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MSU to host international horse symposium

By Natalie Ebig Scott, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources

Photo by Kurt Stepnitz Equitation science, the focus of an Aug. 13-15 conference, combines the study of animal behavior with traditional research and common horse behavior observations into a discipline that examines horse and rider interaction.

MSU will be the first U.S. host of the International Equitation Science Symposium (IESS) Aug. 13-15. The event will bring a worldwide gathering of horse experts to mid-Michigan.

Equitation science combines the study of animal behavior with traditional research and common horse behavior observations into a discipline that examines horse and rider interaction. Camie Heleski, animal science instructor and the 2007 event coordinator, said equine scientists and veterinarians initiated equitation science research and events because advancing understanding of problems with riding horses can have significant impact on animal welfare.

“Equitation is the art of riding and studying how to make harmonious connections with horses,” Heleski said. “The goal of the science is to foster an enhanced understanding of how horses think and learn; how to use their natural behavior to train, ride or drive them; and how to compete with them in as fair a manner as possible.”

Heleski said the IESS attracts people from places including Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand and the United Kingdom. The first symposium took place in Australia in 2005; the 2006 gathering was in Italy.

“The symposium is fairly scientific in design, but horse trainers and anyone who wants to learn about equitation science is welcome to join,” Heleski said. “It’s an uncommon privilege to have internationally respected, world-class equine experts in our backyard.”

Conference activities will be headquartered at the Kellogg Center with transportation provided to tour and demonstration sites. Registration is $200 per person and includes attendance at scientific and practical sessions, a printed conference proceeding, and lunches and coffee breaks. Graduate and veterinary students are eligible for a reduced rate of $100.

For more information, contact Kim Dobson at (517) 353-9227 or visit: www.aebc.com.au/Symposium2007