Everyday management linked to horse personality

  

Credit: Océane Liehrmann, University of Turku

Why do some horses eagerly approach people while others remain wary? Why are some calm and attentive, while
others are more reactive to unfamiliar situations? Although genetics and breed play an important role, new research suggests that everyday management and the relationships horses develop with people may also be linked to their personalities.

The study, led by Dr Océane Liehrmann of the University of Turku, Finland, and the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, investigated how everyday management practices are associated with personality traits in horses. The findings, published in Royal Society Open Science, highlight the possible importance of housing, handling and owner relationships for equine welfare.

The relationship between humans and horses has developed over thousands of years of domestication. Today, horses live almost entirely in environments created by people, making it important to understand how management may affect behaviour and welfare.

Like people, horses show consistent individual differences in behaviour, often referred to as personality. Previous research has shown that personality has a genetic component and can influence welfare, trainability and the quality of human-horse interactions. However, less has been known about the role of everyday management.

To investigate this, researchers analysed responses from an online questionnaire completed by 2,257 owners describing 2,767 horses from Europe, North America and other regions. Owners completed a 52-question assessment of their horse's personality and provided information about housing, riding frequency, groundwork, time spent with the horse, ownership history, relationship duration and headgear use. The researchers also accounted for factors such as the horse's age, sex and breed.

Statistical analysis identified four broad personality dimensions. “Human sociability” described a horse's tendency to seek and enjoy interaction with people. “Horse sociability” reflected how readily a horse engaged in friendly, non-aggressive interactions with other horses. “Attentiveness” referred to the horse's ability to focus on and respond to human cues, while “neuroticism” described emotional reactivity and sensitivity to stress.

As expected, age, sex and breed all influenced personality scores. For example, geldings generally scored higher than mares for both human sociability and attentiveness, while warmbloods tended to score higher for neuroticism than draft horses.

Several management factors were also associated with personality. Horses that had remained with the same owner for more than ten years tended to have higher human sociability scores than horses with newer owners. Conversely, horses that had changed owners several times generally scored lower. Spending relaxed, undemanding time with horses, such as simply being with them or grooming and scratching them, was also associated with greater human sociability.

Riding frequency was linked with two personality traits. Horses ridden regularly, between four and seven times each week, tended to score higher for attentiveness and lower for neuroticism than horses ridden less often. However, the researchers emphasise that this does not prove that frequent riding produces calmer horses. It is equally possible that naturally calmer horses are selected for more regular work.

Housing was strongly associated with horse sociability. Horses kept alone consistently scored lower than horses housed with companions, whether in pairs or larger groups. This finding may reflect reduced opportunities to express normal social behaviour, although it is also possible that horses with poorer social skills are more likely to be housed individually.

The researchers stress that the study identifies associations rather than cause-and-effect relationships. Because it examined horses at a single point in time, it cannot determine whether management influences personality, personality influences management decisions, or whether both occur together.

Nevertheless, the findings suggest that stable ownership, opportunities for social contact with other horses and positive interactions with people are all associated with differences in equine personality. Further long-term studies should help clarify how management practices and personality influence one another and whether changes in management could improve both horse welfare and human-horse relationships.

 

For more details, see:

Alisa Viitanen, Aada Ståhl, Milla K. Salonen, Océane Liehrmann;

Management practices and human–horse relationships are associated with horse personality traits. 

R. Soc. Open Sci. (2026); 13 (9): 260116.

https://doi.org/10.1098/rsos.260116

Do pre-ride intravenous fluids benefit endurance horses?

   

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Endurance riding places exceptional demands on horses, particularly during competitions held in hot weather over
long distances. Maintaining hydration and electrolyte balance is therefore a major concern for riders and veterinarians.

 

As a result, administering intravenous (IV) fluids before competition has become increasingly common, especially at major endurance events where horses are expected to compete in high temperatures, over difficult terrain, or under conditions that increase the risk of dehydration.

