The annual International Society for Equitation Science Conference is taking place at Hartpury University and Hartpury College this summer.

The 18th ISES Conference, Succeed with Science: Performance, Practice and Positive Partnerships, will run as a hybrid, allowing delegates to either attend in person or online. Over 190 in person and 300 online researchers, practitioners, students, veterinary professionals, equine organisations and industry leaders are expected.

The conference will take place from August 10-12, following its postponement in 2020.

Over three days, the event will give delegates a fresh perspective on the current state of equitation science, with thought-provoking plenaries, workshops, research presentations, keynotes and research studies.

Conference themes include:

• Performance: Dr Andrew Hemmings and Linda Greening will take a trip inside the horse's mind

• Practice: Dr Marc Pierard will showcase how learning theory can be applied in the ridden horse and Dr Russell Mackechnie-Guire will consider how rider performance and horse and rider asymmetries can influence training and performance and affect quality of life for the ridden horse

• Positive Partnerships: The horse-human relationship is the foundation of positive partnerships and the conference will consider this partnership from both the horse and the human perspective

Each day, the conference will feature a live panel, providing an opportunity for contemporary issues to be discussed by keynote speakers. Leading equitation science researchers and industry practitioners will join the lively discussions, and audience participation and interaction will be encouraged.

Rosie Scott-Ward, pro vice-chancellor of Hartpury University, said: "Hartpury University is delighted to welcome the ISES community in August 2022. The role of equitation science cannot be underestimated in not only improving horse welfare, but in sustaining this wonderful global industry for future generations. I very much hope many of you can join us to consider next steps and how we can all do better by our horses and ponies."

The conference will run alongside the NAF Five Star International Hartpury Horse Trials and in person delegates will receive a free pass to attend cross country day on Saturday August 13.

It will also provide a useful opportunity for Hartpury students to volunteer and attend the conference itself, networking with leading professionals and learning from the latest industry research and thought leadership.