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Enhancing Horse Welfare and Improving Rider Relationships through Research and Expertise
Hear a welcome message from the President and become a member to learn about the Society's mission and game-changing position statements on horse training and behaviour. Join as a practitioner, associate, student, or supporter and be part of a global community dedicated to advancing equine knowledge!
Watch on YouTubeNew podcast episode
Meet the Author: Dr Gemma Pearson
New Danish translation for Training Principles
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No Significant Difference Found Between 1.5 and 2 Finger Noseband Tightness in New Study, but FEI’s Precautionary Approach Praised
New study finds no significant difference in pressure between 1.5 and 2-finger noseband tightness, but FEI's 2-finger rule is praised for prioritising equine welfare. Researchers urge caution in interpreting findings from small samples and call for further research into behavioural impacts.
Read more2025 conference date confirmed
The 20th International Society for Equitation Science Conference is back in the U.S. for the first time since 2013! Join inspiring researchers, practitioners, students, veterinary professionals, equine organizations, equine enthusiasts, and industry leaders from across the globe under the theme “Improving Connection with Horses through Science” at Colorado State University in Colorado, USA, July 23rd - July 26th, 2025.
Any updates will be announced via email and our social media, and soon, our website.
Tribute to Professor Frank Ödberg
As we honour Frank's remarkable contributions to the field of animal behaviour and welfare, we reflect on his passion, dedication, and lasting impact on both his students and the broader scientific community. His unwavering commitment to understanding and improving the lives of animals will be deeply missed.
Read morePosition statement summaries available
Explore our newly released summaries of position statements on the website!
Visit nowNew Zealand Talks Now Available for Purchase
We are delighted to announce that the insightful talks from the ISES New Zealand Conference are now accessible for purchase at an incredible price of just £5 each!
Read moreAnnual General Meeting 2024
The guest speaker videos from the AGM are now available on our YouTube channel and in the members' area under 'Content'. Featuring Géraldine Vandevenne on poll pressure in bit and bridle fitting, Caleigh Copelin on conflict behaviors in Canadian riding lesson horses, and Dr. Gabriel Lencioni on using deep learning to understand horse emotions, these presentations offer valuable insights into equine welfare and behavior.
Read moreNews release: FEI Sports Forum
ISES commends FEI for adopting the 5 domains framework for its welfare strategy and emphasizes the importance of evidence-based decision-making in horse welfare matters.
Read moreAnnual General Meeting 2024
Join our Annual General Meeting (AGM) on May 28th, 2024, featuring three captivating guest speakers discussing crucial equine science topics. To participate, become a member today!
Read moreAnd just like that - the ISES Conference is over!
Read what Professor Nat Waran, one of the esteemed organisers of the 2024 ISES Conference has to say to wrap up the event.
Read moreAre you a Practitioner member of ISES?
We’re looking for a current Practitioner member to share their experiences at our upcoming Annual General Meeting being held on May 28, 2024. This year’s theme is Beyond the Bridle and we’re interested in hearing from practitioners who are innovative in their use of technology to improve the welfare and quality of lives of their horses, their clients’ horses or when helping clients.
Read moreMember giveaway winner!
Congratulations to FEIF - International Federation of Icelandic Horse Associations for participating and winning in our recent members' survey!
Read moreConference information update
There is just 1 week left of Early Bird Rates! Read more about confirmed themes, plenary speakers and the Clever Hans Talk!
Read moreWhy 'Moody Mare' Memes Are a Problem
Ever laughed at those 'moody mare' videos? Think twice! Such content, intended as humour, perpetuates harmful stereotypes about mares being difficult, especially chestnuts. Dr. Antonia Henderson sheds light on why these videos aren’t just about laughs but have broader implications for horse welfare, owners, and the equine industry.
Read moreNew ISES Infographic
Delve into the narrative of the 2023 Grand National's equine welfare discourse, available to all seeking a comprehensive understanding beyond the race's surface.
Read moreSponsors confirmed for the ISES Conference 2024 in New Zealand
Our sponsors are instrumental in making this event possible, contributing significantly to the progress of equine welfare.
