When horses help shape the future of animal welfare
This week, Billund Legoland is the global meeting point for some of the world's leading researchers within equine behavior, welfare and human-animal interaction, as the 21st International Equitation Society for Equitation Science (ISES) opens its doors.
Hosted by Aarhus University in collaboration with ISES, the conference gathers researchers, veterinarians and professionals from across the globe to discuss one deceptively simple question:
What is the nature of a horse?
At first glance, a conference about horses may sound like a niche event. In reality, many of the questions being explored reach far beyond the horse field. Researchers will present new knowledge on topics such as animal welfare assessment, behavior, pain recognition, learning, housing systems and the relationship between animals and humans. This knowledge can be applied to most other fields.
This year's theme, "The Nature of Horses", reflects a growing scientific movement: understanding animals on their own terms rather than through a human lens. From wild horses shaping biodiversity in nature restoration projects to cutting-edge AI tools that may help detect signs of discomfort or pain, the program explores how science can improve both animal welfare and management practices.
Researchers from the Department of Animal and Veterinary Sciences at Aarhus University play a central role in the conference. Conference chair Professor Janne Winther Christensen, and plenary speakers, Associate professor Rasmus Bovbjerg Jensen, and Professor Martin Krarup Nielsen contribute with presentations covering topics such as horses in nature restoration, parasitology, nutrition, welfare and behavior.
The conference also highlights an increasingly important aspect of modern animal science: society's expectations. As public interest in animal welfare continues to grow, researchers are working to develop evidence-based solutions that can improve the lives of animals while supporting sustainable practices.
This horse conference will serve as an international stage for discussions about welfare, ethics, technology and the future relationship between humans and animals.
International Society for Equitation Science (ISES)
When: 11-13 August 2026
Where: Hotel LEGOLAND, Billund, Denmark
Theme: The Nature of Horses
Participants: Researchers, veterinarians and animal welfare experts from around the world
Hosted by: Aarhus University in collaboration with the International Society for Equitation Science (ISES)
Key topics: Animal welfare, behavior, pain assessment, AI, learning, management systems and human-animal interactions