New Zealand Equine Trust funds position to advance global equine health and performance research

In a significant move to advance the field of equine science, the New Zealand Equine Trust has recently funded a 10-year Chair position, the New Zealand Equine Trust Chair in Equine Health, Welfare and Performance at Tāwharau Ora School of Veterinary Science (SoVS).

This prestigious position aims to foster a world-class research programme, addressing the health, welfare and performance of horses, while reinforcing Aotearoa New Zealand's reputation as a leader in equine research.

Professor Chris Rogers appointed to the role

Following an extensive international search, Professor Chris Rogers from Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University has been appointed to the role, officially taking up the position on 1 January 2025. Professor Rogers, a long-standing member of SoVS, will dedicate the next decade to advancing research and promoting collaboration between the university and New Zealand's equine industry. His appointment represents a significant step towards creating a more robust and impactful research programme in equine science at Massey.

Professor Rogers brings a wealth of expertise to the position. With a PhD in equine biomechanics and postdoctoral experience as a Huygens Fellow at Utrecht University in the Netherlands, he has a long history of research in equine health and performance.

In conjunction with an established equine research history[CR1] , he has an extensive background in racing and equestrian sport, and often spends weekends course designing at show jumping shows throughout the country.

The primary focus of his work has been on the environmental and training factors that influence tissue development and career longevity in both racing and sport horses. His multidisciplinary expertise and leadership are expected to significantly contribute to advancing New Zealand’s equine research agenda.

He has been with Massey since 2000, and has taught across a diverse portfolio of courses including veterinary anatomy and physiology, animal production, agricultural and veterinary sciences and veterinary epidemiology.

Professor Rogers has undertaken a number of pivotal research projects addressing key industry issues such as the benefit of early exercise on reducing injury and nutrient management of commercial stud farms. His recent research focus has been on identifying risk factors for race day injury and examination of racetrack surfaces. In association with the Sport Science Group, Professor Rogers and the research team have been examining the use of smart materials (clothing with integrated GPS, heart rate and electromyography) to measure workload in jockeys and identify how they can reduce the risk of injury to jockeys and horses. Many of the findings from this project have been directly applied to the physical conditioning programme for New Zealand‘s apprentice jockeys.

Professor Rogers says he’s looking forward to getting stuck into the role.

“I’m excited about the appointment as it provides me with the opportunity to focus 100 per cent on the New Zealand equine industry and equine research.”

The role of the Chair

The New Zealand Equine Trust Chair is designed to support the development of a robust research programme, with an emphasis on equine health, welfare and performance. In the role, Professor Rogers will be at the helm of equine research at Massey, conducting research that aligns with the industry’s needs and priorities.

Attracting and mentoring graduate students will be part of this, as will be connecting with the wider equine industry, including breeders, trainers, veterinarians and equestrian bodies, to provide leadership and guidance.

The position will see Professor Rogers use his strong collaborative links with national and international institutions to foster domestic research talent.

Another objective of the role is to contribute to the planning and development of the Waikato Equine Safety Centre, and promote a focus on welfare and safety issues within the industry.

As a result of these focus areas and objectives for the role, Massey’s status as a leader in equine research will be enhanced, as will New Zealand’s equine science expertise on a global scale.

Distinguished Professor Wayne McIlwraith, Chair of the New Zealand Equine Trust Board says, “The NZET Board provided the funding for this position to further enhance the quality of equine research at Massey and in New Zealand, as well as achieve the vision of an Equine Safety Centre that will be a world leader in the prevention of musculoskeletal injury and associated problems in equine athletes [racing and sport horses]. Professor Rogers has the ability and qualifications to accomplish these goals and we are delighted with his appointment.”

Head of School of Veterinary Science Professor Jon Huxley says the School is honoured to be hosting the New Zealand Equine Trust Chair.

“We’re looking forward to working with the Trust and Professor Rogers to improve the health, welfare and performance of the nation’s horses and deliver tangible benefits for the equine industry.”