ISES 2017 Down Under - Through Their Eyes
Take a moment to think about what the term ‘equine welfare’ means to you. Does it describe the animal’s physical condition or does it speak more widely of the animal’s ethology, such as whether it has the opportunity to express natural, species-specific behaviours? Does it mean something deeper still, perhaps delving into the subjective realms of equine happiness, contentment, joy?
ISES 2017 Down Under - The Power of Collaboration
When trying to instigate change for the betterment of horses and their jockeys, to challenge long held beliefs and values and to introduce new checks and balances to sacred traditions it is a brave pioneer who dares to peep above the parapet and lead the way...
ISES 2017 Down Under - Back to Basics
Ask a veterinarian, a judge and a farrier to describe a particular horse and you might get three very different answers. Show them a set of behaviours and ask them to name and characterise them and you might well believe they were observing different horses altogether. This might be amusing as a party game, but when it comes to discussing behaviour at a scientific level or to comparing one behaviour study with another, it presents a unique set of problems...
ISES 2017 Down Under - Let the Show Begin!
With just over a week to go before the 13th International Equitation Science Conference begins, the orchestra is tuning and the players are rehearsing their lines. And do we have a treat in store for you! This year’s theme of Collaboration, Communication and Change is amply represented by the range…
On the Shoulders of Giants - Looking to the Past to Direct the Future
As we move forward with Equitation Science research, we do so on the shoulders of those enlightened pioneers who have gone before, whose lessons we can build upon in our quest to improve horse welfare, training and management. In equitation, who are these influential Giants and what have they contributed?…
When we know better, we do better!
Horses today live longer, healthier lives than ever before. We selectively breed horses to jump higher, run faster, move more flamboyantly... But the question many horse lovers would like to know the answer to is this: Are they happy? Are the domesticated lives we provide our horses fulfilling? How do…