The International Society for Equitation Science (ISES) has announced its 9th annual conference with the theme of “Embracing Science to Enhance Equine Welfare and Horse-Human Interactions” will be hosted jointly by the University of Delaware and the University of Pennsylvania in the United States, July 18-20, 2013.

This premier event will allow over 200 equine scientists, veterinarians, applied ethologists, advanced practitioners (horse trainers, instructors, and riders), advanced students pursuing equine science degrees, and influential stakeholders in the equine industry to come together to present and discuss equitation science research. 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, a leading equitation science expert and instructor and coordinator of the 2-year Ag Tech Horse Management Program at Michigan State University (MSU). Heleski has been involved with ISES from its conception in 2005 to ISES becoming an official society in 2007; she continues to serve as an ISES council officer and is 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,’ " Heleski said. "I am especially excited about one of our sub-themes: getting the message out about equitation science and learning theory. In other words, how we can 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