Nature Versus Nurture
Genetic insights into health, welfare and performance.
10.00 - 15.00 (GMT) Saturday 16th March 2024
A Recorded Online Seminar for Professional Equestrians
with Dr Andrew Hemmings
Andrew is a world authority on the equine brain and how that organ impacts on behaviour and training. As a popular presenter at our previous annual conferences and following the success of Training the Brain we are delighted Andrew agreed to present another online seminar.
The day kicks off with an exploration of the equine evolutionary journey with some key messages that link directly to keeping the modern horse healthy and happy. The focus will then switch to the basic principles of genetics , with specific reference to health, disease and simple traits like coat colour. With the fundamentals of session one and two fresh in our minds, the day culminates with an in-depth exploration of equine performance and behavioural traits, with a focus on the interplay between genes and the domestic environment.
Who is this course for?
This online seminar is aimed at professionals and students within the equine industry. Whether you are a vet, behaviourist, trainer, coach, rider, therapist, hoof care or saddlery professional this is a great course for you. However everyone is welcome!
Approved CPD training (3 points) with the BHS
Timetable
10.15: Introduction
10.30: A herd living herbivore - evolutionary perspectives on anatomy, management and behaviour.
This session will explore the evolution of the modern horse, and how a 55 million year journey can tell us much about optimal management for health and welfare.
11.15: Q&A
11.30: Break
12.00: Introduction to horse genetics and the inheritance of simple traits.
A session to introduce the fundamentals of genetics. We will explore the inheritance of simple traits such as coat colour and explore the genetics of various diseases
12.45: Q&A
13.00: Lunch Break
14.15: The genetics of anatomy, performance and behaviour
A deep-dive into more complex traits such as racing performance and abnormal behaviours. During this session we will get to grips with the interaction between genes and environment, or ‘Nature versus Nurture’
15.00 Q&A
15.00 Close
What's included
This online event will be hosted via zoom.
The day before the event you will receive an email inviting you to register with zoom for the event.
Handouts will be sent via email the day before the event.
The webinar will open 30 minutes before lectures start at 10.15 to give you plenty of time to log on.
14-day access to the zoom recording is included in the ticket price and will be sent via email after the event.
Certificates of participation will be sent by email after the event.
Buy Now
£85
Dr Andrew Hemmings
Dr Andrew Hemmings is an Associate Professor of Equine Science and the head of department (Equine Management and Science) at the Royal Agricultural University, Cirencester.
Andrew is passionate about making neuroscience available to horse owners in such a way that the training, welfare and management of our horses is optimized.
His main research focus over the past decade has been the development of behavioural and cognitive tests that can be applied by anyone in a range of everyday training scenarios, but has recently published works which explore the linkage between genetics, behaviour and brain activity.
Andrew has presented at a number of our annual conferences over the years and he always delivers a fascinating lecture full of useful information and usable techniques as well as his latest sceintific research with enthusiasm and an enthrauling and dynamic style.
Here is a blog article from a delegate on his presentation at our 2020 annual conference:
