University Centre Sparsholt Degree Student, Sofia Forino wins undergraduate first place at the Equine Science Symposium

University Centre Sparsholt (@UC_Sparsholt) Degree Student, Sofia Forino has won undergraduate first place at the 2021 Equine Science Symposium which took place virtually between the 1-4 June this year.  

Sofia’s abstract entitled “An investigation into self-perception of body image in female equestrians in the United Kingdom” is part of the exciting research being conducted with our British Horse Foundation lecturer bursary funding and was presented alongside research projects from undergraduates studying across the globe.  

The exciting project which has been written in collaboration with UCS lecturers Lorna Cameron, Natalie Stones and Dr Marianne Freeman explores self-perception of body image and the potential impact on well-being and performance in the equine industry, an area of research which is currently being investigated in-depth at UCS as part of the BHF lecturer bursary. 

The judging panel at the event were delighted by Sofia’s research and strong presentation skills, commenting that; “This was one of the best presentations I saw during the conference” and that Sofia’s abstract was “well written and flowed well” and her “conclusions and implications were excellent.”  

Sofia commented; “I was very excited to undertake this research and to present my findings at the 2021 Equine Science Symposium. I am absolutely thrilled to have won the undergraduate competition and I would like to thank UCS lectures for their help and support throughout.  

Tutor, Lorna Cameron commented; “We are so proud of Sofia’s research, and she presented in a professional and engaging manner, generating lots of interest from the judges and audience alike” 

After Sofia completes her BSc she is planning to progress to the (MSc) Equine Behaviour, Performance and Training Degree at UCS in September and is hoping to keep researching in this area of study. Read Sofia’s full student profile