 

Despite its popularity, however, there has been little scientific evidence to show whether pre-ride IV fluids actually improve hydration, reduce cardiovascular strain, or enhance performance.

 

To investigate this question, Laura Weintraub and colleagues at Loomis Basin Equine Medical Center, Penryn, California, conducted a study to determine whether administering intravenous fluids before an endurance competition provides measurable physiological or clinical benefits. Their findings have been published in the Journal of Equine Veterinary Science.

 

The researchers hypothesised that horses receiving IV fluids the day before competition would be better hydrated and experience less cardiovascular stress than untreated horses. They expected the treated horses to have lower heart rates during the ride together with laboratory findings consistent with improved hydration.

 

Fourteen client-owned horses entered in a 45 km endurance ride were enrolled in the study. The event was held in extreme heat over challenging terrain, providing an ideal opportunity to assess whether additional fluid support offered any advantage.

 

The horses were randomly assigned to one of two groups. One group received intravenous fluids the day before the ride, while the control group received no fluid treatment.

 

Data were collected at six time points: before travelling from home, at check-in the day before the ride, two to three hours after catheterisation and treatment, one hour before the start, 32 km into the ride, and immediately after finishing.

 

At each assessment, the horses underwent physical examination and blood sampling. Laboratory measurements included bicarbonate, sodium, potassium, chloride, calcium, glucose, lactate, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, packed cell volume and total protein. The results were analysed using two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA).

 

The researchers found only minor differences between the two groups.

 

Horses that received IV fluids had lower total protein concentrations shortly after treatment, reflecting the expected short-term dilution of the blood following fluid administration. Blood urea nitrogen concentrations were also lower in the treated horses at the 32 km checkpoint, suggesting a modest effect on hydration status or kidney-related blood parameters during exercise.

 

However, these changes did not translate into clinically meaningful benefits.

 

Heart rate, one of the most important indicators of cardiovascular effort and recovery in endurance horses, was similar in both groups. Horses receiving IV fluids had a mean heart rate of 36 ± 5 beats per minute compared with 39 ± 3 beats per minute in the untreated horses, a difference that was not statistically significant.

 

Overall, the study suggests that while pre-competition IV fluids can produce measurable changes in some blood parameters, these changes are small and may have little practical significance. The reduction in total protein reflects temporary haemodilution rather than improved fitness for exercise, while the lower BUN concentration observed during the ride was not accompanied by improved cardiovascular responses or other indicators of enhanced performance.

 

The findings therefore challenge the assumption that routinely administering intravenous fluids before competition benefits healthy endurance horses. In this study, pre-ride fluid therapy did not reduce cardiovascular strain, improve heart-rate recovery, or produce widespread improvements in laboratory markers of hydration.

 

For veterinarians, riders and event organisers, the study provides valuable evidence when considering the routine use of pre-competition IV fluids. Fluid therapy requires veterinary supervision, venous catheterisation, specialised equipment and additional time. If it offers little measurable benefit in healthy horses, its routine use as a preventive hydration strategy may not be justified.

 

These findings do not mean intravenous fluids are never appropriate. Horses showing clinical signs of dehydration, heat stress, illness or poor recovery may still require fluid therapy as part of their veterinary treatment. However, this study suggests that administering IV fluids simply because a horse is about to tackle a demanding endurance ride may provide far less benefit than many riders and veterinarians have assumed.

 

For more details, see:

 

Weintraub, L., Fielding, C. L., Carli, I., & Greene-Dittz, G.

The effect of intravenous fluids administered prior to competition: A randomized clinical trial. 

Journal of Equine Veterinary Science,(2026) 106121.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jevs.2026.106121

Free webinar supports call for posters for Horses Inside Out Conference 2027

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A call has been made for scientific posters centred on the theme of wellness and welfare for the
2027 Horses Inside Out Conference. Equine coaches, therapists, and industry professionals are being encouraged to contribute research, case studies, and practical observations as part of the conference programme.

