Doctoral Studentship (PhD): Harnessing horse owner behaviour change for improvement in saddlery fit

Application Closing Date: 5^th July 2024

Location: Hartpury University, Gloucestershire.

Stipend: £19,237 per annum

Contract Type: Full Time (3 years)

Area of Research: Harnessing horse owner behaviour change for improvement in saddlery fit.

Correct saddlery fit is essential for the welfare and performance of the ridden horse, however, there is quantitative evidence that saddlery fit for horses is often sub-optimal. With recreational horse welfare being primarily the responsibility of the horse owner there is an urgent and critical need to understand horse owner behaviour with respect to saddlery fit for large scale & sustained improvement in horse welfare, using a collaborative, multi-stakeholder approach.

The proposed study aims to identify barriers to the achievement of optimal saddlery (i.e., saddle, bridle & bit) fit and to design an intervention strategy to effect horse owner behaviour change utilizing a multifaceted, multi-stakeholder approach. The effectiveness of a training tool using the intervention strategy will also be tested.

The project will be supported via Hartpury’s partners, the Society of Master Saddlers and the Worshipful Company of Saddlers. Potential candidates should be prepared to be based at Hartpury University.

Studentships comprise of tuition fees and a stipend of GBP £19,237 per annum tenable for 3 years. As a condition of their stipend, successful candidates will be asked  to deliver up to 7 hours per week teaching or research support..

PhD Studentship Selection Criteria:

Please demonstrate the following criteria in your CV and/or covering letter:

• Essential: A 2:1 or a Masters qualification in a field relating to either equine physiology or biomechanics, veterinary physiotherapy, or veterinary science or related field.
• Essential: Quantitative data analysis skills in Excel
• Essential: Qualitative data analysis skills.
• Essential: Experience/background with horses & riding
• Desirable: Experience with COM-B model &/or Behaviour Change Wheel analysis
• Desirable: Demonstrable interest in saddlery and equine health
• Desirable: Skill/experience of working with others in a research setting and/or industry experience

Candidates should also be aware of the following:

Applicants whose first language is not English require a recognized English language qualification. The minimum entry requirement is GCSE English at grade C or above or IELTS score 7.0 or TOEFL score 600 (or demonstrable equivalent).

Applying for a PhD studentship

To apply, send the following documents to RKE.Administrator@hartpury.ac.uk:

• A curriculum vitae (maximum 3 pages)
• Copies of academic transcripts
• A covering letter outlining your suitability for the studentship
• Your undergraduate or postgraduate dissertation or another relevant piece of research you have completed or contributed to.
• If English is not your first language, certification of English language qualification

Applications that do not arrive by Midnight (UK time) on 5^th July 2024 will not be considered.

If your application is selected, you will be invited for interview on 15^th July 2024.

All applicants must ensure their availability on this date.

Key Dates:

• 5^th July 2024: Deadline for submission of applications
• 10^th July 2024: Interview invitations sent to shortlisted candidates*
• 15^th July 2024: Interviews at Hartpury*
• 31^st July 2024: Deadline for accepting studentship
• September 2024: Studentship begins

*Please note that by submitting an application you are confirming your availability to attend an interview on Monday the 15^th of July 2024.

We are committed to safeguarding & promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment. All successful candidates will be subject to Disclosure & Barring Service checks along with other relevant employment checks.

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