ISES Conference 2013

"Embracing Science to Enhance Equine Welfare and Horse-Human Interactions"

International Society for Equitation Science, 9th Annual Conference

The University of Delaware, Newark, DELAWARE. USA

18th, 19th & 20th July 2013

The International Society for Equitation Science (ISES) announces the 9th annual conference with the theme of "Embracing Science to Enhance Equine Welfare and Horse-Human Interactions" to be hosted jointly by the University of Delaware and the University of Pennsylvania, United States of America on the 18th – 20th July, 2013.
This premier event will allow over 200 equine scientists, veterinarians, applied ethologists, advanced practitioners (horse-trainers, instructors & riders), advanced students pursuing equine science degrees and influential stakeholders in the equine industry to come together to present and discuss research related to the field of equitation science. It will focus on ways of improving horse training as well as encouraging the development of science-based criteria to measure the welfare of the horse in its interactions with humans.

The conference will be opened by Camie Heleski, PhD, who is a leading expert in Equitation Science and Instructor and Coordinator of the 2-year Ag Tech Horse Management Program at Michigan State University. Heleski has been involved with ISES from its conception in 2005 to ISES becoming an official society in 2007; continuing to serve as an ISES Council Officer and in the role of Co-chair for this year’s conference. Heleski has conducted work in learning theory with both horses and donkeys and is passionate about her work specializing in working equids in developing parts of the world. "Our overarching theme for the 2013 ISES conference is ‘Embracing science to enhance horse-human interactions’. I am especially excited about one of our sub-themes ‘getting the message out about equitation science and learning theory’ – in other words, how can we capitalize on outreach and education methods to inform people about the value and importance of equitation science. Whilst conducting the research is extremely important, we must also make sure we get information to the stake holders at the front line of the horse industry". – Camie Heleski, PhD.

Keynote speakers for the 9th International Society for Equitation Science Conference include:
 Professor Hilary Clayton - Research on the Rider-Saddle-Horse Interface
 Professor Jan Ladewig - What about the other 23 hours? How does what we do during the other hours when we are not training impact behavior and welfare?
 Andrew McLean, PhD & Professor Paul McGreevy - Arousal, affective state and attachment

Practical demonstrations will take place during the 2013 ISES Conference Practical Day which will be held at the New Bolton Center, University of Pennsylvania. Themes for the Practical Day include:
 Is it Physical? Psychological? Or both?
 Development of the Equid Ethogram
 Applied Learning Theory
 Fair Training Practices in Action

Professor Sue McDonnell is a Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist and Head of the Equine Behavior Program at the University of Pennsylvania, New Bolton Center. McDonnell will deliver a presentation on the development of the equid ethogram and host a tour of the semi-feral pony herd; Angelo Telatin is an Assistant Professor at Delaware Valley College. Telatin will demonstrate how riding and handling horses can be enhanced when integrated with the knowledge of learning theory, by jumping a horse bridleless and showing how tasks such as clipping and giving a horse injections can be simplified by giving the horse a choice to perform a desired behavior.

Throughout the ISES Conference delegates will have ample opportunities to:
 Connect and network with ISES members during breaks, poster discussions and dinners in order to exchange ideas and foster research cooperation;
 Seek guidance with the application of the principles and practices of equitation science for individuals own equestrian practices;
 Attend clinics conducted by equine behaviorists and practicioners demonstrating practical equitation that is in line with scientific principles of training and learning;
 Discuss strategies to enhance the cooperation between scientists, animal welfare activists and equestrian riders, trainers, coaches, industry and government representatives and international leaders in sport across the sector.

Email: ISESconference2013@equitationscience.com

ISESconference2013@equitationscience.com

http://www.equitationscience.com/upcoming