What's in it for the horse, asks veterinarian

Animal welfare researcher and veterinarian Professor Kevin Stafford will be the guest speaker at the breakfast, hosted by the university in Hastings next month.

Professor Stafford's talk is entitled "The elite sport horse: what's in it for the horse?" It will give a light-hearted look at equine behaviour and training and what makes horses tick.

Professor Stafford is the co-director of Massey's animal welfare research team. Its work has contributed to the establishment of animal welfare science as a recognised discipline within New Zealand.

Equine programme leader Dr Chris Rogers says as well as hosting the breakfast, the university will have a big presence at this year's event.

"Our staff will be on-site throughout the show, while several Team Massey riders are competing," he says.

"It caps off a successful season for the university, which began with the Regional Dressage Forum at Manfeild last year and continued with the recent elite coach's conference, run in conjunction with Equestrian Sports New Zealand."

Massey's site will feature medical and surgical experts who will be available for consultation, with assistants - all veterinarian lecturers - stationed at the tent for the day, supported by final-year vet students and the Team Massey elite rider programme students and mentors.

Team Massey supports elite equestrians to compete at the highest level while studying. Support includes nutrition and training advice, as well as coaching and stabling of horses at the equestrian centre on the Manawatu campus.

Horse of the Year, the largest equine event in Australasia, runs from March 16-21 at the Hastings A and P Showgrounds. The Massey University Horse of the Year breakfast is at 7am on Saturday, March 20.