International Society for Equitation Science: Webinar Series

Welcome to the International Society for Equitation Science (ISES) Webinar Series, where we embark on a journey of discovery into the intricate world of Equitation Science. Our series, "Exploring Equitation Science," is designed to unravel the complexities of the human-equine relationship, delving into the latest research, best practices, and insights from industry experts.

Missed a webinar? Non-members can purchase individual recordings on this page. Members get free access to all live sessions and recordings — become a member today.

If you have attended a webinar and would like to request a certificate, it is at the bottom of this page.

 

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Introduction

Join our host, Chloe Campbell, as she speaks with Dr. Andrew McLean to kick off the ISES webinar, featuring engaging discussions with our members on equitation science and its applications!

Click the video to watch on Youtube, or listen on our website or Spotify.

Ethology

Equitation Science and Equine Ethology with Associate Professor Janne Winther Christensen

  • Deep dive into feral horse behaviour.
  • How much has the modern horse changed from their ancestors?
  • What is an ethological need?
  • What ethological needs are still relevant for the modern horse?

Thank you to those who joined us live!

All members have access to all webinar recordings for free. When you log in and see your dashboard, click 'Content' then 'Webinar Series'. Become a member today.

Non-members can purchase the recording here.

Understanding Horse Behaviour: Foundations of Equitation Science with Dr Sue McDonnell

Into the weeds on how ethology can inform better welfare of domestically managed horses.

Thank you to those who joined us live!

All members have access to all webinar recordings for free. When you log in and see your dashboard, click 'Content' then 'Webinar Series'. Become a member today.

Non-members can purchase the recording here.

Learning

Training Methods for Welfare: A Focus on Positive Reinforcement with Shawna Karrasch and Jessie Hillegas 

  • The principles of positive reinforcement in horse training and how reward-based methods shape behaviour and learning.

  • Practical applications of positive reinforcement in equine training.

  • Ethical considerations and the benefits of incorporating reward-based methods into horse training.

Thank you to those who joined us live!

All members have access to all webinar recordings for free. When you log in and see your dashboard, click 'Content' then 'Webinar Series'. Become a member today.

Non-members can purchase the recording here.

Learning Theory in Equitation Science with Dr. Kate Fenner

  • Learning theory in equitation science and its relevance to horse training.

  • The ISES training principles and practical examples of habituation and desensitisation.

  • The importance of managing emotional arousal during training.

  • Case studies highlighting effective training approaches, reinforcement strategies, and the role of understanding horse emotions.

Thank you to those who joined us live!

All members have access to all webinar recordings for free. When you log in and see your dashboard, click 'Content' then 'Webinar Series'. Become a member today.

Non-members can purchase the recording here.

  

From the horse's perspective

Horses in human-centric contexts: Quantitative and qualitative insights into human–horse interactions with Dr Megan Ross 

  • Research perspectives on human–horse interactions and the challenges of interpreting horse behaviour for welfare assessment.

  • Studies on equestrian training practices and dressage, exploring the dynamics between riders, coaches, and horses, and the balance between control and communication.

  • The importance of considering human psychology in horse behaviour and training within equitation science.

  • Research approaches used to study equestrian practices, alongside discussion of resources and ethical considerations.

Thank you to those who joined us live!

All members have access to all webinar recordings for free. When you log in and see your dashboard, click 'Content' then 'Webinar Series'. Become a member today.

Non-members can purchase the recording here.

Equine Cognition: Insights from Cognitive Science with Dr Cathrynne Henshall

  • The structure and function of the equine brain, including cognitive abilities and emotional processes.

  • How neuroscience can inform horse training and improve understanding of horses’ subjective experiences.

  • The effects of stress and fear on equine cognition and learning.

  • The role of emotions in behaviour and training, highlighting the importance of calmness and considering a horse’s emotional state.

Thank you to those who joined us live!

All members have access to all webinar recordings for free. When you log in and see your dashboard, click 'Content' then 'Webinar Series'. Become a member today.

