Katrina Merkies is an associate professor at the University of Guelph in Ontario where she developed and implemented the first equine Bachelor’s degree in Canada (BBRM Equine Management). She maintains oversight of the programme and teaches a variety of courses all interwoven with learning theory and equitation science. Her modest research programme encompasses equine behaviour, welfare and management with a special focus on horse–human interactions. Katrina is a board member of the International Society of Equitation Science, the National Association of Equine-Affiliated Academics, and the Donkey Sanctuary of Canada. In her personal life Katrina is a Level II dressage coach and has trained and competed up to FEI levels in dressage, earning the title of Canadian Champion in 1999. She most enjoys providing young horses with foundation training, and has more recently turned her efforts to mounted archery. She also avidly applies learning theory principles to clicker training her two young Australian Shepherds, Kurt and Cedar, who compete in Obedience and Rally-O.
