The International Society for Equitation Science (ISES) has welcomed the COMPASS Guidelines, a new expert developed framework that strengthens ethical standards, animal welfare protection, and scientific rigour in behaviour modification research by providing clear guidance on study design, welfare assessment, transparency, and ethical decision making, particularly in studies involving horses.
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Upcoming webinar: Welfare Blind Spots in the Arena - A Practitioner’s Perspective with Jody Hartstone
This webinar takes a real-world, practitioner perspective on training and competition, exploring where welfare conversations can sometimes miss the practical realities riders face. Join ISES and Jody for a discussion that bridges science and reality.
This webinar will take place online 1st April 7pm BST.
Posted 21.03.26
Registration is now open for the ISES 2026 International Conference
Additional details are now available, including conference tours, optional extras, and accommodation information.
Posted 13.03.26
Our latest webinar on demand: Sustainable, Ethical Horsekeeping
Members get live access to all of our webinars as part of their membership. Non-members can purchase individual webinars.
Posted 11.03.26
Research highlights: More papers added
Several new papers have been added to the ISES Research Highlights page, offering accessible summaries of recent equitation science research.
Posted 10.03.26
Webinar Tomorrow: Sustainable, Ethical Horsekeeping: Horses can be kept in a way that is good for them and good for the wider environment
This talk will provide insights into how you can begin to make changes that improve not only how you keep your horse(s), but also how you manage the land they live on. - Jane Myers
Posted 09.03.26
ISES 2026 Conference abstract deadline extension
Abstract submissions are open for the 21st International ISES Conference in Billund, Denmark and the deadline has been extended to 13th March. We would love to see your research featured at this year’s conference!
Posted 27.02.26
New podcast episode: Rethinking Stallion Management Through Welfare Science
Professor Christine Aurich joins us to discuss her review on breeding stallion welfare, exploring how social needs, management practices, and reproductive performance can be balanced to support both wellbeing and productivity.
Listen via Spotify, our website or Apple Podcasts.
Posted 15.02.26
ISES 2026 Conference travel grants now open
We’re offering three travel grants of up to £1,000 to help members attend the 21st ISES Conference in Billund, Denmark.
Open to:
• Student members
• Practitioner members
• Members from historically underrepresented groups
No abstract submission required.
Apply by 1 April 2026
Posted 12.02.26
Newest webinar now available on-demand
Our latest webinar, From Instinct to Evidence: Facial Expressions, Pain, and Emotion in Horses with Dr Camie Heleski, is now available to watch on demand.
We’ve already received multiple 5* reviews — including great feedback from our 246 registrants, despite the session taking place only a few hours ago.
Members receive access to all webinars live and on demand as part of their membership — become a member here.
Non-members can purchase recordings here.
Thank you to everyone who joined us live and continues to support evidence-based equitation science through our webinar series.
Posted 12.02.26
21st international conference abstract submissions now open!
Abstract submissions are now officially open for the 21st International ISES Conference in Billund, Denmark! The theme is "The Nature of Horses" and it will be held at LEGOLAND® Conference Centre in Denmark between 11-13 August. This year’s event will bring together researchers, practitioners, and equine professionals to share the latest insights into equitation science, behaviour, and welfare.
Posted 07.02.26
Webinar rescheduled: From Instinct to Evidence: Facial Expressions, Pain, and Emotion in Horses
New date & time: 12th February 2026 3:00 PM (GMT)
Joining link: (same as before — if you registered for the original date/time of the webinar please check your email as we have resent you the information)
Thank you for your understanding and support. We’re looking forward to hosting the full session soon, and we wish Camie a speedy recovery.
If you haven’t registered yet, you can now do so and join us for the rescheduled session by clicking below.
Posted 02.02.26
New podcast episode: Can you smell a breathing risk?
In this episode, we explore how simple sensory checks (sight, touch, and smell) can help flag when hay may release harmful dust or hide microbial contamination, with abnormal odour emerging as a key red flag for respiratory risk. We’re joined by Dr Virginie Bouverat and Professor Vinzenz Gerber, representing the wider research team behind the study, to discuss what these findings mean for practical, low-cost stable management.
Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or...
Posted 23.01.26
COMPASS Guidelines now released
Posted 10.01.26
Students get free membership with ISES throughout 2026!
For the first time ever, we’re offering a 1-year free student membership for 2026.
Posted 31.12.25
Another new webinar available to watch on demand
Another webinar in the ISES Exploring Equitation Science series is now available to watch. Dr Cathrynne Henshall covers equine cognition and neuroscience in this two-hour webinar, which is free for ISES members or available to non-members for just £5, offering in-depth insight into equine cognition, emotion, and learning.
Posted 06.12.25
Research highlights
This Research Highlights page will be updated regularly, featuring recent studies handpicked by the ISES Council. The aim is to showcase emerging research in equitation science that informs best practice in training, management, and horse welfare.
Posted 15.11.25
FEI Approves Controversial New Blood Rule for Show Jumping
During the 2025 FEI General Assembly in Hong Kong, the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) voted 56–20, with two abstentions, to approve a controversial amendment to the show jumping rules known as the “blood rule.”
Posted 10.11.25
Read more
New webinar alert
Join Dr Cath Henshall as she explores how horses think, learn, and make decisions, and what this means for training, problem-solving, and welfare. This webinar connects cognitive science with practical equine applications.
Posted 06.11.25
Register now
Official ISES Statement
The International Society for Equitation Science (ISES) has released a statement regarding the proposed changes to the FEI Blood Rule in Showjumping competitions.
