Posted 03.09.25
News
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 YouTubeWatch 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.
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
Webinar launch with Dr. Andrew Mclean
We are thrilled to announce the launch of our exciting new ISES Webinar, featuring Dr. Andrew McLean, as he shares the latest insights into Equitation Science. Hosted by Chloe Campbell, ISES Media Manager, this is your exclusive chance to dive into research, training methods, and practical applications for the care and training of horses.
New podcast episode
In this episode, Dr. Carol Hall discusses her PhD research with Dr. Rachel Kay on horse welfare, focusing on how horse-human interactions affect quality of life. She shares findings from her systematic review, which explores pain recognition, emotional reactivity, and handling, highlighting the importance of fulfilling horses' physical and social needs. Dr. Hall emphasises how positive interactions with humans can improve welfare, offering valuable insights into enhancing the lives of horses in sport and leisure activities.
Listen on our website or...
New podcast episode
In this episode, we’re thrilled to speak with Ella Bartlett, Dr. Jo Hockenhull, and Lorna Cameron about Ella’s PhD research: "Exploring the relationship between horse-owner attributes and their approach to horse training."
Meet the Author: Dr Gemma Pearson
Join us for an in-depth conversation with Dr. Gemma Pearson, a trailblazer in equine behavioral medicine and Director of Equine Behaviour at The Horse Trust. With her extensive experience as the first RCVS Specialist in Veterinary Behavioural Medicine (Equine) and her role leading a referral clinic at the University of Edinburgh, Dr. Pearson brings a wealth of knowledge on the science and art of equine behaviour.
New Danish translation for Training Principles
The ISES Training Principles provide a science-based approach to horse training and welfare. These principles are rooted in evidence-based practices and have been frequently referenced in peer-reviewed papers, articles, and scientific journals.
Researchers and equine professionals frequently point to these principles for their basis in learning theory, animal behaviour, and cognitive science.
There are currently 8 translations for the ISES Training Principles Posters! If you would like to help us translate into more languages, let us know!
Learn more
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 more
2025 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 more
