8.45am - JUSTINE HARRISON

9am - Lecture: KELLY YARNELL

Nottingham Trent University has been investigating horse housing and its impact on equine welfare since 2007. This talk will cover two key studies that explored horse behaviour and stress parameters in a range of housing designs. Researchers looked at how horses spent their time, as well as changes in equine behaviour that may be a consequence of restricted housing. A second study discovered that a small, low cost modification to horse housing can improve equine well-being. Finally, the next phase of horse housing research will be presented, with the opportunity to get involved. A tour of the social housing takes place on Sunday.

9.45am - Lecture: JUSTINE HARRISON

When horses display ‘problem’ behaviours, they are often misunderstood or unfairly labelled. This presentation examines the multifactorial origins of unwanted behaviour, including pain, medical conditions, fear responses, learning history, aversive training techniques, and inappropriate management practices. By identifying and addressing these underlying factors - rather than simply suppressing behaviours - we can improve both equine welfare and human-horse interactions. Understanding the horse's perspective and recognising what they are trying to communicate allows us to respond with compassionate, evidence-based approaches. By shifting our focus to causes rather than symptoms, we can support horses in ways that help them truly thrive, rather than just managing their behaviour.

10.30am

Tea & Coffee

11am - Lecture: ROXANE KIRTON

Roxane will explore the relationship between Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome (EGUS) and unwanted behaviours in our horses. Looking at the latest evidence on what EGUS is, what the risk factors for developing ulcers are and the relationship that they have with unwanted behaviours. They seem to be increasingly frequently diagnosed but are they always to blame for unwanted behaviours such as girthiness? How can we recognise when we should be concerned about gastric ulcers and when should be looking beyond them in the search for the root source of the problem?

11.45am - Lecture: EMMA LETHBRIDGE

The gut and brain are more connected than we ever imagined, and this relationship plays a crucial role in a horse’s overall health, behaviour, and wellbeing. Emma’s lecture explores the gut-brain axis in horses, highlighting how the digestive system directly influences mood, inflammation, emotional resilience, and cognitive function, and vice versa, how the brain effects the gut. Emma will delve into the latest research on the microbiome, the role of gut bacteria in emotional regulation, and how imbalances in the digestive system can lead to lower emotional wellbeing, as well as how low-wellbeing can in turn affect the gut.

12.30pm

A short Q&A session with the morning’s presenters.

12.45pm

Buffet lunch

1.45pm - Lecture: JO HOCKENHULL

There is a growing body of research with implications for horse-human relationships. Some studies increase our knowledge of equine memory and sensory processes, others explore how equine assisted activities can impact equine welfare. One common thread that runs throughout is the relevance of these findings for horse-human interactions. In this session Jo will bring together the findings of recently published research studies investigating all aspects of equine behaviour, welfare and human-animal interactions, and consider the practical implications for our understandings of horse-human relationships.

2.30pm - Lecture: SAMANTHA COUPER

Follow a typical day in the life of a wild horse living within a band. We will explore the rich social lives of horses and how their movements are tied to the shifting seasons. You’ll learn about when horses are most active, what they choose to eat, and how far they travel in search of water. As activities between the sexes differ, we’ll examine both subtle and more advanced differences in the time budgets of mares and stallions, and discuss how these function from an evolutionary perspective. Finally, we’ll wrap up with a few examples of ways you can integrate a horse’s wild lifestyle into their domestic environment.

3.15pm

Tea & Coffee

3.45PM - Lecture: CAROL HALL

Quality of life is determined by the extent to which species-specific needs are met, and the balance between positive and negative experiences. The results of a two-part review of scientific literature revealed that many current horse management practices do not address these needs and that human-horse interactions may not be positive for the horse. Key areas where change is needed were identified, as was the importance of recognising behavioural signs of mental state. Ways in which changes in human behaviour can facilitate the progression from satisfying behavioural needs to providing a good life for the domestic horse will be discussed.

4.30pm - Lecture: NICOLA GREGORY

Our ability to read the faces of other humans has been extensively researched and is known to be very variable between individuals. In contrast, we know virtually nothing about how humans process horse faces. To address this, the ability of people (with and without horse experience) to judge the pain present in horse faces was examined. The amount of horse experience, empathy and social anxiety people had influenced their judgments was also determined. The results provide a promising foundation for pain detection training programmes for equestrians and suggests why some people may resonate more with horses than others.

