Research Profile

  • The use of the aqua-treadmill in equine rehabilitation and training

    Equine aqua-treadmills are increasingly popular for training and rehabilitating horses from injury, yet relatively little research exists reporting on the changes in back kinematics when working horses through water.  This current PhD research aims to provide some quantitative analysis of the movement of the axial skeleton when the horse is trotting on the aqua-treadmill at a series of increasing water depths with the aim of informing current practices. 


    • Moulton College Postgraduate Symposium.  Annual Presentations from 2012-2015.
    • University of Northampton Images of Research 2013, 2014.
    • University of Northampton Poster Competition, 2014, 2015.
  • Jessica is currently studying for a PhD in the use of the aqua-treadmill in equine rehabilitation and training. The research is specifically focusing on the effects of water depth on the kinematics of the axial skeleton.

    Jessica’s background starts with a BSc(Hons) in Zoology from Aberystwyth University which then specialised in to horses with a MSc in Equine Science also from Aberystwyth University. Along with academic knowledge, Jessica has boundless practical experience holding the BHSAI award. Jessica is the Equine Hydrotherapist at Moulton College and works at training and rehabilitating a wide range of horses in the Equine Therapy Centre.