The initiative provides an opportunity for professionals within the equine sector to present their expertise in a scientific format and contribute to ongoing discussions surrounding equine wellness and welfare. Contributors are invited to transform their practical experience and case studies into engaging scientific posters that may help advance understanding within the field.

To support participants through the process, Professor Meriel Moore-Colyer will host a free webinar entitled “Mastering Scientific Posters” on Monday 1st June. The webinar is designed to guide attendees through each stage of poster creation, including selecting an appropriate topic, developing ideas, and designing an effective and visually compelling scientific poster.

The webinar aims to make the process accessible and supportive for those who may feel unfamiliar with scientific poster presentation, while encouraging wider participation in equine science and welfare discussions.

For more details, see: 

https://www.horsesinsideout.com/webinars

 

Equitation Science Conference 2026

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 The 2026 International Society for Equitation Science Conference will take place at the 
LEGOLAND® Conference Centre in Billund, Denmark, from 11–13 August 2026, under the theme “The Nature of Horses.”

Those intending to submit an abstract are encouraged to begin preparations in advance.

Key dates:
• Abstract submissions open: late January / early February 2026
• Abstract submission deadline: 1 March 2026 (final deadline; no extensions)
• Early bird registration closes: 15 May 2026

ISES members are eligible for discounted registration rates.

Further information is available on the ISES conference webpage, with details on registration, keynote speakers, and the full programme to be announced in due course.

For more details, see: 

https://www.equitationscience.com/2026-conference

Effects of shoeing materials on equine gait

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 Horses are often fitted with metal shoes to protect the hoof from wear and to provide additional traction during training and competition. While the practice of shoeing is widespread, the choice of shoe material may influence more than just durability and grip. In particular, subtle changes in gait caused by different shoe types could alter the perceived aesthetic qualities of movement; an important factor in disciplines such as dressage, showing, and other judged sports. However, despite the prevalence of shoeing in equine management, there is relatively little objective scientific evidence on how different shoeing materials influence gait characteristics. 

The two most common metals used in horseshoes are steel and aluminium. Steel is the traditional material, valued for its strength and longevity, while aluminium is lighter and often preferred in certain competitive disciplines, such as racehorsing and showing, because it is believed to produce a more “elevated” or aesthetically pleasing gait. These beliefs are largely anecdotal, and until recently, only a limited amount of research had systematically examined the measurable effects of shoeing on gait mechanics.

To address this gap, Katherine Gottleib and colleagues at the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, designed a study to investigate whether shoeing condition influences equine gait. Their specific aim was to compare gait parameters in horses under three different conditions: barefoot, aluminium-shod, and steel-shod, while trotting on two surfaces - hard asphalt and soft footing.

 The researchers hypothesised that shoeing would affect hoof arc height during both the early swing phase  and late swing phase of the stride, but that no other gait variables would be influenced.

Twelve healthy, adult, client-owned horses were enrolled in the study. Each horse was fitted with hoof- and body-mounted motion sensors that allowed precise measurement of stride characteristics. Data were collected while the horses trotted on both asphalt and soft footing under the three shoeing conditions (barefoot, aluminium, and steel).

The results provided some interesting insights. For most gait variables - including stride symmetry, mediolateral hoof deviation, stride length, and the timing of midstance, breakover, swing, and landing phases - there were no significant differences between shoeing conditions. However, shoe material did influence hoof arc height. 

Specifically: 

• Early swing phase: hoof arc height was significantly lower in aluminium shoes compared with steel shoes, on both asphalt and soft footing.
• Late swing phase: hoof arc height was significantly higher in aluminium shoes compared with steel shoes, but only on soft footing.

These findings suggest that the weight of the shoe can affect hoof movement differently depending on the stride phase and the surface type. In other words, while aluminium’s lighter weight did not alter overall stride length or timing, it did influence the vertical motion of the hoof at certain points in the stride cycle.

 From a practical perspective, this research indicates that shoe material may subtly alter aspects of gait that could influence how a horse’s movement is perceived by judges or riders in disciplines where style and aesthetics are valued. However, the measured differences were relatively small, and the study did not assess whether these biomechanical changes were noticeable to human observers. 

