Petra graduated in Veterinary Science from Massey University, New Zealand in 1988. She completed her equine medicine and surgery internship with distinction (Sydney, 1991), followed by a residency in large animal medicine and surgery (Sydney, 1994). She was awarded a Master of Veterinary Clinical Studies in 1995 for her studies on acute diarrhoea in horses. Petra then worked as Veterinary Officer with NSW Department of Primary Industries prior to joining Charles Sturt University in 1995.

In 1998 Petra obtained membership of the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists by examination in Equine Surgery.

Since then, her interest in a population approach to equine health has led to research involving equine internal parasites, stereotypies in stabled horses, and the role of non-veterinary equine therapists. More recently, she completed a longitudinal study of the Health and Performance of Pony Club horses, obtaining her PhD in Epidemiology in 2009 (UQ). Petra has published in national and international journals.

Other research highlights include providing evidence that horse management factors impact serum muscle enzyme activities in endurance horses.

Her particular interests are assisting the owners in achieving optimal health and performance of their horses through prevention.

• Epidemiology
• Horse health and performance
• Horse misbehaviour
• Horse welfare
• Preventative horse health care
• Extension of scientific information to the horse industry