International Society for Equitation Science

In this episode, Erica Cheung explores her PhD research discovering how equestrians perceive and navigate horse welfare, drawing on interviews that reveal the complex role of culture, tradition, authority and cognitive dissonance in shaping everyday decisions. From normalised practices to moments that challenge long-held beliefs, this conversation examines both the barriers to change and where opp...

This episode explores a research paper surveying Canadian riding lesson facilities to understand how lesson horses are managed and the challenges of maintaining welfare. Caleigh Copelin and Dr Katrina Merkies discuss findings showing that while horse welfare was generally positive outside of riding, riding sessions themselves were associated with increased stress due to factors such as inconsisten...

In this episode, we explore new research on using facial expressions and artificial intelligence to identify emotional states in horses, moving beyond pain detection to include states like anticipation, frustration, and disappointment with Dr Claire Ricci-Bonot. With models reaching around 76% accuracy, the findings highlight both the potential and the limitations of using technology to assess equ...

In this episode, Dr. Barbara Murphy discusses equine chronobiology and the role of light in regulating the horse’s circadian rhythms and biological clock. We explore how light exposure influences sleep, behaviour, reproduction, and overall horse welfare, and how modern horse management can disrupt natural light cycles. Barbara also explains how research into photoperiod and circadian biology has l...

In this episode, Professor Christine Aurich discusses her review paper on the welfare of breeding stallions, exploring how social and emotional needs can be balanced alongside reproductive performance. The conversation challenges traditional management practices (particularly routine isolation) and examines how limited social contact can impact behaviour, health, and long-term wellbeing. We discus...

In this episode, we explore how simple sensory checks (sight, touch, and smell) can help predict when hay may pose a respiratory risk for horses. We discuss how abnormal odour emerged as a strong indicator of harmful dust levels, how visible impurities relate to microbial contamination, and what this means for practical, low-cost screening tools in everyday stable management. In this episode, we a...

This podcast focused on discussing research findings about the behaviour of off-the-track thoroughbreds, with Annie and Kate sharing insights from their study using the E-BARQ behavioural assessment tool. The discussion highlighted how racing experiences may influence a horse's behaviour in second careers, challenging common assumptions about boldness and training responsiveness. Key findings...

Join host Chloe Campbell as she sits down with Alessia to chat about student life, navigating different academic paths, and finding your way into equine welfare and behavioural science. From early riding lessons to research on the Five Domains and rider laterality, Alessia shares honest insights, challenges, and what she’s learned along the way. A great listen for students, early-career researcher...

Prof. Inga Wolframm discusses new research, with host Chloe Campbell, on how horses interact with natural landscapes and what this means for welfare and biodiversity. The study tracked Swedish Warmblood mares using HoofStep® sensors, revealing how weather, environment, and individual preferences shape behaviour.

Join Chloe Campbell speaking with Dr Gabriel Lencioni on Identifying the Starting Point for Using Computer Vision Methods Accurately to Enhance Standards in Equine Sports. We discuss groundbreaking research on using AI and computer vision to analyse horse movements in dressage, with the goal of enhancing welfare standards in equestrian sport. From tracking subtle body signals to training algorithm...

Chloe Campbell speaks with Dr Ellen Rankins about her research into how weight limits are applied in equine-assisted services across the U.S, presented at the ISES Conference 2025 We discuss survey findings on current practices — including the common use of the 20% bodyweight guideline — and the need for further research to establish evidence-based standards that best support equine welfare in the...

Chloe Campbell speaks with Dr Sarah King about how findings from wild equid research can inform management, training, and welfare practices for domestic horses and donkeys, presented at the ISES Conference 2025 We explore what studying free-ranging behaviour, social structures, and environmental adaptation can teach us about improving the lives of domestic equids in human care.

Chloe Campbell speaks with Professor Jörg Aurich about his research on the effects of starting horses at a young age, comparing behavioural responses in Warmbloods and Thoroughbreds, presented at the ISES Conference 2025.We discuss how training onset and breed differences influence learning, stress responses, and long-term welfare — and what this means for evidence-based approaches to starting hor...

