Have you got the student? We’ve got the award.
 
Does one of your students deserve special recognition?  If so, why not enter them for the prestigious Eqvalan Duo Equine Thesis of the Year Award. 
 
Now in its eleventh year, this competition - run by the Royal Agricultural Society of England and sponsored by Merial Animal Health, a world-leading innovation-driven animal health company - is open to every agricultural and equine university and college in the country and as a result the standard and quality of entry is exceptionally high. 
 
A shortlist of students will present their theses to a panel of judges and an audience of industry-based professionals at Stoneleigh Park on Friday 13th 2009.  Following a 3-course lunch reception the winner will be presented with a £500 cheque, a piece of silverware, a 5-year membership of the Royal Agricultural Society of England and certificate. The Eqvalan Duo Equine Thesis of the Year Award not only demonstrates the quality of the UK’s equine students but all the hard work that the colleges and universities put in to educate such students.  
 
In previous years the shortlisted theses have received press coverage in Horse & Hound, Equestrian Trade News, Equine World UK, Equestrian Business Monthly, Equine Student magazine, Vet Times, Veterinary Review, UK Vet, and Farmers’ Guardian. Successful students may also have the opportunity to present their work at the prestigious National Equine Forum.
 
The winner of the 2008 award was Laura Corbin from Warwickshire College with her thesis titled ‘Foot Balance and Lameness in Riding School Horses’. The judges were Professor Graham Suggett, Dr Pat Harris (MARS Horsecare), Dr Emma Batson (Merial) and Alison Bridge (Horse & Rider).
 
The deadline for submitting theses is Friday 24th July 2009 and the final shortlist will be announced in early September. We request that you send seven hard copies of the entered thesis to Chris Taylor, Membership Department, Royal Agricultural Society of England, Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire, CV8 2LZ and one electronic copy to chris@rase.org.uk.
 
WWe hope that you will submit an entry for the 2008 award (please note, entries will be limited to one per establishment and can only be from first degree students on Honours Bachelor’s courses). If you have any queries please contact Chris Taylor on 02476 858252.