The authors concluded that further investigation is needed - not only into other shoe materials and designs, but also into whether changes in hoof arc height translate into meaningful differences in the subjective aesthetics of gait as judged by humans.

 

For more details, see: 

 Gottleib, Katherine, Lauren Trager-Burns, Amy Santonastaso, Sophie Bogers, Stephen Werre, Travis Burns, and Christopher Byron. 

Comparison of Gait Characteristics for Horses Without Shoes, with Steel Shoes, and with Aluminum Shoes

Animals (2025) vol 15, no. 16: 2376. 

https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15162376

Do good racehorses make good eventers?

(c) Olga Rudneva Dreamstime.com

 Many Thoroughbreds face the question of “what next?” when their racing careers come to an end. A large number
transition into new disciplines, with eventing being a popular second career. But does success on the racetrack translate into success on the cross-country course, in the dressage arena, or over show jumps? Understanding what makes a good eventer is central to both equine welfare and effective rehoming strategies for retired racehorses.

A good eventer needs a unique combination of physical and mental attributes: stamina, athleticism, scope over fences, trainability, and a temperament suited to handling the variety and intensity of three different phases. Thoroughbreds are naturally athletic, forward-going, and possess cardiovascular fitness, all of which make them appealing as eventing prospects. However, the qualities that make a horse fast and competitive on the racetrack may not always align with what is required for long-term success in eventing.

 

The ongoing debate about the welfare of retired racehorses highlights the importance of matching individuals to appropriate second careers. One of the big knowledge gaps has been whether a horse’s racing record - its number of wins, earnings, or career length - can be used to predict how well it will perform in another equestrian sport.

 

To address this, Elouise Bacon and colleagues from the School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, conducted a large-scale retrospective study. Their aim was to investigate whether Thoroughbred racing performance metrics are associated with eventing performance outcomes in horses competing within Australia.

 

The study analysed 6,828 off-the-track Thoroughbreds registered with Equestrian Australia. Data included racing metrics (such as wins, earnings, career duration, and best race distance) and eventing metrics (competition level achieved, penalties, and other performance indicators). Horses were grouped according to whether they competed at EvA95 and above (a nationally recognised level equivalent to international 1* eventing, involving a dressage test, a cross-country course up to 95 cm, and a show jumping round of the same height) or below EvA95. Statistical modelling was then used to explore whether racing performance could predict eventing outcomes.

 

The findings were intriguing. Horses that never reached EvA95 or above tended to have significantly better racing records (P < 0.01) and longer careers on the track compared with those that progressed further in eventing. In contrast, horses that achieved higher levels in eventing often came from more modest racing backgrounds. Another interesting trend was that the time elapsed since a horse’s last race was positively associated with most eventing parameters - suggesting that a longer adjustment period after racing may benefit performance in a second career. In addition, horses with a history of racing over longer distances were more likely to progress to higher eventing levels, perhaps reflecting the importance of endurance capacity.

 

The study concluded that while certain factors, such as stamina over longer distances, may point towards greater potential in eventing, racing performance alone is not a reliable predictor of eventing success. Other elements - including stride characteristics, trainability, and, crucially, the quality of the rider-horse partnership - play a vital role.

 

For riders and trainers seeking to source potential eventers from the racing industry, the message is clear: look beyond wins and earnings. Horses that may not have been stars on the track can often thrive in eventing, provided they have the right physical traits, temperament, and support during their transition.

 

For more details, see: 

 

Elouise K Bacon, Danica Parnell, Gary Muscatello, Jaimie McElroy, Brandon D Velie,

How prior racing performance influences competition level in off-the-track Thoroughbred horses’ post-racing eventing careers,

Journal of Equine Veterinary Science, (2025) Vol 154, 105679.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jevs.2025.105679

Horses Inside Out Conference 2026

 Gillian Higgins has announced the 2026 Horses Inside Out Conference, with early bird tickets now available.

