Our first student webinar series episode is now on demand
"Developing robust experimental designs in equine research: in memory of Professor Frank Ödberg" in now available within our members' dashboard.
Student Membership is free throughout 2026, giving students access to this webinar and all future Student Webinar Series recordings and live sessions.
Posted 30.07.2026
A New Standard for Equine Welfare: Why ISES has Adopted the IASP 2020 Definition of Pain
For over twenty years, the International Society for Equitation Science (ISES) has championed evidence-based management and training methodologies to improve horse welfare. To maintain our commitment to scientific rigour we have formally updated our position statements to adopt the International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) 2020 definition of pain:
Posted 29.07.2026
The Nature of Horses: Decoding the Equine Teleonome
A Pathway to doing the best for horses
The International Society for Equitation Science (ISES) believes we now have the scientific framework to help close this gap to help us transform good intentions into genuine understanding, and that understanding into better care for horses worldwide. To that end, ISES is announcing its groundbreaking new project: The Nature of Horses: Decoding the Equine Teleonome
Posted 14.07.2026
New webinar episode...join us live!
Associate Professor Elodie Mandel-Briefer will explore how horses produce and perceive vocalisations, what these sounds reveal about emotion and social communication, and how this research is improving our understanding of horse behaviour and welfare.
Posted 13.07.2026
ISES 2026 Conference Virtual Registration Now Open
Can't join us in person? Register as a virtual delegate to access the latest equitation science research live and on demand from anywhere in the world.
Posted 30.06.2026
Reminder and updated information: ISES Annual General Meeting 2026
You’re invited to the 2026 Annual General Meeting of the International Society for Equitation Science! Join us as we reflect on the past year, share exciting Society updates, announce new Council appointments, and hear inspiring member stories centred around this year’s theme, “Conversations That Changed Things”.
Posted 16.06.26
Two new podcast episodes out now
Episode 40 features Erica Cheung exploring horse welfare perceptions in equestrian sport, including the role of culture, tradition and cognitive dissonance in shaping attitudes and behaviour.
Episode 41 explores research on riding lesson horse welfare with Caleigh Copelin and Dr Katrina Merkies, discussing management practices, riding-related stress, and opportunities for positive change.
Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or our website.
Posted 03.06.26
Remember to keep updated with research on the ISES Research Highlights page
Want to stay up to date with the latest equitation and horse welfare research? Explore the ISES Research Highlights page for accessible summaries of recent studies and key findings shaping evidence-based practice.
Posted 01.06.26
ISES Annual General Meeting 2026
You’re invited to the 2026 Annual General Meeting of the International Society for Equitation Science! Join us as we reflect on the past year, share exciting Society updates, announce new Council appointments, and hear inspiring member stories centred around this year’s theme, “Conversations That Changed Things”.
Posted 18.05.26
New podcast episode
Can we use AI to understand how horses feel?
In this episode, we explore new research on using facial expressions and artificial intelligence to identify emotional states in horses, moving beyond pain detection to include states like anticipation, frustration, and disappointment.
Listen via Spotify, our website or Apple Podcasts.
Posted 26.04.26
Another Equine Welfare Research Grant
The Swedish-Norwegian Foundation for Equine Research (SHF) has opened its 2026 call for Equine Welfare Research Grant funding.
Further details, including eligibility criteria and application guidelines, are available below.
Posted 25.04.26
Equine Behaviour/Welfare Research Grant
The Morris Animal Foundation’s Equine Behaviour/Welfare Research Grant will open in May, with pre-proposals accepted from 6 May to 10 June 2026.
Posted 08.04.26
Upcoming webinar: Welfare Blind Spots in the Arena - A Practitioner’s Perspective with Jody Hartstone
This webinar takes a real-world, practitioner perspective on training and competition, exploring where welfare conversations can sometimes miss the practical realities riders face. Join ISES and Jody for a discussion that bridges science and reality.
This webinar will take place online 1st April 7pm BST.
Posted 21.03.26
Registration is now open for the ISES 2026 International Conference
Additional details are now available, including conference tours, optional extras, and accommodation information.
Posted 13.03.26
Our latest webinar on demand: Sustainable, Ethical Horsekeeping
Members get live access to all of our webinars as part of their membership. Non-members can purchase individual webinars.
Posted 11.03.26
Research highlights: More papers added
Several new papers have been added to the ISES Research Highlights page, offering accessible summaries of recent equitation science research.
Posted 10.03.26
Webinar Tomorrow: Sustainable, Ethical Horsekeeping: Horses can be kept in a way that is good for them and good for the wider environment
This talk will provide insights into how you can begin to make changes that improve not only how you keep your horse(s), but also how you manage the land they live on. - Jane Myers
Posted 09.03.26
