Thesis of the year

Equine Student's Outstanding Award

Helen Jacks from Hartpury College is the delighted winner of the prestigious Eqvalan Thesis of the Year Award 2001 following the final judging phase.

Now in its third year, the Royal Agricultural Society of England award is designed to reward academic excellence within colleges offering equine degree courses. Seventeen equine students put forward work of the highest standard making a difficult job for the judges.

Helen, author of "The Effect of Unilateral Laterocaudal Tungsten-Carbide Stud Nails on Equine Mediolateral Hoof Balance", has won £500 and the chance to speak at the National Equine Forum in March 2002.

She said, "It’s been such a great honour to be here today, to get the chance to talk about something I have worked so hard on and feel so passionately about. Winning the award has really been a great bonus!"

Bert Burns, Global Communications Manager for Merial, sponsors of the award, said "A tremendous amount of effort has gone into this year’s final, not only by the students, but also the judges. All of the finalists should be proud of the standard of their work. It’s encouraging for us to know there is so much talent out there."