A HARTPURY equine graduate has made her former school proud after reaching the final four of a top national award for ‘Thesis of the Year’.

Lizzie Millington, who graduated from Hartpury University this year, has been named amongst the finalists for the ‘Equine Thesis of the Year Award’ from the British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA).

Her thesis, which she submitted during the final stages of her BSc (Hons) Equine Science degree, explored “the immediate effects of an equine physiotherapy intervention on spinal kinematics.”

Lizzie will now join her fellow finalists on Sunday (October 30) in presenting her thesis to an “esteemed” panel of judges.

Victoria Walker, HE Equine Lecturer at Hartpury University and Lizzie’s research supervisor, said: “I am so pleased that Lizzie has reached the final and it really is a testament to all her hard work! She was a highly motivated and engaged student throughout her time at Hartpury.

“Like our other equine graduates, Lizzie has developed strong employability skills throughout her degree. This is in keeping with the results from the Graduate Outcomes Survey 2022 that showed 97% of Hartpury graduates were in employment, further study or engaged in a purposeful activity.”

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 of the award.

The judging panel includes Dr Georgina Crossman - a research consultant who works with organisations including The Horse Trust and World Horse Welfare, Katie Williams – an equine nutritionist with over 25 years’ experience, Karen Coumbe – a vet and author with over 35 years’ experience including working as an official veterinarian for the FEI, and Liz Benwell – editor of leading title Equestrian Trade News and the first ever editor of Your Horse Magazine.

Hartpury has a strong presence in therapy and rehabilitation research, with “world-leading” studies having been carried out at its Equine Performance Research Centre.