International Society for Equitation Science (ISES) ~ 5th International Equitation Science Conference, Sydney 2009.

Theme: Ethical Equitation ~ A Sustainable Approach.
Dates: 12 ~ 14 July 2009, view program.
Written by Pip Easton.

With the ever-increasing demands for athleticism and performance within equestrian sports and production systems worldwide, this is the topic trainers, riders and coaches need to engage with before other stakeholders have the debate for us. The ISES symposia represent a unique gathering of equitation scientists, industry leaders and policy makers to carve out a road-map for the future of the horse in the human domain.   Dr Paul McGreevy.

www.equitationscience.com

About ISES

The International Society for Equitation Science is a not-for-profit organisation with the primary function of facilitating research into the training and welfare of horses. The idea of founding a Society devoted to equitation science had first been raised during discussions following the Havemeyer Foundation Workshop on Horse Behavior and Welfare in Iceland, 2002. Since then, equitation science has developed rapidly. The discipline combines learning theory, psychology and ethology in order to objectively examine the efficiency of different training methods.

Advent of Equitation Science ~ review by Dr Paul McGreevy.

ISES Mission

The mission of ISES 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.

ISES Conference in Sydney July 11th ~14th 2009
(International Society for Equitation Science)
www.equitationscience.com

What an incredibly informative scientific weekend designed around the hottest debate of modern equestrianism ~ horse welfare!  Major applause goes to the team at ISES who made the whole experience for over two hundred people smooth, entertaining and sociable with lovely meals, organised timetables, enthusiastic speeches and a fantastic Sydney Harbour Cruise. These people are incredibly passionate about the welfare of the horse and also know how to have a good time!

The theme was Ethical Equitation ~ A Sustainable Approach and chair of the local organising committee, Dr Paul McGreevy opened the proceedings for the full program of topics including behaviour problems, measuring performance, calming and positive reinforcement, welfare, ethology, competition and education. Dr Paul McGreevy stated that the theme was based on the fact that, With the ever-increasing demands for athleticism and performance within equestrian sports and production systems worldwide, this is the topic trainers, riders and coaches need to engage with before other stakeholders have the debate for us.

There were presentations from scientists, professors, animal behaviouralists and the RSPCA, as well as delegates present from fifteen countries around the world. This gathering was the 5th International meeting of ISES and next year's event is in Sweden, from the 31st July to 2nd August, 2010.

Day 1 at the Veterinary Science Conference Centre
University of Sydney, Australia.

The conference opened with an outline of research carried out on a constant basis within RIRDC, (Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation), followed by Professor Leo Jeffcott, the Dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney with an excellent presentation. Obviously a very experienced and well travelled gentleman having been an FEI Event Veterinarian for thirty two years, he has attended six Olympic Games, four World Equestrian Games and four World Cups. His serious list of topics included the use of Rollkur or Hyperflexion in Dressage and Jumping and its likely welfare implications, the abuse of Jumping horses by hypersensitisation (rapping), the hazards of horse and rider falls in Eventing and also heat stresses for competition horses in humid climates, transport stresses AND the need to ensure Equestrian is a 'drug free' sport.

Bidda Jones from the RSPCA was enlightening with her views on the severe lack of support for the welfare of horses in the industry across the board. Her full report, What's in it for the Horse? can be viewed through the RSPCA website.

She had me at hello and I respected her gentle manner in dealing with some very tender subjects. A major observation to come out of her involvement with the RSPCA is that there is no power in the RSPCA to deal with abuse of horses in the horse world!  Shocking I know!  But what there IS, is power in the people. If we continue to stand by and watch the abuse of horses in all sports, then we fail at a basic fundamental level of human morals for an animal we all profess to love so much!

Speaking up and making your voice heard by sending letters, faxes and emails to the FEI, RSPCA, Equestrian Federations and any Equestrian organisation will make a difference. People need to realise that there are desperate changes needing to be made!  Please don't be afraid to take responsibility and make a noise!  Speak up for the horses. If you don't like what you see, report it or say something to the person doing it. As Bidda Jones said, the RSPCA need data in way of footage, reports and photos!

Bidda also explained that the FEI's code of conduct states that, “The horse must be considered paramount at all times,  a very grey statement and one that does not outline any hard and fast rules to punish those who may not be adhering to this very basic outline.

An obvious fact to me, is that if there weren't any horses there wouldn't be a multi-billion dollar industry, so a major concern I can see is the amount of money being made from horses who aren't getting the best care or treatment possible.

The racing industry's idea that beating a horse to run faster is justifiable when thousands of dollars are at stake for the share holders is not only ethically unjust, it shows that it all comes down to human greed and money. Whether their whips are padded or not, the ruling allowing thirty strokes of the whip down the straight is not good on a welfare topic for horses!  A more fair playing ground in racing would be that NO-ONE is allowed a whip, so the jockey's would have to rely on encouraging their steed to do their best. (Again, letters to Racing Organisations would tell them that the general public are not willing to allow this anymore ~ after all, we are in the 21st Century).

