Doctoral Studentship (PhD): The Interrelationship Between Optimal Saddle Fit and Horse Health, Welfare, and Performance.

Application Closing Date: 6^th October 2023

Location: Hartpury University, Gloucestershire.

Contract Type: Full Time (3 years)

The interrelationship between optimal saddle fit and horse health, welfare, and performance.

There is a growing body of evidence on the deleterious effect that incorrect saddle fit can have on equine health, particularly back health, and consequently on equine welfare and performance. Whilst it is largely appreciated that correct saddle fit is associated with equine health benefits, quantitative data to support this association is limited. There is also little quantitative evidence on the optimal time periods between saddle fit checks to ensure that saddlery fit is optimized and back and locomotor health maintained.

The study will involve  investigation of the interrelationships between frequency of saddle fit check and indicators of horse health, welfare, function and performance by comparing horses who undergo regular saddle fit checks with those that do not.

For more information and for an initial discussion please contact: Assoc. Prof. Kathryn Nankervis: Kathryn.nankervis@hartpury.ac.uk or Dr Russell MacKechnie-Guire: russell.mackechnie-guire@hartpury.ac.uk

Studentships comprise of tuition fees and a stipend of GBP £18,662k per annum tenable for 3 years. Alongside their research projects, successful candidates will be asked (as a condition of their stipend) to deliver up to 7 hours per week teaching or research support within the University.

PhD Studentship Selection Criteria:

Please demonstrate the following criteria in your CV and/or covering letter:

• Essential undergraduate degree or MSc in a field relating to either equine physiology or biomechanics, veterinary physiotherapy, or veterinary science or related field.
• Essential quantitative data analysis skills in Excel.
• Demonstrable interest in saddlery and equine health
• Desirable experience/background with horses and riding
• Desirable skill/experience of working with others in a research setting and/or industry experience
• Ability/willingness to travel to yards to work alongside saddle fitters

Applying for a PhD studentship

To apply for a PhD studentship you must send the following documents to RKE.Administrator@hartpury.ac.uk:

• A curriculum vitae (maximum 3 pages)
• Copies of academic transcripts
• A covering letter outlining your suitability for the studentship
• Your undergraduate or postgraduate dissertation or another relevant piece of research you have completed or contributed to.
• If English is not your first language, certification of English language qualification

Applications that do not arrive by Midnight (UK time) on 6^th October 2023 will not be considered.

If your application is selected, you will be invited for interview on 16th of October 2023. All applicants must ensure their availability on this date.

Key Dates:

6th October 2023: Deadline for submission of applications

10th October 2023: Interview invitations sent to shortlisted candidates*

16th October 2023: Interviews at Hartpury*

27th October 2023: Deadline for accepting studentship

January 2024: Studentship begins

*Please note that by submitting an application you are confirming your availability to attend an interview on Monday the 16th of October 2023.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment. All successful candidates will be subject to Disclosure and Barring Service checks along with other relevant employment checks.

Hartpury values a diverse workforce and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.

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