Lecturer in Equine Studies
A self-confessed ‘horse geek’ Naomi joined Northumberland College in 2016 and has been involved in the equine industry from a young age.
She describes leaving her job as a Yard Manager to return to full-time education as a ‘leap of faith’ but hopes her academic and practical experience inspires her students to change the lives of horses for the better.
My qualifications include a BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science (First Class); PGCE; PG Diploma in Equine Science (University of Edinburgh – The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies. I’m set to complete an MSc in June while also studying for the Diploma of Equitation Science with Equitation Science International.
I am a British Horse Society Senior Coach in Complete Horsemanship; British Horse Society Stage Five Stable Manager and Riding for the Disabled Coach.
I have eight years’ experience as a higher education lecturer, with the focus on equine science, management, welfare, coaching and Higher Education study skills
I have worked in the equine industry from a young age, initially within a riding school and then as a show jumping groom. I ran a large college equine unit (80 horses, including competition and breeding stock) for ten years before returning to education to study for a degree as a mature student.
Returning to work I gained technical expertise managing school and college laboratories but continued with freelance coaching and riding throughout.
In all, I have over thirty years’ experience working within the equestrian industry in various guises.
I am Course Team Leader for the FdSc Equestrian Performance and Coaching and the BSc Top Up Rural Sciences cohort, lecturing theoretically and practically across these courses.
I am also the Higher Education Coordinator for the land-based courses at Kirkley Hall, liaising with our validating partners.
I love helping to shape people’s careers.
Knowing I am helping my students become better equestrians and that with their skills and knowledge, they in turn will continue to promote equine welfare.
Graduation days!
Seeing the students have ‘lightbulb’ moments and seeing horses improve through the changes we make.
Because we can always do better.
I would hope I increase awareness of what research and technology has to offer the equine community.
A ‘Pony Girl’ at the local riding school – helping out every waking hour to earn free rides!
Their love of horses.
Dr (now Professor) Tim Paget, my undergraduate dissertation tutor. He made me realise I was considerably more capable than I thought.
Read around your subject and act on the feedback you have been given.
Easily distracted, passionate.
Focus on what you can do or change, not what you can’t control.
Why people put milk in with the teabag when making a cuppa?
Horses, family and walking the dog.
