HARTPURY, UK – March 8, 2024 – In a significant recognition of her extensive expertise, Dr. Jane Williams, Head of Research at Hartpury University, has been appointed to the Veterinary Advisory Committee (VAC) of The Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) Equine Welfare Research Foundation. This appointment underscores Dr. Williams’s profound contributions to the scientific evaluation of equestrian performance and its direct impact on horse welfare.
The VAC is a distinguished panel comprising eight leading scientists and industry specialists, all possessing well-established international reputations in their respective domains. As a newly appointed member, Dr. Williams will lend her considerable knowledge to advising the Foundation’s Board of Directors on critical scientific and clinical matters within veterinary science and research. Furthermore, she will play a key role in overseeing the peer-review process for funding applications, ensuring that only the most impactful equine welfare research receives support.
Expressing her enthusiasm for this new role, Dr. Williams stated, “I am honored and excited to join this committee. I look forward to contributing to the critical peer review process for equine welfare research funding applications, and to furthering our mission of advancing the wellbeing of horses through scientific research and advocacy.”
A Wealth of Experience in Equine Science and Welfare
Dr. Williams’s professional journey is marked by a deep commitment to advancing equine welfare through rigorous scientific inquiry. In addition to her leadership role as Head of Research, she holds the position of Associate Professor in the Equine Department at Hartpury University. Her academic career includes extensive teaching experience across animal, equine, and veterinary subjects within higher education, complemented by her qualification as a veterinary nurse.
Her primary areas of professional interest are:
- Scientific Evaluation of Equestrian Practices: Investigating how equestrian management, performance, and training methods influence equine wellbeing. This focus aims to identify best practices that enhance horses’ quality of life.
- Rider Impacts on Equitation: Examining the intricate relationship between rider characteristics, such as personality and decision-making, and their influence on the horse-human dynamic. Understanding this interaction is crucial for fostering positive relationships and safe riding practices.
- Reliability Assessment in the Equine Industry: Applying statistical techniques to validate and ensure the reliability of industry practices. This promotes an evidence-informed approach, moving away from anecdotal advice towards scientifically supported methods for natural horse training techniques.
Dr. Williams is a co-editor and author of influential publications such as “Training for Equestrian Performance” and “The Complete Textbook of Animal Health and Welfare.” Her past roles include Honorary President of the International Society of Equitation Science and a founding member of the Sport Horse Welfare Foundation. A strong advocate for applied research, Dr. Williams actively collaborates with students, riders, and trainers across various equestrian disciplines, including show jumping, eventing, and racing. Her work aims to not only improve horses’ athletic success but also significantly enhance their overall quality of life, drawing on insights from ground work horse training.
Fostering Research Excellence at Hartpury University
Hartpury University actively encourages students pursuing equine diplomas, undergraduate, or postgraduate degrees to engage with its substantial industry connections and research initiatives. By collaborating with equine scientists, trainers, entrepreneurs, and other industry professionals, students gain invaluable expertise aligned with current industry best practices. They also have the opportunity to contribute to research that drives advancements in welfare standards and enhances performance for both horse and rider.
The university’s research output has seen consistent growth. Notably, research submitted for the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021 was recognized as “world-leading” and “internationally excellent.” Furthermore, Hartpury University’s teaching quality achieved a triple Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023, highlighting its dedication to exceptional educational delivery. These achievements reflect Hartpury’s commitment to providing a holistic educational experience that prepares students for successful careers in the equine industry, including understanding horse training techniques for beginners. The university’s forward-thinking approach extends to exploring effective methods, such as traditional horse training methods, within a framework of ethical and welfare-conscious practices.
The appointment of Dr. Jane Williams to the HKJC Equine Welfare Research Foundation’s Veterinary Advisory Committee is a testament to her dedication and the high regard for her scientific contributions to equine welfare. Her continued work promises to further elevate the standards of horse care and welfare globally. For those interested in equine training and welfare, understanding the nuances of rider impact and evidence-based practices, as promoted by experts like Dr. Williams, is crucial. This includes exploring options like a horse training collar only when such a tool aligns with ethical and welfare-focused training protocols.
