• Charles Sturt academics to contribute to international online equine conference speaking on topics including aftercare of retired racehorses, and technology use in equestrianism

The Advancing Equestrian Practice to Improve Equine Quality of Life conference will be held online by the International Society for Equitation Science from Thursday 21 to Saturday 23 October AEDT.

Charles Sturt Associate Professor in Equine Science with the School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences Hayley Randle has organised the conference with Professor of One Welfare Natalie Waran from EIT in New Zealand and Associate Professor Jane Williams from Hartpury University in the United Kingdom.

The conference aims to bring together horse riders, pony clubs, riding clubs, coaches, trainers and equine students with academics, researchers and scientists to showcase how evidence-informed approaches can advance equestrian practice and improve equine quality of life.

Professor Randle said Charles Sturt’s equine science team, including Ella Bradshaw, Dr Petra Buckley, Raquel Butler, Jaymie Loy and Dr Glenys Noble and the many students studying with them have contributed their wide-ranging expertise to the conference program.

“Charles Sturt University staff are delivering presentations on important industry topics ranging from the aftercare of retired racehorses, equine emotional states, and the use of equipment and technology in equestrianism and horse training,” Professor Randle said.

“All of these provide important information to help maintain and improve equine quality of life”.

“This is an amazing opportunity to help put Charles Sturt University and Australia on the global equine welfare map.”

Registrations for the free conference, which begins at 5.20am on Thursday 21 October and finishes at 8.30am on Saturday 23 October AEDT, can be made online.