5pm - Lecture: Trudi Dempsey

Rethinking rein aids. We’re told that good riding requires steady, consistent contact but is that true? Trudi will unpack some of the myths surrounding rein connection, exploring whether contact is about communication or control. Are we holding on for the horse’s benefit or our own? Traditionally, reins have been used to apply pressure through potential discomfort, but can we consider the introduction of rein cues without pressure, using positive reinforcement to build light, clear cues that support better communication and a more ethical way of riding?

5.30pm

A short Q&A session with the afternoon’s presenters.

5.45pm

8.55am - JUSTINE HARRISON

9am - Arena Demo: SAMANTHA COUPER

Sam will focus on how to recognise signs of stress in a horse, from subtle to loud. As a key component, she will be examining how to notice and take advantage individual preferences of horses to help reduce their stress in the moment. She will talk about taking advantage of our immediate environment to better set up our horses for success.

9.45am - Arena Demo: ROSA VERWIJS

Preference testing offers valuable insights into horses' individual needs, motivations, and emotional states. In this demo we will conduct preference tests that allow horses to make choices between different stimuli, and discuss relevant research so we can better identify what they find rewarding or aversive. This information helps inform more ethical and effective approaches to management, training, and enrichment, ultimately leading to improved welfare outcomes. Preference testing not only supports the development of more horse-centred care strategies but also promotes positive mental states, improved trust and communication between horses and people, and behaviours that align with natural equine tendencies.

10.30am

Tea & Coffee

11am - Arena Demo: HOLLY GALLACHER

Discover how a horse's physical movement impacts their mental and emotional well-being and behaviour. We’ll explore the powerful connection between balance, posture, and mindset, and how thoughtful exercise can help reduce tension, improve focus, and build a more connected partnership. Whether on the ground or under saddle, learn how to use movement to support your horse's calmness, confidence, and overall health. This session is perfect for riders, trainers, and horse lovers looking to deepen their understanding of the mind-body connection and apply it in everyday interactions with their horse.

11.45am - Arena Demo: TRUDI DEMPSEY

Trudi will explore the art of developing behaviour using easy, thoughtful training setups. With a focus on the effective use of props, she will show how the environment can be arranged to occasion specific responses, making it easier for the horse to succeed. By guiding behaviour in this way, the trainer can reduce errors, build clarity, and keep the horse engaged and confident. The session will highlight how the props used to shape behaviour shouldn’t become permanent fixtures, but can be gradually reduced as the horse gains understanding, allowing the behaviour to stand alone.

12.30pm

Buffet lunch

1.30pm & 2.15pm - Workshop: ROXANE KIRTON

In this practical session we will look at the behaviour of horses during tacking up with the focus on recognising and identifying those behaviours that are not normal and may indicate that there is a problem. We will apply the ethogram described by Dyson et al, 2021 looking at behaviours during: approaching with the tack / fitting of the bridle / saddle placement on the back / tightening of the girth / approaching and standing at the mounting block. In addition to identifying these abnormal behaviours we will discuss some of the potential causes of them and steps to take if these behaviours are identified.

1.30pm & 2.15pm - Facilities Tour: KELLY YARNELL

Following Saturday’s lecture on Nottingham Trent University’s research into horse housing and its impact on equine welfare we will have an opportunity to visit the equine social housing facilities on site at Brackenhurst campus and see first hand how that research has been put into practice.

3pm

Tea & Coffee

3.30pm and 4.15pm - Classroom Workshop: JUSTINE HARRISON

Step into the role of an equine behaviour detective in this interactive workshop. Working through real-life case studies, you’ll be given clues from a horse’s history, environment, health, and behaviour. Using your observation and critical thinking skills, you’ll piece together the puzzle to identify the underlying causes of behavioural problems. This workshop will enhance your understanding of how physical discomfort, fear, management, and past experiences can shape equine behaviour. By developing a more investigative and empathetic approach, you’ll gain insight into what drives behaviour and how to address it in a way that supports both welfare and safety.

3.30pm and 4.15pm - Classroom Workshop: JO HOCKENHULL

As we come to the end of another jam-packed weekend of Understand Horses Live, this interactive session will explore what you will be taking away from this event. What resonated with you? What do you now know that you didn’t before? What, if anything, will change in your practice following this event? In this session we will take time to reflect, process and create practical actions to better our horses, our practice and ourselves.

5pm

Prizegiving