What is Equitation Science?
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Equitation Science has developed rapidly since discussions between Dr Debbie Goodwin, Dr Natalie Waran and Dr Paul McGreevy following the Havemeyer Foundation Workshop on Horse Behaviour and Welfare in Iceland in 2002. Beginning in 1995, Andrew McLean was undertaking his PhD and deconstructing horse training in terms of learning processes. Just prior to the Havemayer Foundation Workshop, Andrew and Paul discussed the application of learning theory to horse training at the University of Sydney, Veterinary School.
It was then arranged that Andrew be invited to present his PhD findings to a satellite meeting on horse welfare at the 2003 International Society of Applied Ethology Congress in Italy. The first workshop on Equitation Science was held the following year at Edinburgh University Veterinary School in 2004 where Andrew gave 3 practical demonstrations of the application of 'learning theory' in-hand and under-saddle. As a result of the growing interest in Equitation Science, approximately 30 equine scientists were present at this workshop. As a result, it was decided to launch the first Symposium in Equitation Science at the Australian Equine Behaviour Centre the following year.
The First International Equitation Science Symposium was inaugurated in August 2005, when 8 peer-reviewed research presentations and discussions were conducted at the AEBC in Australia.
The Second International Equitation Science Symposium was held in Italy at the Milan University School of Veterinary Science in 2006 with 15 peer reviewed papers and 11 posters and practical demonstrations at the Equestrian Centre and Equestrian Museum of the Luxardo family. In August 2007 the third Symposium was hosted by Michigan State University, USA. Symposia transformed into conferences and in 2008 the 4th ISES conference was held at the Royal Dublin Society in Ireland. 2009 saw the 5th ISES Conference return to Australia to the University of Sydney Veterinary School and then in 2010 the 6th ISES Conference met in Uppsala in Sweden. This year, ISES has taken another step forward closer to the heartland of equine performance sports - ISES will partner the Global Dressage Forum at Hooge Mierde, The Netherlands.
Andrew is currently the Honorary President of ISES. The formation of the society is a great step forward for equitation science and is a direct result of the growing worldwide interest in this among equestrian professionals and academics alike. Their mission is to promote and encourage the application of objective research and advanced practice which will ultimately improve the welfare of horses in their associations with humans. The ISES adopts ethical guidelines of the International Society for Applied Ethology (ISAE) which can be viewed via the following link: http://www.applied-ethology.org/ethicalguidelines.
Become a member of the ISES, download the membership form here.
Warwick McLean demonstrating at the 2nd ISES Symposium, Milan 2006. Above: habituation and overshadowing techniques with an Arabian that presented with extreme anxiety during mounting. Below: The application of learning theory in foundation training with an Andalusian stallion.