“I’m used to f lies, muck and smells”

AS a leading forensic entomologist, Dr Hannah Moore is sometimes called to the grisliest of environments. By studying the insects present in decomposing human remains, she can determine the time of death.

“It’s always a suspicious death,” explains Hannah, who is otherwise busy lecturing in forensic science and analytic chemistry at Cranfield University. “Insects can also indicate if the person has taken drugs, or whether the body has been moved or frozen. They’re the most reliable witnesses, in many cases.”

Horses are a welcome release, explains Hannah, whose mare Follow Her Home – the SEIB Search for a Star champion at Horse of the Year Show in 2018 (pictured) – gave birth to a Comfort-sired foal last year. With her new mare Direct Golden Girl showing talent for dressage and eventing, she’s set for a busy season.

Hannah’s horse friends – her farrier, in particular – are intrigued to hear about her crime scene investigations. And while none of her work colleagues ride, they insisted that she set up a WhatsApp group to keep them updated with her HOYS progress.

“The two worlds are far apart,” admits Hannah, a former junior eventing squad rider who describes herself as “a competitive amateur”.

“But in academia, trying to get grants for funding, you have to be really quite ferocious and competitive. The horseworld is absorbing, but I do love my day job,” she adds. “I would miss the science side.”

WHEN TWO WORLDS MEET: “Horse people tend not to be squeamish and are used to flies, muck and smells,” adds Hannah, of her insect-filled double life. “I’ve always said that if I could create a fly spray for horses that really worked, I’d make millions.”