Tracey Hammond

Nutritionist

How long have you been riding?
I have been involved with horses on an off since I was eight years old initially starting with riding lessons, then progressing to owning my own horse and helping out at a local stables. I am a leisure rider and although my favourite horsey activity to watch has to be the cross-country phase of eventing I am least likely to participate in this discipline! Nothing can beat having a leisurely wander round the country lanes especially if you live in the countryside and although I don’t currently own a horse I do make the most of my local riding stables.

Who is your all time horsey hero?
There are many sporting people and horses that could fit the hero bill, however I would say my horsey heroes would have to be all those people that work tirelessly for the welfare of horses not only charities in the UK, but those that work abroad as well.

I joined Dengie in 2002 initially in the sales orders office after completing my degree in Animal Science and Behaviour. In May 2004 I moved to the nutrition team and later completed my M.Sc in Equine Science with distinction, which I was exceptionally proud of. My research project focused on feeding behaviour and I completed a preliminary investigation into 'The effects of an equine grazing muzzle on grass intake and grazing behaviour'

What is your most embarrassing horsey moment?
My most embarrassing horsey moment was making a foolish mistake when I was younger. I was riding in the field with a group of friends and got too hot so removed my coat and tried to put it on the fence. The horse I was riding wasn't too keen to stand close to the fence so I really had to stretch out to the side. Just as I thought I had got the coat on the fence it slipped off spooking the horse sending me rapidly out the side exit; I should have known better really!