Dr Richard Newton BVSc, MSc, PhD, FRCVS
Director of Epidemiology and Disease Surveillance
Presentation title: From stable to state: Can we all do better in infectious disease control?
After several years as a veterinary surgeon working in general mixed practice, in 1994 Richard joined the Animal Health Trust (AHT). At the AHT, as well as gaining an MSc, PhD and FRCVS, he acquired a breadth of experience in the epidemiology, surveillance and control of a range of equine infectious diseases, including influenza, strangles and equine herpesvirus.
Richard was the Director of Epidemiology and Disease Surveillance and Acting Director of Research at the time the AHT permanently closed in July 2020. His team were immediately retained by the UK Thoroughbred racing and breeding industry through the British Horseracing Authority (BHA). Having established Equine Infectious Disease Surveillance (EIDS) as a new initiative at the BHA, the EIDS team transferred to Cambridge Vet School in November 2021, and continues to provide global disease surveillance and advice on disease prevention strategies and outbreak management.
Richard has been principal investigator or co-applicant on many project grants, linked to non-infectious as well as infectious equine health and welfare topics. He remains a member of several equine industry advisory committees, including the veterinary committees of both the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) and the Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association (TBA), the Codes of Practice sub-committee of the Horserace Betting Levy Board (HBLB), the UK Equine Disease Coalition, and the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) Veterinary Epidemiology Working Group.
Dr Jenny Burbage
Associate Professor in Applied Biomechanics and Women's Health; University of Portsmouth
Presentation title: TBC
Dee So'oialo
Founder of The Performance Hub
Presentation title: TBC
A recognised leader in horse and rider performance, Dee is the Founder of The Performance Hub—the world’s first facility dedicated to the integrated development of elite equestrian partnerships, and a catalyst for a new era in equestrian performance.
Working at the highest level of equestrian sport, Dee and the team work with many of the world’s leading horses and riders across the three Olympic disciplines. This frontline experience directly informs a progressive, science-led approach that redefines how performance is understood and developed, placing equal emphasis on the physical, technical and physiological demands of both horse and rider.
As the creator of EQ Bands—the original resistance training system designed specifically for riders, both on and off the horse—Dee has pioneered innovative methods that enhance rider stability, symmetry, and effectiveness in the saddle. This work has been instrumental in shifting industry perception, firmly establishing riders as athletes in their own right.
At the core of Dee’s work is a commitment to excellence and exploration through collaboration—bringing together a world-class, ever-evolving network of specialists to connect the dots and optimise performance for both elite and ambitious amateur partnerships.
Known for combining precision, insight, and a deep respect for the horse, Dee and the team are at the forefront of a new era in equestrian sport - championing a more intelligent, sustainable, and welfare-driven model for success. Through The Performance Hub, this vision is not only being developed, but experienced in practice—offering a unique insight into the future of horse and rider performance.
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