2026 International Conference
 Billund, Denmark
August 11th-13th
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Early information
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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: Late January / Early February 2026
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Abstract submission deadline: 1 March 2026 (final deadline, no extensions)
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Registration & Accommodation Information: early March 2026. A full booking link and further delegate information will be released around that 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.
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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 Konik Pony Experience
Conference delegates will have the opportunity to visit a population of feral Konik horses, a primitive European breed closely related to the extinct Tarpan. These horses live in a semi-wild, conservation-based setting 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 a free-living equine population, providing an interesting contrast to managed and performance horses discussed throughout the conference.
Further details about this optional visit will be shared closer to the event.
ISES Partnership and Sponsorship Policy
Purpose
This policy clarifies ISES's approach to partnerships, sponsorships, and engagement with diverse organisations across the equine industry.
Guiding Principles
Strategic Engagement Over Isolation
ISES recognises that meaningful change for horse welfare occurs through engagement, not isolation. Our strategic commitment to being "global positive disrupters"Â requires us to work within existing industry stakeholders while advocating for evidence-based improvements.
Partnership Does Not Equal Endorsement
Accepting sponsorship from or partnering with an organisation does not constitute endorsement of all their practices. ISES maintains full independence in our research, position statements, and public advocacy, regardless of funding sources.
Constructive Disruption
We believe change is best achieved through:
- Presence and dialogue - Being at the table allows us to influence discussions and decision-making
- Evidence-based advocacy - Presenting scientific findings directly to stakeholders, even when challenging their practices
- Building relationships - Establishing trust that enables difficult conversations about welfare improvements
Financial Sustainability Serves Welfare
This policy aligns with our Strategic Priority #5 which acknowledges that financial sustainability through industry engagement enables us to:
- Encourage, disseminate or fund critical research into horse welfare
- Provide student grants and support emerging researchers
- Disseminate educational materials widely
- Maintain our independence as a research-focused organization
Our Commitment
ISES will continue to:
- Challenge practices harmful to horse welfare, regardless of the source
- Maintain scientific rigour and objectivity in all our work
- Engage with diverse stakeholders to maximise our positive impact
- Prioritise horse welfare above all other considerations
We partner broadly to disrupt effectively, always guided by evidence and welfare.
Policy Date: 10 December 2025
