Four finalists have been selected for the BETA Equine Thesis of the Year Award, which recognises and rewards excellence in undergraduate study.
The finalists will present their thesis to a panel of expert judges from across the industry later this month (29 October), in a public online event.
Universities and colleges offering equine-related degrees throughout the UK and Ireland were each invited to submit one entry with the very best making it through to the finals.
“The Equine Thesis of the Year Award is a great way for us to acknowledge the extremely high standard of undergraduate study that is being produced at our universities and colleges,” said BETA executive director Claire Williams.
The finalists are as follows:
- Bishop Burton College – Lauren Wain. An Investigation into the Influence of Balance and Proprioceptive Pads on Equine Posture and Kinematics
- University of Liverpool – Hannah Shanks-Boon. The Effect of Body Condition Score on Tongue Size, Soft Palate Angle and Basihyoid Depth in Horses
- Writtle University College – Nadine L Mostert. Oat Straw in the Haylage Diet: Exploring the Effect on Equine Weight, Bowel Movements, and Chewing and Consumption
- University of Limerick – Laura Dayot. Application of Near Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) to Measure the Composition of Mare’s Colostrum and Milk
Each finalist will present their work and while it is being considered by the judges, will take the opportunity to respond to questions from the audience. The judges will then return to announce the winner and runner-up of the award.
“There is some incredibly impressive work taking place and some exciting and diverse ideas coming through – all of which bode well for the future of our industry,” continued Claire. “Taking a ringside seat makes sure we can hear about the work that is being done – straight from the horse’s mouth. And maintaining the event online makes it accessible to everyone.
“We are really looking forward to finding out more about the theses and discovering who is crowned winner. We wish the students and their universities the very best of luck and congratulate them on making it this far.”
The BETA Equine Thesis of the Year finals will start at 2pm and the online event is open to the public. To register your interest to attend, use the following form: Register to attend final
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