ABOUT
Rosa Verwijs MSc FHEA CEBC ABTC-AAB
I have owned horses since I was a teenager, have ridden and worked on various yards before going to university where I gained a first class Bachelors degree in Equine Science and followed this with a Masters with distinction in Equine Science. I have worked in both the Arabian and Thoroughbred racing industries on studs and training yards and I am now a university lecturer based in Essex.
Senior Lecturer in Equine Behaviour and Nutrition - I lecture on several equine science programmes at ARU Writtle (Anglia Ruskin University) in Essex, and have designed and written new degrees, including the BSc (Hons) Equine Behavioural Science course, one of very few specialist horse behaviour degrees available in the world. I am a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, meaning my university level teaching skills are recognised. As part of my university lecturing role, I also conduct research into behaviour and welfare, which you can find out more about here.
IAABC Certified Equine Behaviour Consultant - I am a fully certified equine behaviour consultant with over 20 years experience of working with horses in various roles. I am proud to be a fully certified member of the IAABC and work hard to uphold their code of ethics regarding least invasive, minimally aversive behavioural practices, focusing on using positive reinforcement and science-based training methods in my work. I am also an ABTC Accredited Animal Behaviourist.
Find out more about the IAABC here: https://m.iaabc.org/
Find out more about the ABTC here: http://www.abtcouncil.org.uk/
Understand Horses is an online education platform with courses aimed at horse owners, equine students, and industry professionals. All courses are based on the latest equine research and are for anyone interested in learning more about horses and equine science.
Find out more about Understand Horses and my content and courses here: https://www.understandhorses.com/
I regularly attend scientific conferences, member organisation workshops and other CPD events to keep my knowledge and working practice up to date and reflective of scientific research, evidence-based behavioural training and current industry practice.
Other Roles
Peer reviewer of academic manuscripts
External Examiner for Higher Education awards
Co-chair of the ABTC Equine Working Group
ABTC Representative on the British Horse Society's Equine Health and Welfare Advisory Group
ABTC Representative on the National Equine Welfare Council's Communications and Advocacy Group
Understand Horses Representative on the National Equine Welfare Council's Research and Education Group