Understanding and improving care of the older horse

The life expectancy of our horses and ponies is increasing. Many older horses are still active and retired horses are valued as pets and companions. Older horses suffer from multiple diseases, however previous work has shown that preventive healthcare, such as vaccinations and veterinary visits actually decrease as horses’ age. Other welfare issues include reduced owner input into daily care and, for some owners, keeping a horse alive despite the horse having a poor quality of life. Hence, it is clear that there are several welfare issues associated with the care of older horses and ponies in the UK and there is an urgent need to improve older horse welfare.

The overall aim of this project is to investigate how horse owners and veterinary surgeons conceptualise the older horse and to develop an understanding of how horse owners and veterinary surgeons relate to and manage the older horse. The study will adopt qualitative approaches, to develop an in-depth understanding of how changes in the horse-owner relationship, and other influences, affect decision making around preventive healthcare, treatment seeking and other aspects of aged horse management and care, including decision making around euthanasia.

The study will explore the experiences of veterinary surgeons and their interactions with horse owners to understand similarities and differences in their perceptions about management of the older horse and how issues surrounding older horses are communicated and understood. This study will lead to development of new strategies and initiatives to improve the healthcare and welfare of older horses.

Training will include generic research skills such as: critical thinking, IT skills, scientific integrity, ethics, project and time management, scientific writing and public engagement, communications skills, networking and teamwork.
In addition the student will gain specific scientific skills, particularly focused on the application of qualitative research to animal health. The student will undertake a number of relevant Masters-level modules from the University of Liverpool (e.g. “Introduction to qualitative research methods” and “Animals and Society”)

The successful candidate will be based at the Leahurst Campus in the Department of Epidemiology and Population health https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/infection-and-global-health/about/epidemiology-and-population-health/ and will become part of a vibrant multidisciplinary team encompassing equine clinicians, endocrinologists and epidemiologists as well as an expert from public health and sociology. This team has a proven track record of collaboration in multidisciplinary research projects. The student will join a cohort of PhD and masters students and post-doctoral researchers all undertaking veterinary science-related qualitative research projects.

The Institute of Infection and Global Health is fully committed to promoting gender equality in all activities. In recruitment we emphasize the supportive nature of the working environment and the flexible family support that the University provides. The Institute holds a silver Athena SWAN award in recognition of on-going commitment to ensuring that the Athena SWAN principles are embedded in its activities and strategic initiatives.

Interested candidates should send a CV and covering letter by email to Dr Gina Pinchbeck [Email Address Removed] with a copy to [Email Address Removed]

Interviews will be held at the Leahurst Campus, University of Liverpool within 6 weeks of the closing date.

Start date: Early 2019 (or as soon as possible after appointment)