Writtle University College graduate Abigail Allen has achieved International Association of Animal Behaviour Consultants (IAABC) Certified Horse Behaviour Consultant status and is also an Accredited Animal Behaviourist with the Animal Behaviour and Training Council
Abigail completed a degree in BSc (Hons) Equine Behavioural Science in 2020. She now specialises in preventing, managing, and modifying challenging behaviours in horses and recently had a case study published in the IAABC journal.
The study featured Bilbo, a young three-year-old Welsh/Arab cross mare with a history of aggression and causing injury.
When Abigail's client took Bilbo into her care, the client was warned that Bilbo was dangerous and needed to be euthanised.
Through providing outlets for foraging, opportunities to learn with target training, a proper diet, and environmental enrichment, Abigail and her client were able to help Bilbo become increasingly less aggressive.
Abigail reported: "The client feels that she is now able to continue the behaviour modification plan independently and her confidence handling Bilbo has improved dramatically."
Abigail feels that time at Writtle University College helped her to take her first steps into the equine sector, and that her ongoing career will benefit from the knowledge and contacts she gained there.
She said: "During my studies I was encouraged to explore all aspects of equine behaviour, beyond the requirements of the degree so that I have gone forward with a much broader understanding of the subject and how best to apply this knowledge in the industry to create change.
"Not only did this support help me academically, it has also helped me focus on my future and a direction I wish to take myself in order to achieve my goals.
"Since I have graduated, the amount of support and advice has continued as a result of the friendships formed. Writtle has been and will continue to be invaluable to me."
For more information on Writtle University College's equine courses, go to writtle.ac.uk/equine. Click here to read Abigail's complete case study.