The conference will focus on Soundness and Symmetry in the Horse - the balance and harmony of the musculoskeletal system and its impact on movement. Across the programme, speakers will explore what soundness and symmetry mean in practice, how training and management can support them, and the challenges that may arise along the way.

Designed for professionals and equestrians from all disciplines, the event offers a rare opportunity to hear from world-leading experts, share the latest research, and consider practical applications to improve the health, welfare, training, and performance of horses.

The 2026 conference will differ from previous years with a three-day structure: two days of presentations followed by a practical day. The first two days, held at Holywell Park Conference Centre, Loughborough University (UK), will feature lectures from leading equine professionals on anatomy, biomechanics, training, and therapy. The third day, will focus on Soundness and Symmetry in Practice, with live demonstrations and practical sessions led by guest experts.

For more details, see: 

https://www.hioconference.com

Stress in young sport horses during breaking-in

© Catherine Groover | Dreamstime.com

Sport horses are frequently exposed to a variety of stressors throughout their careers—including training, transportation, and competition—all of which can trigger elevated cortisol release, a
well-known marker of stress. While numerous studies have explored the impact of these stressors on adult performance horses, relatively little attention has been paid to the early stages of a horse’s career, particularly the breaking-in period. Yet this is a critical transition that can have lasting effects on welfare, behaviour, and long-term performance. 

A recent study conducted by Julia Krieber and colleagues at the University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, sought to fill this gap by investigating the physiological stress response in young horses as they progress from unridden status into ridden work. A full report of the work is published in Animals.

 

The study was carried out on 41 horses from a single stud farm, ranging in age from 1 to 20 years. 

Based on their training status, the horses were categorized into two main groups:

• Unridden horses (n = 28): This group included warmbloods (both mares, stallions, and geldings), Haflingers, and one Noriker. These horses had no experience under saddle but were halter trained and accustomed to regular human interaction since birth. They were kept in open stables with seasonal access to paddocks. Their barns were bedded with straw using a deep litter system, which was typically cleaned every two weeks—a setup intended to reflect a more natural, group-based housing environment.
• Horses in training (n = 13): All were warmblood geldings, housed individually in box stalls. These horses were undergoing various stages of formal ridden training, including the initial breaking-in period.

 

The researchers measured faecal cortisol metabolites (FCMs) from all horses—an established, non-invasive method for assessing chronic stress levels in animals. FCMs provide a longer-term view of physiological stress compared to blood sampling, which can itself be stressful for the animal.

 

The results revealed important insights into how the onset of training impacts stress levels:

Unridden horses had significantly lower FCM concentrations compared to horses in training (Mann-Whitney rank sum test, p < 0.001), suggesting that the training process is a major source of stress.

Among horses in training, those in their first year under saddle showed especially elevated FCM levels when compared to unridden peers (ANOVA with Holm-Sidak post hoc test, p < 0.05). This confirms that the breaking-in phase is particularly stressful, likely due to new physical and psychological demands.

 

FCM levels tended to decrease over time with continued training, indicating some degree of habituation or adaptation to the work, although this varied by individual.

 

Within the training group, there was a wide variability in FCM concentrations, suggesting that horses respond differently to the same training conditions. This variability may reflect individual temperament, previous experiences, or coping styles.

 

This study reinforces the notion that breaking-in represents a critical and potentially stressful milestone in a young horse’s life. The findings carry several important implications:

• Tailored training approaches are essential. Given the observed individual variability in stress responses, trainers should adapt their methods based on the horse's behavior, temperament, and rate of progress.
• Management practices influence stress. Differences in housing conditions—group housing with paddocks versus individual boxes—may contribute to overall stress levels and coping ability, though this variable was not the central focus of the study.
• Gentle and progressive introduction to ridden work is key. Minimising psychological and physical stress during early training can improve welfare and potentially enhance long-term performance and trainability.
• Monitoring welfare through physiological indicators like FCMs can provide valuable insights into how horses experience their environment and training regime.

