International Society for Equitation Science

International Society for Equitation Science
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Welcome to the International Society for Equitation Science (ISES) podcast, where we delve into matters related to horse welfare, training, and the horse-rider relationship. As a not-for-profit organisation, ISES is dedicated to promoting research in equitation science to improve the lives of horses. Our podcast engages with diverse members of the equine community, including academics, practitioners and students. Become a member of ISES today: https://www.equitationscience.com/membership.

  1. 3D AGO

    Ep 37. Rethinking Stallion Management Through Welfare Science

    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 discuss the importance of early socialisation, life-stage development, group dynamics, and practical housing solutions such as bachelor systems and social contact through adjacent turnout. The episode also covers semen collection training, highlighting how calm, choice-based handling and consistent routines can improve both welfare and breeding outcomes. Overall, the discussion reinforces that reproductive success does not automatically equal good welfare and that with informed, evidence-based management, stallions can thrive both behaviourally and reproductively. Based on: Górecka-Bruzda, A., & Aurich, C. (2025). Importance of the social environment for reproductive and general welfare of domestic horse (Equus caballus) stallions. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 292, 106827. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applanim.2025.106827

    45 min

  2. JAN 23

    Ep. 36 Can You Smell a Breathing Risk? What Hay Hygiene Tells Us About Equine Respiratory Health

    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 are joined by Dr Virginie Bouverat and Professor Vinzenz Gerber discussing their paper titled: Sensory Assessment of Hay Samples: Abnormal Odor Predicts Increased Dust Levels and Impurities Suggest Microbiological Contamination Virginie is a Swiss equine veterinarian and researcher at ISME, focusing on how forage and bedding quality influence horse respiratory health. Vinzenz is a Swiss equine internal medicine specialist at ISME and the University of Bern, known for his work on equine asthma, genetics, and performance physiology. A link to their paper: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/15/18/2688

    31 min

  3. 12/31/2025

    Ep 35. Using E-BARQ to Understand Off-the-Track Thoroughbred Behaviour

    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 included that off-the-track thoroughbreds showed greater exposure-related boldness but lower compliance to deceleration cues compared to other breeds. The conversation emphasised the importance of understanding each horse's individual history and implementing evidence-based training principles, particularly for 'basic' behaviours. Both speakers agreed that more research is needed to better support off-the-track horses and their new owners, with Kate suggesting that future studies could benefit from longitudinal tracking of the same horses over time. Read the paper here: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/15/14/2046

    1h 8m

  4. 11/25/2025

    Ep 34. Student life, Five Domains and rider laterality with Alessia Masini

    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 researchers, and anyone passionate about evidence-based equine welfare.

    53 min

  5. 11/18/2025

    Ep. 33 Prof Inga Wolframm: The Influence of Landscape Features on the Behaviour of Horses

    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.

    37 min

  6. 11/12/2025

    Ep. 32 Dr Gabriel Lencioni: Using Computer Vision to Enhance Standards in Equine Sports

    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 algorithms, this work highlights how technology could transform the way we understand and safeguard equine welfare in competition.

    31 min

  7. 11/05/2025

    Ep. 31 Dr Ellen Rankins: Equine Weight Carrying Limit Practices in U.S. Equine-Assisted Services Programmes

    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 these settings.

    11 min

  8. 10/29/2025

    Ep. 30 Dr Sarah King: How Wild Equid Research Can Contribute to Domestic Equid Welfare

    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.

    30 min
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About

Welcome to the International Society for Equitation Science (ISES) podcast, where we delve into matters related to horse welfare, training, and the horse-rider relationship. As a not-for-profit organisation, ISES is dedicated to promoting research in equitation science to improve the lives of horses. Our podcast engages with diverse members of the equine community, including academics, practitioners and students. Become a member of ISES today: https://www.equitationscience.com/membership.

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