The 13^th international conference of the International Society for Equitation Science took place on 23^rd-25^th November 2017 at Charles Sturt University in Wagga Wagga, NSW, Australia.  This was the third time that the conference was in Australia (following Clonbinane, Victoria in 2005 and Sydney in 2009).  Charles Sturt University is one of the few providers of degree level Equine Science education in Australia with ample equestrian facilities to host an international conference of this calibre, with the support of a wide range of sponsors.

The conference theme ‘Equitation Science in Practice: Collaboration, Communication and Change’ attracted over 150 delegates from 17 different countries and all Australian states. The theme was supported by an academic programme of 29 oral presentations and 28 posters. Delegates learnt about the role of the horse in education including breeding work, foal handling and contribution to the veterinary industry and survival of other horses.   Each of the 3Cs (Collaboration, Communication and Change) were thoroughly addressed and the two workshops - Standing on the Shoulders of Giants (designed to develop an appreciation of the pillars of Equitation Science in order to identify future directions with valuable input from ISES Honorary Fellows all of whom have been globally recognised for their contribution to Animal Welfare) and Human Behaviour Change (designed to identify key areas where change in human practice is needed to improve horse welfare) were enjoyed by Practitioners and Academics, Students and Honorary Fellows alike.

The conference was fully and actively supported by senior Charles Sturt University staff (Prof Glenn Edwards, Head of School of Animal and Veterinary Science, Prof Tim Wess, Executive Dean of Science and Prof Andrew Vann, Vice Chancellor).

With thanks to the Local Organizing Committee:

Hayley Randle (Chair), Jaymie Loy, Natalie Waran, Cath Henshall, Cristina Wilkins, Jane Williams, Nic da Brauwere, ISES Council, CSU student helpers and staff,  the team of Scientific abstract reviewers and Alexandria Bailey.