 

The findings by Krieber and colleagues highlight an often-overlooked aspect of equine welfare: the impact of early training on stress levels in young horses. By demonstrating that horses experience significantly increased stress during the initial stages of being backed and ridden, the study underscores the importance of empathetic, evidence-based approaches to breaking-in.

 

In a field where performance is often the focus, it is essential not to overlook the horse's mental and emotional well-being; especially at the very start of their careers. As this research shows, how we introduce horses to training matters; not only for their welfare but for their future success as sport partners.

 

For more details, see:

 

Krieber, Julia, Aurelia C. Nowak, Jakob Geissberger, Oliver Illichmann, Sabine Macho-Maschler, Rupert Palme, and Franziska Dengler. (2025). 

"Fecal Cortisol Metabolites Indicate Increased Stress Levels in Horses During Breaking-In: A Pilot Study" 

Animals 15, no. 12: 1693. 

https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15121693

Impact of turnout rugs on horse behaviour: a study under mild weather conditions

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Rugging horses is a widespread practice, commonly used to keep them warm and dry in cold, wet weather or to protect them from insects and sunlight in warmer conditions. However, rugs may also pose drawbacks — potentially causing thermal discomfort or restricting natural behaviours such as grooming and movement.

Despite the routine use of rugs, especially in the UK where spring and autumn bring relatively moderate weather, few studies have examined how horses behave with and without rugs in such conditions. A recent study by Frederick Daw and colleagues at the Royal Veterinary College, London, aimed to address this gap. The research, published in Applied Animal Behaviour Science, provides evidence that can help owners make more informed decisions about rug use to support equine welfare.

The study involved ten healthy horses, all accustomed to wearing rugs, from two different yards in southern England. Each horse was observed during 30-minute sessions, with and without a turnout rug, across several weeks. A total of 172 observation sessions were carried out, ensuring that each horse experienced both conditions in roughly equal measure.

Weather conditions during the study ranged from 1°C to 15°C, with wind speeds of 6 to 15 mph. Importantly, no signs of heat or cold stress were noted in any horse throughout the study period. The researchers analysed behavioural data using Generalised Estimating Equations (GEE), a statistical method that accounts for repeated measures on the same individuals.

The results showed a mix of both positive and negative effects associated with rugging:

·       Reduced insect-related behaviour: Horses wearing rugs exhibited significantly less tail swishing and head shaking, behaviours commonly linked to fly or midge irritation. Midges (Culicoides spp.) were observed at both sites, particularly when temperatures were higher and winds lower - conditions known to favour insect activity. These findings suggest that turnout rugs may offer effective protection against insect harassment under mild weather conditions.

·       Increased grazing at one site: At one of the two study locations, rugged horses spent more time grazing. This may reflect reduced fly irritation or increased comfort when wearing rugs.

However, the study also highlighted potential concerns:

·       Reduced movement and grooming: Horses wearing rugs were observed to walk less and perform fewer self-grooming behaviours. Both activities are considered important for physical health and psychological well-being. Their reduction may indicate that the rugs, though protective, imposed some physical restriction or discomfort  - possibly due to their weight or design.

·       Site-specific differences: The effects of rugging varied significantly between the two locations, suggesting that environmental factors and management practices also influence how horses respond to being rugged. Therefore, caution is needed when generalising these findings to other settings.

Tail swishing was found to increase with temperature (by 1.33 swishes per 1°C) and decrease with windspeed (by 0.84 swishes per 1 mph). These results further support the conclusion that environmental conditions - particularly warmth and still air - are key drivers of insect-related behaviours in horses.

This study indicates that during mild weather conditions (above 5°C), lightweight turnout rugs may help reduce insect-related discomfort in horses. However, rug choice matters: heavier or poorly fitting rugs may inhibit natural behaviour, outweighing any protective benefits.

The researchers conclude:

“When weather conditions are relatively mild (above 5 °C), horse welfare may be improved more by the use of lightweight turnout rugs for fly protection rather than heavyweight rugs designed primarily for warmth.”

