Equine Science Staff

Katie Hancox

Lecturer and Course Manager

Academic background/biography:

Katie holds an MSc Equine Science from the University of the West of England (Hartpury College), BSc (Hons) Equine Science PGCertLTHE and is a BHSAI and UKCC level 2 coach.

Prior to working at University Centre Reaseheath Katie was an instructor at the internationally renowned Talland School of Equitation whilst completing her MSc. During her time at Talland Katie worked alongside Olympic athletes and some of the best international trainers in the world. Katie also undertook part of her MSc research at Talland investigating joint kinematics in ridden horses.

Katie is very keen to make links with the wider horse industry and the latest in academic research.

Research interests:

• Rider Fitness and Performance
• Biomechanics
• Genetics and Breeding

Publications:

Leśniak, K., Harris, L., Mapletoft, S., Mitchell, J., & Hancox, K. (2016, February). An investigation in to the asymmetries of the equine hoof and the influence of body weight and height on hoof conformation. In Horses Inside Out Conference 2016.

Hobbies/interests:

• Horse riding
• Dog walking
• Sports

Jess Irving

Lecturer and Course Manager

Academic background/biography:

Jess completed BSc (Hons) in Equine Science with Harper Adams University, with a dissertation investigating the incidence of Early Embryonic Loss (EEL) in Thoroughbred mares and prevention when treated with Regumate. Jess then completed an MRes at the University of Liverpool, investigating the role of spirochete bacteria in severe periodontal disease and abscessation of rabbits; the development of biomarkers and their efficacy in identifying early stages of osteoarthritis in overweight dogs attending the Royal Canin weight management clinic at Leahurst Small Animal Hospital; and finally examining the impact of Fasciola hepatica and pneumococcal co-infection on the development of invasive disease using in vivo and in vitro models, for application in third world countries.

For the last few years Jess has been working in small animal veterinary orthopaedics, specialising in the use of stem cells for osteoarthritis management.

Research interests:

• All aspects of equine reproduction and assisted reproductive technologies
• Canine/equine orthopaedics and osteoarthritis
• Equine fitness and performance and the application of understanding to industry
• Immunology and infectious disease

Publications:

Myint, P., Irving, J., Innes, J. (In Prep). The efficacy of intraarticular injection of autologous adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells for the management of canine osteoarthritis in UK dogs.

Hobbies/interests:

• Horse riding
• Dog walking

Dawn Joyce

Lecturer and Instructor

Academic background/biography:

Dawn was a yard supervisor at one of the UK’s most prestigious training & competition yards for over ten years, with responsibilities including teaching from complete novice to BHS Stage IV/ITT and organising exams & competitions. Dawn completed a CertEd at NEWI and is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. Dawn is also a qualified intermediate instructor and stable manager with the British Horse Society.

Hobbies/interests:

Dawn is a member of the International Society for Equitation Science (ISES) and has a strong interest in the integration of their principles of equitation into current teaching.

Sarah Loveday-Lovell

Programme Leader BSc Equine Science and Sports Performance

Academic background/biography:

Sarah’s varied qualifications include an MA in Business, a BSc (Hons) in Equine Studies and a postgraduate teaching qualification in Higher Education.

Sarah brings with her a wealth of industry experience to the HE Equine team. She has competed in all disciplines but in recent years Sarah has concentrated on dressage and competes at Advanced Medium level. She has experience at National and Championship level; a major highlight with her current horse was winning both team tests at the British Dressage Home International at Advanced Medium.

Sarah holds a UKCC Level 3 Coaching Certificate. She is a BHS Intermediate Instructor and is also a Level 2 British Showjumping Judge.

James Rayner

Advanced Practitioner and Lecturer

Academic background/biography:

James holds an MSc in Equine Science from the University of Edinburgh, BSc (Hons) Equine Sport Science, PGCE and the British Horse Society Preliminary Instructors Certificate.

Prior to Reaseheath, James was Barn Manager and Research Assistant for an International Sport Horse Facility and Research Centre in the United States and won the prestigious British Equestrian Federation MAREC Internship in 2012. While at the MAREC James undertook research in Equine Nutrition, Pasture Management, Reproduction and Foaling, Equine Microbiology, Exercise Physiology and Genetics and has undertaken research at a number of institutions including the Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS), Aberystwyth.

Practically, James has worked on several large scale Competition yards and Studs in both the UK and Europe including study at The Brandenburg State Stud at Neustadt (Dosse), Germany. He has previous experience training and competing in Eventing and Advanced Level Dressage in addition to competition experience of foals and youngstock in National Futurity Sport Horse Events and Breed Registries.  Passionate about engagement with research led initiatives, James is keen to connect equine land managers and horse owners with the latest science-based information promoting equine and environmental wellbeing and regularly involves Further and Higher Education students with a variety of industry related experiences to develop their employability skills.

Research interests:

• Equine Nutrition and Development
• Pasture Management
• Equine Reproduction
• Equine Microbiology and Genetics,
• Innately curious about most things equine!

In addition to equine specific research, James undertakes Industry engagement with research led initiatives to connect equine land managers and horse owners with the latest science-based information promoting equine and environmental wellbeing.

Publications:

Lapinskas, S. Rayner, J. Roberts, R. Wooley, C. Splan, R. and Hess, T.M. (2015) Seasonal effects on pasture and a group of mares with metabolic syndrome Journal of Equine Veterinary Science (35) 383-391

Hobbies/interests:

James is a Trustee for the University of Lincoln Students Union and on the organisational committee for the North West Regional Dressage Championships, in addition to involvement with the British Equestrian Federation’s National Equine Forum.

Toni Williams

Lecturer and Course Manager

Academic background/biography:

Toni worked for the RSPCA for over six years, rehabilitating animals that have been neglected and/or abused to get them fit, healthy and mentally stable, in order for them to be rehomed to suitable, forever families.

Toni completed BSc (Hons) Equine Science at Aberystwyth University. Toni completed a PGCE at Glyndwr University.

Toni has completed full British Horse Society stages, up to stage 3.

Research interests:

• Equine Biology

Hobbies/interests:

Toni enjoys keeping fit at the gym and taking her dog for long walks. Toni owns a young event horse, whom she is hoping to affiliate in 2019 – his name is Roger.

Toni has taken part in voluntary work in Africa, where she taught English to underprivileged children. Toni also worked for the SPCA in Africa. These experiences were extremely valuable, however emotionally challenging.

Toni enjoys anything that involves raising her adrenaline levels, having completed the worlds highest bungee jump, cage dived with Great White Sharks and also Crocodiles. Toni has completed safari tours on horseback and has walked freely with lions.

Amy Shakeshaft

Lecturer

Academic background/biography:

Amy qualified in BSc Physiotherapy at Keele University in 2015. Amy then completed MSc in Veterinary Physiotherapy at Hartpury University. Amy currently works as a human and veterinary physiotherapist alongside teaching. Amy is particularly interested in horse and rider fitness and performance, plus rehabilitation from injuries.

Research interests:

• Equine Physiotherapy.
• Equine Anatomy.
• Equine fitness and performance.

Hobbies/interests:

Amy is a member of British Dressage, and competes up to elementary, and trains medium at home.
Amy owns two horses and runs her own Physiotherapy business.