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Hartpury academic receives doctorate for physiotherapy research
Dr Gillian Tabor.

Dr Gillian Tabor is the first recipient of a Hartpury University /UWE partnership doctorate.

Hartpury University academic Dr Gillian Tabor has become the first-ever recipient of a Hartpury University/University of the West of England partnership doctorate for research related to veterinary physiotherapy.

Dr Tabor, who is a member of the Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Animal Therapy (ACPAT), received the honour for her paper entitled: ‘The use of objective measurement in Veterinary Physiotherapy’

Dr Tabor commented: “Thirty years ago, a physiotherapist treated my pony. The next time I rode, I could feel the difference and I decided at that point I wanted to become an animal physiotherapist.

“My gratitude goes to my teachers, lecturers, human patients, owners and of course all the horses and ponies I've been lucky enough to meet on my journey to the point where I am now. I feel I have landed on my feet with my current job at Hartpury University because I am able to combine passions of teaching new generations of veterinary physiotherapists with investigating just what makes our job so great.

“My colleagues are so enthusiastic about their subjects and have given me the conviction to pursue my research, continue to learn and to try to be the best for my students.”

Dr Tabor specialises in physiotheraphy for horses and riders, focussing on treatment and rehabilitation of competition horses, while also undertaking research and supervising students. 

Rosie Scott-Ward, Pro Vice-Chancellor at Hartpury University, said: “I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Gillian on becoming the first recipient of a Hartpury University /UWE partnership doctorate.

“Gillian has managed to complete this while working part-time for Hartpury, sustaining her own practice, commuting from Devon and more recently balancing COVID-19 restrictions and home schooling.

“It’s an incredible achievement for Gillian and a very proud moment for Hartpury University.”

Image (C) Hartpury University.

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Equine Disease Surveillance report released for Q4 2025

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The report, produced by Equine Infectious Disease Surveillance, includes advice on rule changes for equine influenza vaccination.

Statistics and maps detail recent outbreaks of equine herpes virus, equine influenza, equine strangles and equine grass sickness. A series of laboratory reports provides data on virology, bacteriology, parasitology and toxicosis.

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NSA webinar explores sheep tailing and castration

The National Sheep Association (NSA) is to host a free webinar on the castration and tail docking of lambs.

The webinar, 'Understanding the tailing and castration consultation: A guide for sheep farmers', will be hosted online on Monday, 2 March 2026 at 7.30pm.

It comes during a government consultation into the methods used for these procedures. Farmers are encouraged to engage before the consultation period closes on Monday, 9 March 2026.

The webinar offers clear and actionable guidance to support farmers to contribute meaningfully to the consultation and prepare for potential changes.

On the panel will be former SVS president Kate Hovers, farmer and vet Ann Van Eetvelt and SRUC professor in Animal Health and Veterinary Sciences Cathy Dwyer. Each panel member will utilise their own specialism and expertise to evaluate risks and outcomes to sheep farming.

Find out more about the webinar on the NSA website.