They also call for further studies to test this idea more directly — in particular, by assessing the impact of purpose-designed fly rugs under mild autumn conditions, as opposed to standard waterproof turnout rugs.

For more details, see:

 

Frederick Daw, Charlotte Burn, Yu-Mei Chang, Christine Nicol,

Effect of turnout rugs on the behaviour of horses under mild autumn conditions in the United Kingdom,

Applied Animal Behaviour Science, (2025) vol 288,106661

 

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applanim.2025.106661

Watch National Equine Forum 2025 Sessions Online for Free

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This year’s National Equine Forum (NEF) tackled some of the most important topics shaping the
future of the equestrian world. Whether you're a professional, amateur, or horse owner, there's something for everyone.

All sessions are now available to watch online for free.

Highlights from the 2025 NEF Programme:

Equine Grass Sickness. Professor Bruce McGorum (Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies) shared exciting new research suggesting that a neurotoxin produced by pasture microbes—with similarities to snake venom—may be the cause of equine grass sickness (EGS).

This discovery opens the door to better diagnostics and potential treatments. Ongoing research includes the development of an EGS biobank and a weather app to help predict risk.

Atypical Myopathy – The Risk from Sycamores Professor Richard Piercy (Royal Veterinary College) explained that atypical myopathy is caused by the toxin Hypoglycin A, found in sycamore seeds, seedlings, and leaves.
The risk varies each year and even between trees. Toxin levels are highest in seedlings, and the toxin remains active even in hay or after mowing. Prevention tips include:

• Avoid grazing near sycamore trees
• Use hay racks
• Bring horses in at night

Other Key Topics Included:

Equine Nutrition: Safe feeding practices, the essential role of forage, and where to find trustworthy nutrition advice.

Equine-Assisted Services: The many ways horses support human wellbeing, both in and out of the saddle.

“Being able to communicate current knowledge on equine health and welfare and our human relationship with horses with so many people was an absolute privilege,” said NEF Chair Tim Brigstocke. “It is with grateful thanks to our generous sponsors, friends and live streaming supporters that we have been able achieve record numbers of delegates this year. Sharing and debating across the sector in a non-partisan way is at the heart of the NEF and this year’s event has demonstrated how unified we are, for the good of the horse.”

 

Sessions from NEF25 have been posted on NEF’s YouTube channel<https://www.youtube.com/c/nationalequineforum>; 

Could You Help Shape the Future of Equine Science? Now’s Your Chance! Free webinar shows you how…

Horses Inside Out is on the lookout for passionate equine coaches, therapists, vets, and professionals just like you—people who bring science to life through real-world experience and a deep love for horses. If you’ve ever wanted to make a real difference in the field of equine science, this is your opportunity.

Presenting a scientific poster at a conference might sound like something only researchers do—but that’s not the case! As a busy equestrian professional, you may have thought your insights or field data wouldn’t be suitable. Think again.

The knowledge and information you gather in your day-to-day practice can be incredibly valuable. When analysed and presented effectively, it can influence future practices, inspire innovation, and help improve the welfare and performance of horses everywhere.

Could you create a scientific poster for the Horses Inside Out Conference 2026? Whether you have a case study, a small research project, or even practical field observations to share, your contribution matters.

To guide you through the process, Horses Inside Out are hosting a free live webinar with Professor Meriel Moore-Colyer. She’ll walk you through everything you need to know: 

• Choosing the right topic; 
• Structuring your poster; 
• Presenting your data clearly; 
• Making an impact with your message

📅 Date: Wednesday 21 May 2025
⏰ Time: 7pm–8pm (BST)
💻 Location: Online via Zoom

Don't miss this opportunity to gain the confidence and skills to create and present your own scientific poster. Let’s make equine science more accessible and practitioner-led.

Sign up now and get involved. Here is the link for the free webinar:

 https://www.horsesinsideout.com/events/mastering-scientific-posters