Miss Gemma Pearson

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. These cases are investigated and treated using a holistic approach to encompass cognitive, emotional and physical health.
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. In 2023 Gemma was 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 BEVA aiming to reduce injury rates when dealing with difficult horses under the ‘Don’t break your vet’ campaign. This has now been followed up with a BEVA ‘Hold Your Horses’ low stress veterinary care course as she tries to normalise low stress care in equine practice.