Dr Gemma Pearson (BVMS Cert AVP (EM) MScR CCAB PhD MRCVS)
Lecturer in Equine Behavioural Medicine
Contact details
- Tel: 0131 6506253
- Email: eqh@ed.ac.uk
Address
- Street
-
The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies
Easter Bush Campus
Midlothian - City
- Post code
- EH25 9RG
Background
Gemma combines her time between research and outreach as Director of Equine Behaviour at The Horse Trust and running a referral clinic for clinical equine behaviour cases where she is based at the University of Edinburgh.
After working in ambulatory practice Gemma undertook a rotating residency programme in the equine hospital alongside an MScR investigating horse veterinarian interactions.
Subsequently she completed her CCAB (certified clinical animal behaviourist) exam and her PhD thesis ‘Stress in equids undergoing veterinary care and the development of interventions that positively influence the horses’ experience’. As well as continuing with her own research she supervises several students at PhD, MSc and undergraduate level. Subsequently she has been recognised as the first species specific RCVS specialist in Veterinary Behavioural Medicine (Equine).
Gemma is frequently invited to lecture internationally, as a recognised expert in this field and an excellent communicator. One of the most successful projects was filming a series of short YouTube videos with the British Equine Veterinary Association aiming to reduce injury rates when dealing with difficult horses under the ‘Don’t break your vet’ campaign.
In her spare time she has competed up to advanced level endurance on a homebred horse as well as enjoying competing in affiliated dressage and eventing. Currently she is retraining a Thoroughbred recently retired from racing.
Qualifications
Equine Behaviour, Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Stress in equids undergoing veterinary care and the development of interventions that positively influence the horses’ experience’, College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine
Award Date: 8 Jul 2022
Equine Behaviour, Master of Science, Horse-Veterinarian Interations, College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine
Award Date: 8 Jul 2017
Bachelors in Veterinary Medicine & Surgery, University of Glasgow
Award Date: 1 Jan 2009
Research summary
Equine behavioural medicine and welfare