PHOTO: Mare and foal in bronze, Cambridge. https://www.booknewzealandholiday.co.nz/
The International Society for Equitation Science is a global organisation that unites equestrians, equine researchers, vets, and practitioners from various disciplines in the name of the horse. And for the first time, it’s coming to New Zealand from 14-16 March in Cambridge, often referred to as our horse capital. But don’t expect high scientific academic jargon. The conference is about applying research in a real-life context to explore the ways we currently involve horses in sports and leisure, and how this affects world horse welfare in different countries.
Professor Natalie Waran says Australasia is in a strong position to lead the world in horse welfare due to our lifestyles, history, climate and population.
“We’re fortunate to be at the forefront in equine welfare research and practice with our world recognised equine behaviour, health and welfare experts. We aim to ensure that research is applied and relevant, provides knowledge to address issues of concern and that we are all part of an international equestrian community that is striving for ‘a good life for horses’, with a focus on why it’s vital and how we can provide it within the contexts of sport and leisure,” she says.
Three days with global experts on equine behaviour and welfare will include a Field Day that aims to stimulate research and implementation in relation to A Good Life for Horses in various sport, leisure and working contexts. Topics include:
- Measuring the impact of Tack and Equipment
- New directions in Training and Riding
- What happens in the ‘Other 23 Hours’ (Outside of Competition and Training)
- Understanding Equine Emotions
- Safe Human- Horse Interactions
- Setting the Horse up for Success (Early experiences, weaning, a second life)
- Sustainable Equine Management and Practice
- New directions in equine welfare and equitation science
Between 150-200 delegates are expected to take part. The early bird registration deadline closes on 31 December at https://www.equitationscience.com/2024-conference…
As many equestrians also have dogs and cats, the ISES Conference is being held back-to-back with the Companion Animals of New Zealand conference a day earlier on 12 March. Companion animals are those animals who share our homes and lives. The category is often limited to dogs and cats, but may also include birds, horses, and other domesticated animals. Register here: https://events.humanitix.com/canz
Discounts apply if you’re attending both Companion Animals New Zealand and ISES, check out our discounted ticket prices. Find them under “CANZ Attendee Ticket Price” during registration.