These podcasts have been created by Ms Kate Acton in collaboration with Ms Nancy McLean whom she met whilst studying for her Masters in Equine Science through the University of Edinburgh. Kate is a UCD lecturer in Veterinary Nursing. Nancy is the owner of Stonecrest Farm in Illinois, USA and is a certified hoof-care practitioner. She is also the author of Horse Blankets, Coolers and Sheets. A guide for safe and proper use.

Both collaborators are passionate about equine research. They realise that the scientific language associated with research papers can be hard to navigate and that the statistics can be overwhelming. Realising how daunting a research paper could appear to the untrained eye they decided to create a platform where equine research papers would be discussed in a way that would be both understandable and accessible to all within the equine industry. This achieved, all equestrians would understand the significance of scientific advancements within the equine industry without being ‘put off’ by the scientific jargon. The resulting benefit of being a better-informed community would result in improved management and treatment of horses, from high level competition horses to leisure ponies.

The first podcast was recorded in June 2020 and has been followed by weekly recordings since then. Interviews have been given with experts within the equine industry. These have included researchers, nutritionists, physiotherapists, trainers and companies that develop equine conditioning modalities. Podcasts have tackled topics that aim to make people evaluate their opinions and question long-standing practices. These topics include the use of bits, the controversial Rollkur position and, most popularly, the effect of music on equine behaviour. The podcast is now being listened to in over thirty countries. Listeners are invited to request areas of research for both Kate and Nancy to discuss by contacting them at:

https://open.spotify.com/show/0L9iSKPBP7NE5On4tXt44F?si=2Jz5CLR-T_2EIGwMvAJIqg

Reference
McLean N. Horse Blankets, Coolers and Sheets. A guide for safe and proper use. New York: Amazon KDP; 2014.