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

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.

Hayley Wild

Lecturer/Course Manager

Academic background/biography:

Hayley completed BSc (Hons) Geography at Lancaster University, BSc (Hons) Equine Science at University Centre Reaseheath, and MSc Equine Performance Health & Welfare at Nottingham Trent University. Hayley studied traditional and contemporary horse training methods in the UK and US and studied free roaming ponies in UK and Spain. Hayley has twenty years experience with young, unhandled and horses with behavioral injuries and as a coach of leisure riders in the UK. Hayley has completed Level 3 Equine Touch training.

Research interests:

• Equine social behaviour.
• Health and welfare.
• Animal ethics and rights.
• Animal-human relationships, Animals in Society.

Publications:

Ijichi, C., Wild, H., et al. 2020. Dually investigated: The effect of a pressure headcollar on the behaviour, discomfort and stress of trained horses. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 232; 105101 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applanim.2020.105101
Accepted abstract- Ethical aspects of the animal-human relationship for sports horses: A new way forward. Equine Cultures in transition Conference (2020 postponed) 2021. Wild, H. A., Upton, S.E.  and Ellis, A.D.

Hobbies/interests:

Hayley owns three horses, one cat and three agility Collies. Hayley also enjoys walking/hiking.