Posted 05.11.25
See full statement
Join the 10th Annual Equine Industry Symposium
This year’s theme — “Patching the Holes in Our Bucket: Building a Stronger Equestrian Culture” — explores how compassion, connection, and sustainability can shape a more positive future for the equine community.
Posted 01.11.25
The FEI plans to vote this November on a rule change that would downgrade visible blood from a horse’s mouth or nose from an automatic elimination to a Recorded Warning
Posted 22.10.25
Watch all webinars on catch up - now available
Missed a live session? You can now catch up on our complete webinar recordings and learn at your own pace. Members: Already have full access — just log in and start watching today. Non-members: Webinars are available to purchase individually for just £5 each.
Posted 01.10.25
Next webinar announcement
Horses in human-centric contexts: Quantitative and qualitative insights into human–horse interactions — Communication and understanding. Developing a relationship. Join us as we explore how communication and relationship-building shape human–horse interactions, drawing on both research and real-world insights.
Posted 30.09.25
Watch or listen to the 2025 conference interviews, includes Clever Hans talk
Relive the highlights of the 20th Anniversary International Society for Equitation Science (ISES) Conference, held at Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colorado. Across four days, leading researchers, practitioners, and equestrian professionals gathered to share the latest science on horse–human interactions, training practices, welfare, and technology.
Podcast versions will be uploaded over the next 2 months starting from 10th Sept. Listen on our website or Spotify.
Posted 03.09.25
ISES Storefront now available!
ISES has officially launched its branded ISES Storefront, now available online through Lands' End. Members and supporters can now purchase a wide range of high-quality ISES-branded apparel, including men's and women's jackets, gilets, polos, and more.
Posted 05.08.25
ISES Conference: Clever Hans Talk
Rick will explore how designing environments around meaningful behavioural outcomes—not just activities—can increase animal engagement, improve welfare, and encourage behavioural diversity. His talk is informed by years of applied behavioural science in a zoo setting.
Posted 12.07.25
Watch the Guest Speakers from the 2025 AGM
Watch inspiring guest talks, and innovative strides in equitation science and welfare!
Posted 03.07.25
Meet the ISES 2025 Conference Speakers
The ISES Conference is just a month away! From now on, we’ll be introducing more of our speakers every few days—stay tuned for updates.
Posted 25.06.25
Webinar Certificates Now Available
The International Society for Equitation Science (ISES) is pleased to announce that attendees can now request Certificates of Attendance for all ISES webinars—past and future.
Posted 16.06.25
New podcast episode and YouTube video with Dr Katherine Houpt
In this episode, Dr. Houpt joins host Chloe Campbell to discuss how diet, the microbiome, and foraging behaviour influence equine behaviour and welfare.
Based on her chapter in Equine Welfare in Clinical Practice, we explore feeding practices, stereotypies, and how meeting a horse’s natural dietary needs can improve emotional balance.
A must-listen for anyone interested in evidence-based horse care.
Watch on our YouTube channel, listen on our website, Spotify or Apple Podcasts.
Posted 07.06.25
Upcoming webinar with Dr Kate Fenner on Training Methods (19th June)
This topic explores how learning theory applies to horse training, including operant conditioning (positive and negative reinforcement, punishment), classical conditioning, and techniques such as shaping, habituation, extinction, and desensitisation. It highlights how these principles affect training outcomes and equine welfare.
Posted 06.06.25
A Tasmanian court has ruled that using a padded racing whip on a horse can cause unreasonable and unjustifiable pain, making it an act of animal cruelty under the law.
We want to share a significant legal development that may have far-reaching implications for horse welfare in racing.
Posted 30.05.25
Early bird rate closing soon (1st June)
Time is running out to get exclusive savings on registration for the International Society for Equitation Science Conference in July. Register before June 1st to lock in early-bird pricing!
Official schedule for the 2025 Conference released
Official schedule for the 2025 ISES Conference released, highlighting key sessions on equitation science and horse welfare.
Virtual option now available for the 2025 Conference
Do not miss this opportunity to join us online for one of the biggest conferences in equitation science.
2025 Annual General Meeting
Join us at our AGM! We look forward to welcoming you to this great opportunity to reflect on ISES activities, engage in society governance, and be inspired by a diverse range of speakers sharing their unique paths in equitation science. (29th May)
2025 Council Elections
Voting has now commenced for the election of new members to the ISES Council. If you hold an Academic membership you are eligible to vote. We encourage all eligible voters to have your say on who should join Council in 2025. There’s a range of highly qualified new and familiar faces who have volunteered their time and expertise to service on Council to fulfil our mission of sharing equitation science to safeguard horse welfare across the equestrian community.
Voting will continue online until 26 May. For more information about the candidates and to place your vote please click here: https://www.equitationscience.com/2025-nominations
The results of the election will be announced at the AGM which will take place at 8pm UTC on 27 May. Please check your timezone.
View Nominees and Biographies
Travel grants available for the ISES Conference!
A reminder that applications for the ISES Travel Grants close on 1st April! If you're planning to attend the 2025 International ISES Conference, or need funding in order to attend, this is a great opportunity to receive £1000 in funding to support your travel.
Apply now!
New webinar episode with Shawna Karrasch and Jessie Hillegas
This session explores the principles of positive reinforcement in horse training, focusing on how reward-based methods shape behavior and enhance learning. It will cover practical applications, ethical considerations, and the benefits of incorporating positive reinforcement into equine training.
Visit webinar page
