The International Society for Equitation Science is a global organisation that unites equestrians, equine researchers, vets, and practitioners from various disciplines in the name of the horse. And for the first time, it’s coming to New Zealand from 14-16 March in Cambridge, often referred to as our horse capital.
Don’t expect high scientific academic jargon. The conference is about applying research in a real-life context to explore the ways we currently involve horses in sports and leisure, and how this affects world horse welfare in different countries.
Professor Natalie Waran says Australasia is in a strong position to lead the world in horse welfare due to our lifestyles, history, climate and population.
“We’re fortunate to be at the forefront in equine welfare research and practice with our world recognised equine behaviour, health and welfare experts. We aim to ensure that research is applied and relevant, provides knowledge to address issues of concern and that we are all part of an international equestrian community that is striving for ‘a good life for horses’, with a focus on why it’s vital and how we can provide it within the contexts of sport and leisure,” she says.
Three days with global experts on equine behaviour and welfare will include a Field Day that aims to stimulate research and implementation in relation to A Good Life for Horses in various sport, leisure and working contexts. Topics include:
- Measuring the impact of Tack and Equipment
- New directions in Training and Riding
- What happens in the ‘Other 23 Hours’ (Outside of Competition and Training)
- Understanding Equine Emotions
- Safe Human- Horse Interactions
- Setting the Horse up for Success (Early experiences, weaning, a second life)
- Sustainable Equine Management and Practice
- New directions in equine welfare and equitation science
Between 150-200 delegates are expected to take part. Registration and more information at https://www.equitationscience.com/2024-conference
As many equestrians also have dogs and cats, the ISES Conference is being held back-to-back with the Companion Animals of New Zealand conference a day earlier on 12 March. Companion animals are those animals who share our homes and lives. The category is often limited to dogs and cats, but may also include birds, horses, and other domesticated animals.
Related Links
ISES Suggest to Empower FEI Stewards to Control Tightness of Noseband
International Society for Equitation Science - Advancing Equestrian Practice to improve Equine Quality of Life
2017 ISES Equitation Science Conference in Australia on 22 - 25 November 2017
The Rise of Equitation Science Recognized at 2012 ISES Conference
2011 International Equitation Science Conference and Popular Equitation Science Day in The Netherlands
Horse Welfare and Human Safety at the 2010 International Equitation Science Conference