THE Royal Agricultural University (RAU) has its first Professor in Equine Science.

Meriel Moore-Colyer is the first Dean of the School of Equine Management and Science (SEMS) at the RAU and will be joining a select pool of UK professors in the area.

Formed in 2014, the School offers a portfolio of equine-focused international, science and business courses which have been developed in consultation with the industry since 1992. SEMS research specialisms are equine nutrition, genetics, and behaviour.

“SEMS has a vibrant research group working on very exciting projects. I hope my appointment will further enhance this activity and show the equine industry that we are serious about research and our mission to improve the health and welfare of the horse,” said Mrs Moore-Colyer.

The professor has a BSc (Hons) in agriculture and a PhD in equine nutrition and competes her home-bred Irish Draught x Thoroughbred horse at small tour level in dressage.

Mrs Moore-Colyer, said: “Riding is a very important part of my life. Being in daily contact with horses helps me appreciate the practical challenges that face the industry, and has been the catalyst to many of the exciting product development projects I have been lucky enough to work on with many UK and Irish-based commercial companies.”