Read moreExclusive sneak peek from our honorary and founding fellows Part 6
Professor Jan Ladewig, drawing on 50 years of research, highlights historical mistreatment of domestic animals. Advocating for group housing for riding horses, he emphasises the similarities between domestic and wild animals. Acknowledging potential challenges, Ladewig underscores the importance of socialisation and training for young horses, creating safer riding experiences. He believes that improving housing conditions and preparation can make horseback riding less risky and more appealing, potentially reducing rider fear and dropouts.
Read moreExclusive sneak peek from our honorary and founding fellows Part 5
In an exclusive preview, Dr. Camie Heleski, one of our honorary fellows, sheds light on critical aspects of the equestrian world. Delving into topics such as the Social License to Operate, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility. Dr. Heleski emphasises the evolving landscape of equine welfare. As societal concerns rise, particularly around practices like whip use and inadequate horse care, there is a growing risk to the approval of equestrianism.
Read more about Dr. Heleski's professional updates!
Read moreNew podcast alert!
In this engaging podcast, Dr. Jan Ladewig, Jody Hartstone, and Dr. Andrew McLean, discuss horse and human safety, covering topics like separation anxiety, safety statistics, and teaching horses key behaviours. They stress integrating these principles into organisational training, share practical tips, and delve into the future of safety in equestrianism, including learning theory and dispelling misconceptions about group housing for horses.
Listen now!Exclusive sneak peek from our honorary and founding fellows Part 4
Explore the expertise of Professor Frank Ödberg, a distinguished figure in applied ethology since 1968, as he delves into the intricate world of equine behaviour. With a passion for horses extending from academic research to active participation in dressage, Professor Ödberg advocates for ethical riding practices and addresses the global issue of hyperflexion in competition horses, offering nuanced insights and solutions.
Read moreExclusive sneak peek from our honorary and founding fellows Part 3
In a recent conversation with Dr. Camie Heleski, we received a delightful professional update. Camie is an honorary fellow of ISES and a prominent researcher on domestic animal behaviour and welfare. In this update, Camie describes her engagement in equine welfare as a member of the FEI Equine Ethics and Wellbeing Commission and discussions on Social License to Operate in equestrian sport. Camie also serves as a co-chair for the NAEAA DEI committee, focusing on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion matters.
Read moreISES October Newsletter
Read what our President Dr. Katrina Merkies covers in her year in office, IT assistance request, upcoming conference, sponsorship opportunities, member achievements, a creative challenge, annual report, and a survey on horse problem behaviours.
Read moreISES offers 5 people up to £1000 to support travel costs towards the 2024 Annual Conference: New Zealand
Are you eager to attend the International Society for Equitation Science (ISES) conference in New Zealand in 2024 but concerned about the costs? We have great news for you! ISES is offering travel grants to help individuals attend the upcoming conference.
Read moreISES Supports the Recommendations Made by the Equine Ethics and Wellbeing Commission
The International Society for Equitation Science (ISES) has been in contact with the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) to support the recommendations made by the Equine Ethics and Wellbeing Commission.
Read moreNew podcast alert!
Dr. Andrew McLean and Jody Hartstone share insights on the game-changing ISES 10 training principles in our new podcast.
Read more...Exclusive sneak peek from our honorary and founding fellows Part 2
In a recent conversation with Dr. Debbie Goodwin, we received a delightful personal update from her. Debbie is co-founder of ISES and a prominent researcher on domestic animal behaviour and welfare.
Read moreExclusive sneak peek from our honorary and founding fellows Part 1
Professor Paul McGreevy shares personal updates and provides global resources for horse owners.
Professor McGreevy, Dr Kate Fenner, Dr Andrew Mclean and Professor James Serpell's E-BARQ questionnaire extends to ISES members and the equestrian community, offering invaluable information about your horse and other horses worldwide.
Read moreISES Infographics
ISES has recently launched a captivating series of infographics, available exclusively to members. Every two weeks, the members area will be updated with new, groundbreaking research episodes. Regardless of your level of expertise, these infographics are designed to enhance your understanding of equitation science.
This is exclusive to ISES members.
Become a member today!The First ISES Podcast: Choosing your research subject
The International Society for Equitation Science has just released its first-ever podcast on the subject of choosing a research topic. This podcast offers insights and advice for researchers who want to make informed decisions about their research subjects.
Listen now on our website