Thanks to the generosity of sponsors, the 2021 Equitation Science Conference is now offering free (yes FREE!) conference registration for all.

This means that you will be able to attend the entire conference – the plenary presentations (scroll down to learn what’s in store), the ‘Clever Hans’ opening talk, and access the recorded research presentations, virtual poster sessions and panel Q&A’s.

The Equitation Science Conference aims to bring together and engage with horse riders, pony clubs and riding clubs, coaches and trainers, and equine students as well as academics, researchers and scientists to showcase how using evidence-informed approaches.

This year’s, which is themed ‘Advancing Equestrian Practice to improve Equine Quality of Life’ takes place on 20th and 22nd October 2021 and it’s easy to attend; not only will all the talks be online (live and recorded for later viewing).

The conference is open to all with an interest in improving the welfare of the horse in its interactions with us. An amazing opportunity to hear from some well respected international equitation science researchers and practitioners, and all for free! We hope that if you haven’t yet become an ISES member/supporter, this experience will inspire you to join!

Register now using EventBrite! 

There will be three days of talks over four themed sessions namely:

1. Tools for Change – where scientists and practitioners will come together to explore the latest research about equine training cognition and performance,

2. Science with Impact – focussing on methods for measuring and monitoring the effects of different training approaches, use of equipment and rider psychology,

3. Communication for Change – covering approaches to advancing equitation and performance through effective dissemination of evidence-based information, and,

4. Education for Change – opportunities to empower existing and future generations through challenging thinking and practices and developing knowledge about equine welfare needs.

Learn what the keynote speakers have in store below!

This year’s ‘Clever Hans’ talk, which features a distinguished researcher from a field outside equitation science, is Mike Mendl, Professor of Animal Behaviour and Welfare at Bristol University in the UK.

In his talk, ‘Researching Cognitive Bias and Affective States’, Prof. Mendl will share his extensive knowledge and research findings in the areas of animal emotion, cognition and decision making, to provoke consideration of how this knowledge can be applied in an equitation context.

Plenary speaker Dr Camie Heleski

Plenary speaker Dr Andrew McLean:

Plenary speaker Dr Celeste Wilkins:

Plenary speaker Dr David Marlin: