermal modeling of porous media, and equine safety protocols. Contact Email: mick.peterson@uky.edu
Megan Long is a Lecturer in the Equine Department at Hartpury University. She teaches courses including Equine Exercise Physiology & Anatomy, Equine Performance Analysis, Equine Musculoskeletal Diagnostics, Equine Practical Skills, and Equine Biomechanics. Alongside her academic role, she is completing a PGCert & Fellow of Advance HE qualification at the University of West London. Her research focuses on equine biomechanics, performance analysis, and behavior. Current investigations examine equipment impacts on horse physiology and nocturnal behavioral patterns in stabled horses. With industry experience as a competition groom and dressage coach, she holds a UKCC L2 Coaching Certificate and was part of the British Equestrian Young Professionals Programme (2022/23).
Dr Jo Winfield is a researcher in the Equine Department at Hartpury University, specializing in equestrian sports coaching, mentoring processes, and risk management. Their work bridges practical coaching with scientific analysis and reflective practice. Education: Professional Doctorate in Sport and Exercise, University of Gloucestershire MSc in Coaching Science, University of the West of England (UWE) Jo's research focuses on rider biomechanics, mentoring frameworks, and self-reflection in elite equestrian coaching. They have explored the application of science in performance training and developed models for risk management in coaching. Key research trends include comparative studies of elite and non-elite riders, mentoring methodologies, and interdisciplinary applications of physiology and behavioral science in equestrian contexts. Their work has been cited in Scopus and disseminated through peer-reviewed journals and conference proceedings. Professional Roles: Fellow, British Horse Society (since 2007) Assessor, British Horse Society (since 1996) In 2024, Jo participated in an invited talk on the 'Social License to Operate' in horse sports, addressing assumptions and future directions in the field.
Marie Rhodin is a Professor in Anatomy at the Department of Animal Biosciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences. She holds a DVM (2003) and PhD (2008) focusing on equine biomechanics. Her research emphasizes objective lameness detection, orthopedic diagnostics, and horse-rider interaction using techniques like high-speed cameras and inertial measurement units. Dr. Rhodin is a Diplomate of both the American and European Colleges of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation (2017, 2019). Key educational milestones include Associate Professor (Docent) in 2015 and specialist certification in equine veterinary medicine. Her work spans over 150 peer-reviewed articles, with recent focus on lameness assessment in horses, dogs, and cows, and genetic studies on equine gait variations. Notable contributions include identifying new gait-related genes (RELN and STAU2) in Icelandic horses and developing pain scales incorporating facial expressions. Dr. Rhodin has advised 17 PhD students across institutions like SLU, Utrecht University, and the Royal Veterinary College. Her research integrates biomechanical innovation with clinical practice, advocating for objective gait analysis as a gold standard in lameness diagnosis. Collaborations with experts in computer vision and genetics further drive advancements in equine health and sports medicine.