Like Bidda Jones from RSPCA states, In Western culture horses are now predominantly used for recreational, competitive or performing purposes and are the basis of a multi-billion dollar industry. Aside from in inspiring gambling, horses often provoke strong emotional responses in people and, as a consequence, there is probably more written about our relationship with horses than with any other animal. Public concern over the use of horses by humans often focuses on their performance in competitive events, especially when horses are injured or die in front of an audience. It is difficult to provide a quantified answer to the question 'what's in it for the horse', but on balance it appears that the bargain struck between horse and human is heavily weighted in favour of humans.

The Danish people present made big waves with their presentations and Jan Ladewig from Copenhagen University was a bright light for the horses and wasn't afraid to make some profound statements.

Jan explained that when people are challenged in a discussion or debate, there is usually defensiveness and resistance to change.

Susan Kjaergard, a World Cup Show Jump rider from Denmark showed in her presentation a brilliant show jumping World Cup round on a mare she rode the 'hard way' and has bravely stated that she will NOT ride with force anymore. With the help of Andrew McLean from the Australian Equine Behaviour Centre (AEBC), she's converted her training into gentle, calm approaches with longer reins, with 'treats' and relaxed training and positive reinforcement for her horses at outings.

A very inspiring rider who agrees very much also with Classical Dressage Master Philippe Karl's techniques and has great support with the EPONA TV girls who were brilliant in informing us all about their progress with the Danish Equestrian Federation in stopping abuse at Pony Clubs. No more whips and spurs allowed!  Great work girls! We could all make a chain across the world for this ruling as one only needs to go to a local Pony Club day to see the young generation pulling, yanking, smacking, whipping and kicking!  Education is a very important tool to show the children another way ~ we as adults, parents and coaches cannot stand by and allow the abuse ~ become aware of how to educate pony and child to respond together and you will see the huge benefits, one obvious one of which is safety.

So true are these two points and I think its very important to remember that we need to change ourselves; the big picture is to create harmony within all dealings with horses and for everyone to hold onto the ideal that it is a sheer delight and luxury to own a horse. Millions of people would love to and cannot. Wake up! Take a step out of the horse world and look in from an uneducated horse lovers' perspective. You certainly would NOT see people beating dogs at a dog show. This is NOT OK and we ALL need to take responsibility!

Point number 2 above is an interesting observation and one I think many of us have already encountered in conversations with competitive people who guard their forceful training methods. Whether the 'determined to win' people realise it or not, defensive behaviour is proof of their deep sub-conscious knowing that they are training their horses in a less than respectful way. Either that or they're completely delusional that it's okay to force an animal with all sorts of mechanical gadgets. Jaw jamming nosebands, draw reins and sharp spurs are not humane ways to train any animal!  To self-analyse is always a good start.

We were all very encouraged by Jan and Susan's words and dedication to making a difference.

Day 2 Practical Demonstrations
Centennial Parklands Equestrian Complex, Sydney, Australia.

Andrew McLean (AEBC) was an inspiration in his super simple, basic training methods: stop, go, left, right, yield left, yield right and his son Warwick was courageous when riding the stunning Sandro Hit stallion Alessandro in walk, trot and halt only, even though he's training Prix St George.

The stallion was upset with sounds of hooves on the road walking behind the wall of the arena and would shoot forward and show upsets. Warwick stated that he maintained the basic training of stop, go and put no added pressure on the horse to perform, which I believe was a great idea. We are always in training when with horses and if they show their true flight colours when concerned, reassurance and quiet calm leadership is a clear basis. Well done Warwick.

Brett Parbery rode the talented Victory Salute and showed off his Piaffe, half passes and flying changes. Interesting studies are being conducted with the brilliant and very humourous Amanda Warren-Smith from the Millthorpe Equine Research Centre in New South Wales, Australia with “The use of accelerometry and rein tension to objectively assess the head carriage of horses."

Her abstract states, "In most equestrian disciplines, the horse's head position whilst performing will influence results. Dressage horses are required to be 'on the vertical' such that their nasal plane is perpendicular (or within six degrees) to the ground. This head carriage should be maintained with lightness, i.e. minimal tension in the reins. Judging of Dressage is subjective and previous research has shown that accredited Dressage judges are not always able to assess lightness; a problem that could be overcome with the implementation of objective measures."

Amanda's review on the 'Implications for the welfare of the ridden horse' states, "If the progressive training of a horse is correct, self carriage will develop naturally and the horse will be able to maintain the 'on the vertical' posture with 'lightness' and importantly, without the rider forcing the head position of the horse. Unfortunately this is rarely the case in modern day competition and the welfare of horses in this situation is severely compromised. If horse training is to be ethical and the career of a performance horse is to be sustainable, objective measure of parameters such as lightness and the position of the nasal plane are required to overcome problems associated with the subjective nature of judging. This can be achieved with the use of equipment such as accelerometers and tensiometers which are unobtrusive and simple to use."