Chloe Campbell speaks with Joann Benjamin and Ruth Dismuke-Blakely about the Hippotherapy Conceptual Framework (HCF), developed by the American Hippotherapy Association and presented at the ISES Conference 2025.We discuss how this framework integrates equine movement, neurophysiology, and therapy sciences to support occupational, physical, and speech-language therapy, and how the 2024 update stren...

Chloe Campbell speaks with Dr Sophie Côté at the ISES Conference 2025 about her research on Equine Memory Rewriting (EMR©), a neuroscience-based method that aims to resolve lack of impulsion in horses without conditioning or pressure. We explore how memory reconsolidation techniques may offer new ways to improve equine welfare and performance, with case studies showing long-term results. At ISES,...

Chloe Campbell speaks with Professor Inga Wolframm at the International Society for Equitation Science (ISES) Conference 2025 about her research into how dressage judges use visual search strategies when assessing riders. Using advanced eye tracking technology, her work explores how judges focus, process information, and make decisions in real time. We discuss what this means for judging accuracy,...

Chloe Campbell speaks with Caleigh Copelin at the ISES Conference 2025 about her research on horse rider level, heart rate variability, and under-saddle behaviour in lesson horses.

Chloe Campbell speaks with Aveil Oberhammer at the ISES Conference 2025 about her research using EquiFACS — the Equine Facial Action Coding System — to identify subtle changes in horse behaviour before and after riding. We discuss how EquiFACS can help riders, trainers, and researchers better understand equine emotional states, improve welfare, and refine training approaches.

Rick Hester from Cheyenne Mountain Zoo presents the Clever Hans Lecture from the ISES Colorado Conference. He explores how zoo environments can be designed to encourage not just activity, but meaningful outcomes for animals. While he occasionally refers to slides, the talk works well in audio — and the full video is available on our YouTube channel.

In this special conference edition, we bring you conversations with three leading voices in equitation science and animal welfare. Prof Paul McGreevy, Dr Gemma Pearson, and Dr Temple Grandin share their perspectives from the 2025 International Conference in Colorado, reflecting on key themes in horse–human interaction, training practices, welfare, and the future of equestrian sport.

In this episode, we’re joined by renowned veterinary behaviourist Dr. Katherine Houpt, with host Chloe Campbell, to explore the complex relationship between diet and behaviour in horses . Drawing on her chapter from Equine Welfare in Clinical Practice , Dr. Houpt discusses the role of the microbiome , the importance of natural foraging behaviour , and findings from both observational and intervent...

In this episode, Chloe Campbell, ISES Media Manager, sits down with Dr. Miriam Baumgartner to explore how affiliative behaviours can serve as valid, reliable, and feasible indicators of positive welfare in horse husbandry. What behaviours truly signal contentment in horses? How can we use them to improve management and training practices? Join us as we delve into the latest research and discuss pr...

Join host Chloe Campbell, ISES Media Manager, as she chats with the members of ISES for the exciting launch of the ISES Webinar featuring Dr. Andrew McLean. In this video, we dive into the fascinating world of equitation science, exploring the latest research, insights, and practical applications in the training and care of horses. More information: www.equitationscience.com/webinars Become a memb...

In this episode, Dr. Carol Hall discusses her PhD research with Dr. Rachel Kay on horse welfare, focusing on how horse-human interactions affect quality of life. She shares findings from her systematic review, which explores pain recognition, emotional reactivity, and handling, highlighting the importance of fulfilling horses' physical and social needs. Dr. Hall emphasises how positive interaction...

In this episode, we have the privilege of speaking with Ella Bartlett, Dr Jo Hockenhull, Lorna Cameron about Ella's very large PhD research "Exploring the relationship between horse-owner attributes and their approach to horse training". Dr Emily Blackwell was also part of this research. This research focuses on gathering valuable insights from horse owners about their approach to horse training....