The early bird deadline for the 2019 International Society for Equitation Science (ISES) conference is fast approaching! The 2019 ISES conference is being held in Guelph, Ontario, Canada from August 19-21. With the theme “Bringing Science to the Stable” the conference will focus on mankind’s history with horses, what we have learned about horse-human interactions, and how we can continue to improve our relationships with these amazing animals.
Due to a delay in getting abstract acceptances back to authors, the early bird deadline has been extended. Register by June 10th to receive a discount in your registration fees.
All information about the conference is available on the Equitation Science website and The Horse Portal. Check for updates on the program, registration information, hotel accommodations, transportation options, and local attractions.
Follow the ISES2019 blog for detailed information on speakers, exhibitors, demos and more.
Join our line-up of thought-provoking speakers as we journey through history and into the present, supporting and challenging the way we interact with horses through scientific research.
- Dr. Sandra Olsen (Curator-in-Charge, Biodiversity Institute and Natural History Museum, University of Kansas) will trace how our relationship with horses began.
- Dr. Camie Heleski (Senior Lecturer, University of Kentucky) will describe the field of Equitation Science and what we have learned about horse-human relationships.
- Dr. Nic de Brauwere (Head of Welfare, Rehabilitation and Education, Redwings Horse Sanctuary, UK) will discuss how human behaviour change into the future can improve equine welfare.
- Dr. Andrew McLean (Equine Science International, Australia) will present similarities and differences in the application of learning theory across species.
The ever-popular Clever Hans talk will be hosted on Monday evening with guest speaker Dr. Jonaki Bhattacharyya, Ethnoecologist and Senior Researcher with Firelight Group. Dr. Bhattacharyya has spent time in the interior of British Columbia, observing the wild horses and their impact on the land and interactions with the indigenous peoples. She will highlight how modern research can fit into other ways of knowing and approaches to managing both wild and domestic horses.
The third day of the conference is a practical day with demonstrations on the application of learning theory and science from world-renowned experts:
- Shawna Karrasch (Terra Nova) – positive reinforcement training
- Nightwatch – Smart halter for monitoring horse biometrics
- Drs. Katrina Merkies and Cordy DuBois – equine welfare assessment
- Saddlefit4Life – saddle fitting for improved performance
- Visualise – technical sportswear to improve rider position
- IPOS – rein tension sensors
- equla vert – technical sensor to monitor horse head position
Registered delegates can also attend two free pre-conference workshops on Sunday, August 18. Cristina Wilkins and Kate Fenner (Australia) will offer advice on how to communicate scientific information to equestrian communities. Dr. Marc Pierard (Belgium) will lead a discussion in describing equine behaviours for the equine ethogram. For an extra fee, delegates can register for a short course on large animal rescue training. Space in this hands-on workshop is limited, so be sure to register soon!
Early bird conference registration pricing is available until June 10. After that date regular conference fees apply.
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