‘The Science Behind a Happy Horse’, a partnership between Nottingham Trent University and the British Horse Society, has won the public vote prize at the Knowledge Exchange UK’s KE Awards. The project aims to improve equine welfare by helping students apply their learning to real-world challenges.
Students, supported by industry mentors and the Diversity Agency in Nottingham, co-created videos, infographics, and web pages designed to help horse owners provide better care for their horses. This collaboration allowed the British Horse Society to access scientifically-sound, creative content, while students gained valuable experience, improved their confidence, and enhanced their professional identity. The project also offered important industry links for students who may face barriers to traditional work experience.
The resources produced have already reached more than 100,000 people worldwide, delivering practical welfare advice and information to horse owners and carers. The project’s impact was recognised by the public, who voted it as their favourite in the Knowledge Exchange Awards, which celebrate outstanding achievements and impactful collaborations across the UK.
Dr Kelly Yarnell, principal lecturer at Nottingham Trent University’s School of Animal, Rural and Environmental Sciences, said: “We’re very proud to be leading the way in equine welfare and inclusive education and to have had our work recognised in this way. Our project gave students the chance to work on real-world challenges important to horse welfare. It has been so impactful and has made a real difference in terms of helping horses and their owners, while enabling our students to succeed.”
Emmeline Hannelly, Horse Care & Welfare Education Manager at the British Horse Society, added: “It’s brilliant that the partnership has been recognised in this way, particularly as this award was decided by a public vote. We’re so honoured to be able to work with Nottingham Trent University to support the students and to see their ideas progress into effective welfare resources, which continue to provide great benefits for many horse owners and carers. This recognition truly is a testament to the student’s fantastic work and their passion for making a difference across the equine industry. We really look forward to working with them into the future to develop this partnership further.”
