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\begin{document}

\title{Survey of UK Veterinary Students' Perceptions about a Career in Equine
Practice}



\author[1]{Emily Elcock}%
\author[2]{Imogen Schofield}%
\author[3]{Brad Hill}%
\author[4]{Helen Braid}%
\author[5]{Tim Mair}%
\affil[1]{School of Veterinary Medicine and Science University of Nottingham Sutton Bonington Campus Leicestershire, LE12 5RD}%
\affil[2]{CVS}%
\affil[3]{University of Nottingham Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences}%
\affil[4]{University of Liverpool}%
\affil[5]{Bell Equine Veterinary Clinic}%


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  \date{June 17, 2024}


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\begin{abstract}
Background: Workforce shortages are key challenges facing veterinary
practice. Anecdotal evidence suggests that veterinary students are less
interested in entering equine practice than previously. Objectives: To
investigate veterinary students' perceptions about their equine
veterinary education and about working in equine practice. Study Design:
On-line survey. Methods: Survey distributed via social media to
veterinary students at UK veterinary schools. Questions to document
intended career path of students and evaluate perceptions about careers
in equine practice. Results: 744 students completed the survey - from
all 10 veterinary schools. 88.8\% intended to work in clinical practice
(32.9\% mixed; 25.3\% small animal; 20.2\% equine; 10.9\% farm; 10.7\%
other/undecided). Factors considered most important for their first job
included: mentoring and support (47.0\%), team and practice culture
(26.2\%), working hours (including out-of-hours) (9.2\%), location
(6.6\%), salary and benefits (5.7\%) and familiarity with the practice
(3.1\%). 55.2\% felt there were barriers to entering equine practice.
46.9\% had ridden a horse regularly; 14.2\% had never ridden.
Respondents in clinical years rated their university training in equine
practice as `Excellent' (10.0\%), `Good' (45.9\%), `OK' (35.3\%), `Poor'
(7.0\%) and `Rubbish' (1.8\%). 48.9\% respondents felt EMS had
contributed most to their equine training. Statistical associations were
identified between the following variables and intention to work in
equine practice: owning a horse, having ever ridden a horse, confidence
in handling horses, student membership of BEVA, and desire to undertake
an internship. Main Limitations: Potential selection bias. Conclusions:
20\% of students reporting an intention in equine work does not explain
problems with recruitment of equine vets. Potential mismatch between
numbers of students interested in equine practice and availability of
equine jobs for new graduates. Students with pre-existing equine
interest /experience were more likely to want to enter equine practice.
EMS appears important for students' training in equine medicine.%
\end{abstract}%



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