Improving horse-rider performance while safeguarding equine welfare currently features as the number one item across the entire equine industry. The International Society for Equitation Science (ISES) 2011 Conference is the place to be for anyone interested in or involved with horses. The Netherlands have shown to be at the heart of ground-breaking equine-related research and are proud to present how scientific findings can make a real difference to the daily life of participants of equine activities and sports.
Dr Machteld van Dierendonck, Equus Research, and Chair of the Scientific Committee of ISES 2011 highlights the importance of providing the link between research and practical application: “Most sporting disciplines in the world today, incorporate scientific research into coaching and training programs to achieve optimal athletic performance. Equestrian disciplines have yet to take full advantage of contemporary Equitation Science research findings. We are committed to changing this.” Dr Kathalijne Visser, Wageningen UR Livestock Research, and Chair of the Organising Committee in the Netherlands adds: “The primary aim of the conference is to exchange scientific knowledge and demonstrate to equestrian riders, trainers, veterinarians and other equine professionals that improving welfare and optimizing performance can go together without detriment to economic or sporting interests.” Moreover, the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) express that they appreciate that Science and Sport meet. This will bring additional benefit and development to the Equestrian sport.
The Annual 7th International Society of Equitation Science Conference will be hosted by Academy Bartels in Hooge Mierde, The Netherlands, on 26th (pm) – 29th October 2011 and will precede the prestigious Global Dressage Forum (GDF).
The theme of the ISES 2011 conference “Equitation Science – Principles and Practices – Science at Work” will already come to life at a special pre-conference Day, the “Popular Equitation Science Day” on 26th October. Scientists will present and demonstrate their research results in easy to understand layman language and applied manner in order to educate horse-lovers and equine professionals as to how the application of science can enhance equestrian activities and human-horse interactions. ISES president, Dr Andrew McLean will commence the Popular Equitation Science Day with a lecture and a clinic demonstrating the application of equine learning processes.
The main ISES conference will feature first two days of scientific presentations of recent advances in Equitation Science, which will be introduced by some of the world’s leading equitation scientists. This will be followed by a “practical day” organised in cooperation the Global Dressage Forum (GDF). The practical day will focus on the presentation of practical techniques, workshops, clinics and forum discussions. It is anticipated that more than 200 delegates from around the world will attend the ISES 2011 Conference with an additional 300 participants attending the pre-conference Popular Equitation Science Day.
Keynote speakers for the 7th International Society for Equitation Science Conference include (* presenting also at the pre-conference Popular Equitation Science Day):
- Professor Dr Daniel Mills (Equine Abnormal Behaviour);
- Professor Dr Hilary Clayton * (Advanced Scientific Measurements in the Oral Cavity);
- Professor Dr René van Weeren * (Advanced Scientific Measurements in Hyperflexion research); and
- George de Jong (Motivating Horse and Rider)
Throughout the ISES Conference and the Popular Equitation Science Day 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 in their equestrian practices;
- Attend clinics conducted by international riders and trainers demonstrating practical equitation that is in line with scientific principles of training and learning;
- Discuss strategies to enhance the cooperation between scientists, animal welfare advocates, riders, trainers, judges, coaches, industry and government managers and international leaders in sport across the sector; and
- Delight in demonstrations of world champions and the famous Dutch bred Friesian horses whilst drinking a good glass wine with colleagues
The 7th International Society for Equitation Science Conference (www.equitationscience.com) will be held from the evening of the 26th – 29th October 2011 in conjunction with the Global Dressage Forum (www.globaldresssageforum.com) to be held on 30th – 31st October 2011. The pre-conference “Popular Equitation Science day” takes place during the day of 26th October 2011. All meetings will be hosted at the Academy Bartels in Hooge Mierde, The Netherlands. The conference hotel is in Eindhoven, close to the airport.
For registration and further information about the conference and adjoining events, please visit: www.equitationscience.com/conferences
Contact the office:
- Mirella van Leeuwen
- T: +31 (0) 13-5091666
- Email: ISESconference2011@equitationscience.com
Related Links
Horse Welfare and Human Safety at the 2010 International Equitation Science Conference
Eurodressage Coverage of the 2010 Global Dressage Forum