Discussing Equine Behaviour and Welfare at ISES in Saumur

Discussing Equine Behaviour and Welfare at ISES in Saumur

It's always a treat when we get to meet old friends and discuss new directions in animal welfare research. The International Society for Equitation Science recently held their annual meeting at the invitation of the Cadre Noir, at the French National Riding School in Saumur. During the conference, we heard of the findings of research into potentially painful and restrictive issues with the use of over-tight nosebands used on horses, an all too common practice in the world of competition horses, and the subject of a three year PhD carried out by one of our former Masters in Animal Welfare students, Dr Orla Doherty. We also had the chance to observe and question different equine trainers, and to discuss the methods used for equine temperament testing in France and to provide valuable feedback to the relevant research team.

Prof Nat Waran, who is a founding member and Hon. Fellow of the International Society for Equitation Science, a subject that is now taught as an MSc Course within the University of Edinburgh’s Equine Master’s programme says:

 ‘Many of the methods used to train horses around the world rely on traditional approaches, which work, but may not always be the most humane,effective or ethical. This annual gathering of equitation scientists and practitioners provides an excellent forum for constructive discussion and exchange of ideas, encourages research to inform better practice and allows us to question beliefs and non-evidence based approaches in the hope that we will help improve equine welfare’.