We have students and staff actively participating in national (e.g. Advancing Equine Scientific Excellence, AESE), regional (e.g. North West Fertility Forum) and local research partnerships. As part of their degree, many students present at conferences and undertake numerous industry-linked research dissertations.
Our degree routes are dynamic and research-led. The latest scientific findings and industry innovations are integrated directly into student delivery meaning our graduates are at the fore-front of their field.
Harthill
As a Reaseheath undergraduate, you’ll benefit from our employer mentor scheme, our extensive industry links and have access to relevant work placements to give you the transferable skills which employers rate so highly.
We are proud of our long-standing association with the Bolesworth Castle Estate and work in collaboration with the Harthill Stud and the Cheshire Equine Clinic to offer students unique research opportunities in the field of equine parasitology.
This research centres on validating faecal egg counting techniques for use in industry and combines a study of the impact of parasite burden and immunology in young stock during the weaning period and resistance to anthelmintics in horses aged 1 to 3 years.
The results of this project could have widespread implications in terms of making faecal egg counting more accurate and inform the worming protocols used with weanlings to reduce the likelihood of an increase in resistance to worming treatments.
BEF MAREC Internship
Each year, the British Equestrian Federation (BEF) invites applications for a competitive internship at Virginia Tech’s Middleburg Agricultural Research and Extension (MARE) Center; a ground-breaking equine research and education facility located in Virginia, USA.
In 2016, Reaseheath undergraduates Michelle Hand and Zoe Greenwood made history when they were both shortlisted for this highly-prized opportunity after submitting a 3,000-word essay on the health and welfare of equines and presenting their findings to a panel of expert judges headed by Professor Graham Suggett OBE.
During a three-month internship, Michelle and Zoe were involved in the advancement of equine research in the Sports Horse and Thoroughbred industries.
Michelle said: “During our visit, we were incredibly lucky to observe procedures that are almost exclusively saved for veterinary students in the UK. We witnessed the full breeding process of several high calibre mares and worked on research projects which are literally ground-breaking”.
Advancing Equine Scientific Excellence (AESE)
Reaseheath graduates Freja Woodward and Becky Webb gained an opportunity to contribute to a collaborative British Equestrian Federation (BEF) research project, part of the BEF’s ‘Advancing Equine Scientific Excellence’ (AESE) initiative.
Their research was based at riding schools with the remit of their study being ways to attract and retain the modern day rider. Freja’s area of focus was increasing rider participation while Becky considered how to develop client loyalty.
Freja commented: “This was an interesting and challenging experience that improved our ability to work to deadlines whilst building industry contacts and enhancing our research skills.”
Data was collected by conducting questionnaires, focus groups and interviews with the owners of each establishment, their clients and industry experts from the BEF and the British Horse Society.
Becky added: “Working for an industry-linked collaboration is a rewarding experience and one that I would encourage anybody who has the opportunity to take.”
