The International Society for Equitation Science (ISES) has welcomed the COMPASS Guidelines, a new expert developed framework that strengthens ethical standards, animal welfare protection, and scientific rigour in behaviour modification research by providing clear guidance on study design, welfare assessment, transparency, and ethical decision making, particularly in studies involving horses.
21st international conference abstract submissions now open!
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Abstract submissions are now officially open for the 21st International ISES Conference in Billund, Denmark! The theme is "The Nature of Horses" and it will be held at LEGOLAND® Conference Centre in Denmark between 11-13 August. This year’s event will bring together researchers, practitioners, and equine professionals to share the latest insights into equitation science, behaviour, and welfare.
Posted 07.02.26
Webinar rescheduled:Â From Instinct to Evidence: Facial Expressions, Pain, and Emotion in Horses
New date & time: 12th February 2026Â 3:00 PM (GMT)
 Joining link: (same as before — if you registered for the original date/time of the webinar please check your email as we have resent you the information)
Thank you for your understanding and support. We’re looking forward to hosting the full session soon, and we wish Camie a speedy recovery.
If you haven’t registered yet, you can now do so and join us for the rescheduled session by clicking below.Â
Posted 02.02.26
New podcast episode: Can you smell a breathing risk?
In this episode, we explore how simple sensory checks (sight, touch, and smell) can help flag when hay may release harmful dust or hide microbial contamination, with abnormal odour emerging as a key red flag for respiratory risk. We’re joined by Dr Virginie Bouverat and Professor Vinzenz Gerber, representing the wider research team behind the study, to discuss what these findings mean for practical, low-cost stable management.
Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or...
Posted 23.01.26
COMPASS Guidelines now released
Posted 10.01.26
Students get free membership with ISES throughout 2026!
For the first time ever, we’re offering a 1-year free student membership for 2026.
Posted 31.12.25
Another new webinar available to watch on demand
Another webinar in the ISES Exploring Equitation Science series is now available to watch. Dr Cathrynne Henshall covers equine cognition and neuroscience in this two-hour webinar, which is free for ISES members or available to non-members for just ÂŁ5, offering in-depth insight into equine cognition, emotion, and learning.
Posted 06.12.25
Research highlights
This Research Highlights page will be updated regularly, featuring recent studies handpicked by the ISES Council. The aim is to showcase emerging research in equitation science that informs best practice in training, management, and horse welfare.
Posted 15.11.25
FEI Approves Controversial New Blood Rule for Show Jumping
During the 2025 FEI General Assembly in Hong Kong, the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) voted 56–20, with two abstentions, to approve a controversial amendment to the show jumping rules known as the “blood rule.”
Posted 10.11.25
Read more
New webinar alert
Join Dr Cath Henshall as she explores how horses think, learn, and make decisions, and what this means for training, problem-solving, and welfare. This webinar connects cognitive science with practical equine applications.
Posted 06.11.25
Register now
Official ISES Statement
The International Society for Equitation Science (ISES) has released a statement regarding the proposed changes to the FEI Blood Rule in Showjumping competitions.
Posted 05.11.25
See full statement
Join the 10th Annual Equine Industry Symposium
This year’s theme — “Patching the Holes in Our Bucket: Building a Stronger Equestrian Culture” — explores how compassion, connection, and sustainability can shape a more positive future for the equine community.
Posted 01.11.25
The FEI plans to vote this November on a rule change that would downgrade visible blood from a horse’s mouth or nose from an automatic elimination to a Recorded Warning
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Posted 22.10.25
Watch all webinars on catch up - now available
Missed a live session? You can now catch up on our complete webinar recordings and learn at your own pace. Members: Already have full access — just log in and start watching today. Non-members: Webinars are available to purchase individually for just £5 each.
Posted 01.10.25
Next webinar announcement
Horses in human-centric contexts: Quantitative and qualitative insights into human–horse interactions — Communication and understanding. Developing a relationship. Join us as we explore how communication and relationship-building shape human–horse interactions, drawing on both research and real-world insights.
Posted 30.09.25
Watch or listen to the 2025 conference interviews, includes Clever Hans talkÂ
Relive the highlights of the 20th Anniversary International Society for Equitation Science (ISES) Conference, held at Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colorado. Across four days, leading researchers, practitioners, and equestrian professionals gathered to share the latest science on horse–human interactions, training practices, welfare, and technology.
Podcast versions will be uploaded over the next 2 months starting from 10th Sept. Listen on our website or Spotify.
Posted 03.09.25
ISES Storefront now available!
ISESÂ has officially launched its branded ISES Storefront, now available online through Lands' End. Members and supporters can now purchase a wide range of high-quality ISES-branded apparel, including men's and women's jackets, gilets, polos, and more.Â
Posted 05.08.25
ISES Conference: Clever Hans Talk
Rick will explore how designing environments around meaningful behavioural outcomes—not just activities—can increase animal engagement, improve welfare, and encourage behavioural diversity. His talk is informed by years of applied behavioural science in a zoo setting.
Posted 12.07.25
Watch the Guest Speakers from the 2025 AGM
Watch inspiring guest talks, and innovative strides in equitation science and welfare!
Posted 03.07.25
Meet the ISES 2025 Conference Speakers
The ISES Conference is just a month away! From now on, we’ll be introducing more of our speakers every few days—stay tuned for updates.
Posted 25.06.25
Webinar Certificates Now Available
The International Society for Equitation Science (ISES) is pleased to announce that attendees can now request Certificates of Attendance for all ISES webinars—past and future.
Posted 16.06.25
New podcast episode and YouTube video with Dr Katherine Houpt
In this episode, Dr. Houpt joins host Chloe Campbell to discuss how diet, the microbiome, and foraging behaviour influence equine behaviour and welfare.
Based on her chapter in Equine Welfare in Clinical Practice, we explore feeding practices, stereotypies, and how meeting a horse’s natural dietary needs can improve emotional balance.
A must-listen for anyone interested in evidence-based horse care.
Watch on our YouTube channel, listen on our website, Spotify or Apple Podcasts.
Posted 07.06.25
