A quartet of contenders has made it through to the final of the 2019 British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA) Equine Thesis of the Year award, to be judged this Sunday (27 October).
The annual award, which recognises excellence in academic undergraduate study, received a bumper number of entries from UK and Irish universities and colleges offering equine-related degree courses.
The finalists are:
● University of Limerick – Sally-Anne Brown. Thesis: The Incidence of Strangles in Irish Horses: Comparison of Culture, PCR and ELISA Detection Methods.
● Writtle University College – Judit Aulinas Coll. Thesis: The Effect a Core Strength Exercise Programme Has on the Biomechanics of the Ridden Horse.
● Hartpury University – Emma Robbins. Thesis: Brand Choice and Consumption Behaviour in the Equine Industry.
● Reaseheath College – Sophie Booth. Thesis: An In-Vitro Investigation to Compare the Anti-Microbial Properties of the Three Essential Oils in Hibi Scrub as Potential Treatment Options for Secondary Equine Dermal Conditions Caused by Staphylococcus Aureus.
Each student will present their thesis to a panel of judges during a special reception at the De Vere Staverton Estate hotel, near Daventry, Northamptonshire, on Sunday.
The event is open to the public and members of the academic community. Anyone wishing to attend should contact the BETA office in advance on tel 01937 587062 or email agy@beta-uk.org
The winner and runner-up will be announced on the day and awarded a trophy and cash prizes.
“We can never fail but to be impressed by the high standard of undergraduate work submitted,” said BETA executive director Claire Williams.
“This year was no different and I know that our first-round judges had an extremely challenging – but immensely enjoyable – task in selecting our finalists. Our congratulations to them all for making it this far and the very best of luck for the presentations – we can’t wait to hear them!”
This year's final judges are research consultant Dr Georgina Crossman, chairman of the BETA feed committee Chris Gordon, vet and author Karen Coumbe and ETN editor Liz Benwell.
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