Leading researchers recently gathered for The Saddle Research Trust’s (SRT) first international conference to discuss how current research and scientific techniques can be used to improve the welfare and performance of ridden horses.

The conference–the first event of its type worldwide–commenced with a public day on Feb. 18, hosted by Anglia Ruskin University in Cambridge, U.K. A wide range of industry professionals including veterinarians, physiotherapists, saddlers, trainers, and riders were presented with an overview of current research by several high profile speakers, including Hilary Clayton, BVMS, PhD, Dipl. ACVSMR, MRCVS, holder of the McPhail Chair in Equine Sports Medicine at Michigan State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine.

According to SRT Trustee Joanna Talbot, the day was a huge success: "We had lots of positive feedback on the day, and the key issues in this important field of research were highlighted."

The real nuts and bolts of future research were discussed in depth during the inaugural scientific workshop that was hosted over the following two days at the Animal Health Trust (AHT) in Newmarket, U.K. With attendance by invitation only, the workshop brought together an international group of plenary speakers and delegates to review current research and to target key new areas for future research investigating the complex interaction of horse, saddle and rider