Exmoor Pony Research Wins Horses Inside Out Award: Study Examines Impact of Rider Weight and Pony Age

Horses Inside Out is delighted to announce the winner of its recent scientific poster competition: Jenna Payne, for her research titled, "A Preliminary Investigation into the Effect of Pony Age and Rider Weight on the Mechanical Nociceptive Thresholds (MNTs) of the Epaxial Muscles and Heart Rate Variability (HRV) of Exmoor Ponies."

The scientific poster exhibition, including the final judging phase, presentations, and prize-giving, was held at the 2026 Horses Inside Out Conference. Achieving a place in the final stage was a significant accomplishment, as the research and preparation involved were substantial. Out of approximately 30 entries, 16 were shortlisted as finalists, and a select few were invited to present their work at the conference before a panel led by Professor Meriel Moore-Colyer.

"Producing a scientific poster of the calibre shown at the conference is a true commitment," said Gillian Higgins, founder of Horses Inside Out. "The final 17 demonstrated a high level of skill, knowledge, and research, as well as the ability to present these findings in an engaging and interesting way. It is no easy task! This year's winner, Jenna Payne, produced a poster that was well-researched, interesting, and very timely, given that the rider weight debate and associated welfare issues are at the forefront of many minds."

Jenna Payne - Winner

Horses Inside Out and the judging panel extend a huge congratulations to all the finalists, with a special mention to the winner, Jenna, and this year’s runner-up, Jade England, for her poster, "Investigating the Challenges in Lameness Identification Amongst Equine Owners."

Jade England - Runner up

The winner, Jenna was awarded a £1,000 online training voucher to use with Horses Inside Out, a day with an equestrian legend of their choice, an article on the Horses Inside Out website, and features in the Journal of Equine Science and the Equine Science Update.