Brett rode with the red reins and blue boots of Amanda's equipment which was downloaded into a super amazing, high-tech computer programme afterwards for all to see the tension being applied to the reins and in which pace, based on the leg movements and footfalls of the horse. The angles of the nasal plane and average rein tension are currently being assessed and we look forward to more information about this intelligent technology, but Amanda's abstract is proof of the interesting topic of the implications for the welfare of the ridden horse when analysing self carriage and lightness.

Demonstrations on day two also included the very clever clicker training methods of Para-Olympian Georgia Bruce. Her eight year old Warmblood gelding showed off his effortless passagey trot on a circle around her free of any gear or restraints. He was delightful and happy to perform for a click and treat.

As was her sweet quarter horse, Rumba the Wonder Horse who could not only rear on command, lie down, Piaffe from cues on the ground naked of saddle and bridle and also Piaffe effortlessly under saddle, showed how easily a horse learns from gentle positive reinforcement. Rumba was a hit with the crowd with his artistic skills and Georgia took my vote for showing how easy and rewarding horse training can be with patience and non forceful methods. (They don't always need to be ridden to train them something). Good work Georgia!

The two other demonstration riders were the super talented Steve Jefferys and his horse Drummer. The steering wheel approach and his incredibly light aids showed another brilliant example of quiet work in training. Excellent horseman!

We were also treated to a Show Jumping segment with the very nice rider Colleen Brook on Dale, an Arab/Clydesdale cross, very forward moving happy horse. You can read more information on Colleen's blog. She showed us that quiet, unforced and non-interfering riding of the Show Jump horse is not only beautiful to watch but obviously more enjoyable for the horse. Her relationship with Dale was based on leadership and simple requests for him to trust her in anything she does ~ walking him over tarps, riding bridleless, standing on top of him or directing him into any obstacle to have him jump.

Day 3 back at the Veterinary Science Conference Centre
University of Sydney, Australia.

Jack Murphy from Ireland was super interesting to listen to concerning the safety of Cross Country jumps in Eventing and said that, "The cross country phase in horse trials or eventing is a high-risk activity and rider fatalities have occurred with alarming regularity in more recent times. Various safety schemes including 'knockable-elements', 'frangible-pins' and 'collapse-on-impact-materials' which are now used in fence construction to address the danger issue. His study set out to determine if the simple addition of an apron to fence design might improve safety further."

Jack, from the School of Agriculture, Food Science and Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Ireland also stated, "To date, rider fatalities are largely associated with rotational falls over more upright fences and the current findings suggest that the addition of aprons might ameliorate this risk. Horse and rider safety might be significantly improved during the X-Country phase with this simple safety solution."

He had some pretty graphic photos which were too disturbing to show here, but the truth still remains that riders and horses are dying in Eventing on the Cross Country phase and things need to change a lot to prevent this.

Moving on to Perth's very own Rebecca Thomas, Senior Training Officer at the Mounted Police Section, Western Australia, enlightened us with the training techniques used for police horses. She said, "There are problems associated with training horses to remain obedient in diverse and unpredictable environments. And that the benefits of mounted officers are undeniable, estimating that one mounted officer is equal to 8 officers on foot. Horses enable the rapid and safe dispersal of crowds", and the learning theories they have adopted have been the logical system within Andrew McLean's AEBC training which conditions the horses effectively.

They are having excellent results with the help of Portland Jones in Perth, (Portland has worked closely with Dr Andrew McLean for over ten years and specialises in the science of horse training.)  Rebecca said, "A pleasing benefit of this process has been the improvement in morale amongst staff. Learning theory has provided a common language and way of explaining the daily challenges encountered in training. This has empowered the staff and given them a sense of ownership over the training process. But ultimately, and most importantly, the biggest benefit has been to the most important members of staff ~ the horses!"

In the afternoon of the third day, the two hundred odd people separated into two groups to decide how to move forward to best improve the welfare of the horse in this BIG industry of ours. The most important thing we can ALL do immediately is speak up!  It is vital to be a voice for the horses and never let a beating go unnoticed! Never say nothing when something needs to be said (or shouted) and those who are abusing horses need to be shocked into reality and your one voice could be the defining moment in that person's life to see what they're doing.

In conclusion, there are many horse related issues that are being scientifically researched and this excellent ever-growing group of people at ISES is aware of consciously being in communication with the riders, so that science, welfare, competition and the horses can all be on fair grounds of understanding.

So, as we all know, we can all make a difference, learn more, be able to self-analyse and make sure we are treating our horses in the best way possible. And if you see some undesirable behaviour be BRAVE and draw on peer COURAGE. Use SUPPORT from others voices. Raise the DUST and notice the coughers!

Write letters, sign petitions, email authorities and be active in making sure the horses are being respected as an animal which would not necessarily choose to jump big fences, trot and canter around in pretty circles or gallop around race tracks. Let's be a voice for the horses ~ they deserve it ~ as without them, there is no horse industry!

Next International Conference: ISES Uppsala, Sweden. 31 July ~ 2 August 2010.

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