Epidemiological analyses of longevity of career in jumping horses

Background: 

The group you would join has worked with the FEI for a number of years using data-driven analysis to inform policy changes aimed at maximizing the welfare of the sports horse. This latest work has been initiated following concern regarding the duration of top-level jumping horses’ careers. We will work closely with the FEI to ensure that, where appropriate, the results of our analyses directly impact the welfare of this population of horses.  

 Aims and objectives: 

To identify factors associated with career longevity, with a particular focus on competition intensity 

 Methods: 

We intend to investigate firstly how severely any impact of competition intensity affects career longevity of horses at different ages in different levels of competition. Once a clear measure of the outcome of interest has been identified we will go on to identify exactly which factors (including competition intensity) contribute to the risk of shortened career length and then identify (with the FEI) regulatory changes aimed at prolonging career length. 

 We will use the more than 3-million FEI jumping results (2009-2023) to create different measures of career intensity. These will include, for example the number of competitions entered, and number of rounds completed (at different levels) in defined periods of time. In addition, all other available variables related to the horse and athlete will be included in multivariable regression models to account for their impact on the outcomes of interest. An opportunity to explore AI or Bayesian techniques to investigate these data will also be available, if deemed of use once the initial analyses are conducted. These secondary analyses would focus on determining the predictive ability of models with a view to the early identification of horses more likely to have shortened jumping careers.  

You will gain research experience with a focus on applied epidemiological methods of statistical analysis. You will be trained in data exploration, manipulation and analysis, initially using different types of regression analysis to inform model development, dependent on the form of the outcome variable. You will either use ‘R’ or STATA for analyses and some understanding of the use of one of these software packages would be desirable, but not essential. Training in both/either will be provided. In addition, there is a vast array of generic and transferable skills training available to all post-graduate students through the Bristol Doctoral College. Some understanding of the FEI and/or the sports horse industry would also be of benefit. 

This project is well suited for a PhD training in an area of epidemiological research specifically aimed at having an impact ‘on the ground’. You will be supervised by an experienced supervisory team with complementary skill sets. The 3.5-year PhD is generously funded by the FEI and a private bequest to Bristol Veterinary School.  

Supervisors: 

Tim Parkin, Kate Allen and Tom Zuffa - University of Bristol  

Euan Bennet - University of Glasgow 

 Start date 

From 1st May 2025 

 How to apply 

 Start your application | Study at Bristol | University of Bristol 

Select the programme “Veterinary Science (PhD) (4yr)”. Select ‘Sept 2025’ to begin your application (these will be manually amended to 3.5 year PhD starting in May 2025 if you are offered the PhD). 

In the funding section of the application form, please type “FEI”.  

Here you can find a link to the prospectus pages of Bristol Veterinary School giving entry requirements and admissions statement: Veterinary Sciences | Study at Bristol | University of Bristol Please note that a ‘supervisor support form’ and ‘research statement’ are not required to apply for this project. 

The application procedure will involve an interview, and two references will be requested prior to an offer being made post interview. Please state the name of two referees in your application. 

Candidate requirements:  Standard University of Bristol eligibility rules apply. Please visit PhD Veterinary Sciences | Study at Bristol | University of Bristol for more information. 

Contacts: please contact fohs-pgadmissions@bristol.ac.uk with any queries about your application. 

Please contact the project supervisor for project-related queries tim.parkin@bristol.ac.uk