CONFERENCES		2nd International Equitation Science Symposium  hosted by the Veterinary Faculty of Milano, Italy, 19-20 September 2006
There were 16 papers and 8 peer reviewed posters.
A practical session was held at the Stable Rosenthal (Carpiano) to stress the strong link between ethology and equitation. The Symposium included a specific session that was dedicated to identifying immediate priorities of research. The Symposium 2006 focused on the following topics that emerged during the first International Equitation Science Symposium in 2005, Australia. Examine the pros and cons of working juvenile and immature horses. How much is too much and how early is too soon? Assess the indicators and effects of learned helplessness. Analyze the various types of flexion, used in different training systems, and how to measure them effectively. Assess the benefits of adopting scientifically verified behaviour modification techniques.
PROCEEDINGS
Speakers		Oral Presentations
Natalie Waran, New Zealand		Training from an earlier age
Paul McGreevy, Australia		Ethological challenges for the working horse and the limitations of ethological solutions in training
Amanda Warren-Smith, Australia		An audit of the application of the principles of equitation science by qualified equestrian instructors in Australia
Janne W. Christensen, Denmark		Training methods for modification of fear in horses
Andrew McLean, Australia		Reducing wastage in the trained horse: training principles that arise from learning theory
E. Hartmann, Scotland		A preliminary investigation into verbal cue-colour association learning in horses
Hayley D. Randle, UK		Horse whisperers and horse ‘behaviourists’: are we jeopardising our horses?
Jo Hockenhull, UK		Does punishment work? Rider responses and behaviour problems in ridden horses
Paolo Baragli, Italy		Assessment of the behaviour and haltering work time in young unhandled horses: influence of three different training methods
Mari Zetterqvist Blokhuis, Sweden		HorseConnexion: improving horse welfare through knowledge transfer to riders, riding teachers and horse owners
Alexandra Wells, Australia		Do horses exhibit motor bias when their balance is tested?
Jack Murphy, Ireland		Visuomotor influences on jump stride kinematics in showjumping horses
Machteld van Dierendonck, The Netherlands		Assessment of ethological methods as a diagnostic tool to determine early overtraining in horses
Adalberto Falaschini, Italy		An approach to stress induced by rider in show jumper horses
Uta von Borstel, Canada		Stronger fear reactions in Dressage versus Showjumping horses may be linked to genetics but not training
Aleksandra Górecka, Poland		Behaviour of horses during habituation to a novel object
Lead authors		Posters
Sandra Burr, Australia		Dancing with horse whisperers: What horse(wo)men want.
Jan Ladewig, Denmark		Roll and rise: A Sign of Comfort in Horses?
Beth Bliss, USA		A preliminary 2-foal study on the use of Positive Reinforcement from birth.
Alberto Minetti, Italy		General and individual biomechanics/energetics of locomotion in performing quadrupeds.
A. Brunt, UK		Responses of school horses to a flat lesson.
Cristina Cravana, Italy		Circulating ß-endorphin levels of trained Standardbred racehorses after competitive and not competitive races.
Mari Zetterqvist Blokhuis, Sweden		EuroRide – an international education for riding instructors.
Louise Roberts, UK		A Pilot Study: Can owners predict their horses’ behaviour?
A. Checchi, Italy		Safety compliances in equestrian centers.
Antonio Fagiolo, Italy		Training, competition and transport in horses: influence on physiological and biochemical parameters.
Manuela Pauri, Italy		The use of an experienced horse in breaking of an untrained subject: preliminary observations.
Amanda Warren-Smith, Australia		Head lowering in horses.
Amanda Warren-Smith, Australia		The timing of reinforcement when training foals (Equus caballus).
Amanda Warren-Smith, Australia		Rein contact between horse and handler.
Amanda Warren-Smith, Australia		Use of positive and negative reinforcement in equitation.