2026 International Conference
21st International Conference
Billund, Denmark
August 11th-13th
Early information
Theme: The Nature of Horses
Venue: LEGOLAND® Conference Centre, Billund, Denmark
Dates: 11–13 August 2026
Join us in Denmark for the 2026 International Society for Equitation Science (ISES) Conference, exploring “The Nature of Horses.” This year’s event will bring together researchers, practitioners, and equine professionals to share the latest insights into equitation science, behaviour, and welfare.
Key Dates:
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Abstract submissions open now: Deadline 13 March 2026 (extended)
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Registration & Accommodation Information: early March 2026. A full booking link and further delegate information will be released around this time.
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Early bird registration closes: 15 May 2026
As per usual, ISES members receive discounted registration rates.
Stay tuned for more details on registration, keynote speakers, and the full conference programme.
Sponsorship opportunities are available.
Abstract submissions open now
To submit an abstract, click here. You will need to create an account to use the submission system.
If you experience difficulties submitting an abstract, please click here to send an email to lodge a ticket.
We accept presentations within the theme of equitation science that aims to enhance the welfare of horses in their associations with humans
Deadline (extended): 13 March 2026
We had several requests about a possibility to extend the deadline and have decided to accommodate the request, so everyone has time to finish their data analysis.
Submit your abstract to present at the ISES conference
Abstract guidelines
Travel grants
What Are ISES Travel Grants?
ISES travel grants are financial awards designed to assist individuals in attending the 2026 conference in Billund, Denmark. These grants aim to ease some of the financial burden associated with conference participation.
How Many Grants Are Available and How Much Are They Worth?
ISES will award three travel grants, each worth up to £1000. These grants can significantly contribute to covering your travel expenses.
Who Can Apply for These Grants?
Applicants must be members of ISES. One grant will be specifically awarded to a student member, one to a practitioner member and one to an applicant representing an historically underrepresented group (e.g. BIPOC, LBGTQ2+). This reflects ISES's dedication to fostering inclusivity within the field.
You do not need to have submitted research abstracts to be eligible. If you have a passion for equitation science and meet the criteria, you can apply for a grant.
How Are Grant Applications Evaluated?
Applications for these grants will be assessed based on two main criteria:
- Purpose of Attendance: Applicants must explain why attending the conference is crucial for them. This could include reasons such as presenting research, networking with experts, learning new knowledge to bring back to your clients, etc. You should clearly indicate how your attendance will impact equitation science in general, not just for your own personal benefit. For example, practitioners may reference how many clients will benefit from the new knowledge or academics may indicate in what way their research is expected to impact the field of equitation science.
- Financial Need: The selection committee will consider applicants' financial circumstances to determine how the grant can assist them.
Key Dates to Remember
- Application Deadline: Make sure to submit your application by April 1, 2026 to be considered for a grant.
- Expected Decision Date: Grant recipients will be notified before May 15, 2026 prior to the early bird registration deadline.
How to Apply
Ready to secure a travel grant? Access the application form here. Complete all the required information and submit your application before the deadline. Note that only successful applicants will be notified.
Attending conferences like the ISES event in Denmark can be a transformative experience, opening doors to new opportunities and connections. Don't miss out on this chance to make your attendance possible with an ISES travel grant!
Hotel Legoland (Conference Hotel)
A block of rooms has been reserved for ISES delegates at Hotel Legoland. If the hotel currently appears as “no availability,” this is because rooms are being held within the conference block. A direct booking link with the special delegate rate will be provided when registration opens. Indicative room rates (including breakfast):
Single room: 1093 DKK per night (for one person)
Shared double room: The base price is 1093 DKK for the room, and if a second person stays in the same room, you add 200 DKK per night.
Airport Hotel
Hotel Svanen
The Lodge
Lalandia
Airbnb, Billund
Optional conference tours
Further details about these and additional conference tours will be shared closer to the event.
Visit Konik, Exmoor or Przewalski horses
Conference delegates will have the opportunity to visit feral Konik or Exmoor horses. These horses live in semi-wild, conservation-based settings and play an important role in habitat management through natural grazing.
The visit will offer a unique chance to observe natural social behaviour, movement, and group dynamics in free-living equine populations (if we are lucky enough to find the horses), providing an interesting contrast to managed and performance horses discussed throughout the conference. Another option will be to visit the Przewalski horses and other equines at Givskud zoo.
Explore the site where the Danish Kingdom was born
Step into the Viking Age at Kongernes Jelling. Right here, you can face history as it towers in front of you on this UNESCO world heritage site. Investigate the ancient monuments and continue exploring inside the Experience Centre. Here, you may interact with everything orange, and when you do, you'll see the Danish story unfold before your very eyes.