Non-members can purchase the recording here.

                      

From Instinct to Evidence: Facial Expressions, Pain, and Emotion in Horses with Dr Camie Heleski

  • Methods for assessing equine welfare, including approaches to evaluating pain and affective state in horses.

  • Tools used in welfare assessment, such as the Horse Grimace Scale, facial action units, and emerging machine learning approaches.

  • Challenges in distinguishing between exertion and pain during high-speed events.

  • The difficulties of identifying and quantifying welfare indicators that could be used by stewards at competitions.

Thank you to those who joined us live!

All members have access to all webinar recordings for free. When you log in and see your dashboard, click 'Content' then 'Webinar Series'. Become a member today.

Non-members can purchase the recording here.

Coming soon: The Equine Senses: How the Horse Perceives the World

Sensory experiences and perceptions that shape a horse's interaction with its environment.

Welfare

                              

Sustainable, Ethical Horsekeeping: Horses can be kept in a way that is good for them and good for the wider environment with Jayne Myers 

  • Sustainable horse-keeping practices that support both horse welfare and land health.

  • How traditional set-stocking can degrade pasture through constant grazing pressure, and how rotational grazing, appropriate grazing heights, and surfaced gathering areas can reduce environmental impact.

  • The benefits of keeping horses in herds and the role of conservation grazing in supporting biodiversity.

  • An overview of the Equicentral system, which creates a mini home range for horses by combining surfaced areas with rotated grazing paddocks.

Thank you to those who joined us live!
 
All members have access to all webinar recordings for free. When you log in and see your dashboard, click 'Content' then 'Webinar Series'. Become a member today.
 
Non-members can purchase the recording here.

                        

Welfare Blind Spots in the Training Arena - A Practitioner’s Perspective with Jody Hartstone

  • Reinforcement, signal clarity, and communication in horse training, and how misunderstandings can affect horse learning and welfare.

  • The tendency to attribute horse behaviour solely to pain, without also considering training history, context, and rider communication, alongside debates around equipment and training aids.

  • The realities of applying learning theory and equitation science in complex environments such as competition and hunting, including the influence of rider emotions and expectations on horse welfare.

Details out very soon...

Coming soon: Equine husbandry and equine welfare

How do we make changes to current housing and management conditions in equine facilities while getting buy-in from sport horse owners and trainers?

Coming soon: Welfare Assessment: What is a Good Life for Horses?

Explore the essential factors that contribute to the overall well-being and happiness of horses, ensuring they lead healthy and fulfilling lives.

Biomechanics

Coming soon: The Role of Rider Biomechanics in Equitation Science

Examine how a rider's body movements and posture influence horse performance and well-being, highlighting the importance of biomechanics in achieving harmony and effectiveness in riding.

Breeding and Welfare

Coming soon: Equitation Science and Horse Breeding

Explore the application of scientific training principles in breeding practices to improve the performance, welfare, and development of stallions, mares, and foals, fostering better compatibility and understanding between horses and people.

Competition

Coming soon: Equitation Science for Competition Riders

Applying scientific principles to improve training, performance, and welfare in competitive equestrian sports, enhancing the synergy between horse and rider for optimal results.

Coming soon: Sport Horse Competition and Social License to Operate: Is There a Future for Horse Sport?

Examine the evolving public perception and ethical considerations of equestrian sports, exploring the sustainability and future of horse competitions in the context of societal expectations and animal welfare.

Innovations and Interactive

Coming soon: Innovations in Equitation Science Research

Highlight the latest advancements and breakthroughs in the study of horse-rider interactions, biomechanics, and training methodologies, driving progress in equestrian practices and enhancing horse welfare and performance.

Coming soon: Interactive Q&A Session: Ask The Experts

Offers a dynamic opportunity for participants to engage directly with leading professionals in equine science, gaining insights, advice, and answers to their most pressing questions about horse care, training, and welfare.

 

       

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