**----- Start of picture text -----**
Report No.
FYE25
20
25
1
Charity #1176401
ISES Annual Report 2024-2025 Registered Charity #1176401
**----- End of picture text -----**
1 Charity #1176401 Registered Charity #1176401 ## **From the desk of the Honorary President** **----- Start of picture text -----**
Photo credit Martin Schwalbe
**----- End of picture text -----**
This annual report marks the end of my term as Honorary President. I look back over the last two and a half years of my term, and particularly the last year, and feel we have made progress not only in reaching many more people who put equine welfare at the top of their list, but also in terms of how we operate as a society. It may be tedious work to develop policies, review procedures and update mission statements, but this framework allows us to continue our work with clearly defined objectives and protocols. Weekly meetings of Presidential Council – Kate Fenner, Janne Winther Christensen and myself – have helped immensely in keeping us on track. These meetings regularly remind me that I am not alone, that together we can achieve more, and I look forward to their friendly faces just to chat. Recently we started inviting members of council to our meetings and this provides a wonderful opportunity to involve each member more intimately and to get to know them better. Each council member is committed to our mission and every task they take on contributes to our progress. Due to timing, we have not had a conference during this fiscal year since last year was in March in the last days of summer in New Zealand, and this year is not until August in Colorado. The local conference organizing committee is planning a wonderful program in a beautiful location. Each conference is packed with the latest in equitation science research paired with practical applications and the unique blend of scientists and practitioners provides a special flavour. Our media manager, Chloe Campbell, continues to churn out creative content through various media channels. Whether you prefer to listen to podcasts, read through infographics or participate in webinars, there is something there for everyone. In particular our Community in the member’s area on our website provides a safe space for thoughtful, provocative and helpful discussions. Be sure to join in! As I move into the Senior Vice President role I will remain involved in our day-to-day workings and continue to promote equitation science wherever I go. I am so grateful to all the members on Council and the Trustees for their support throughout my tenure. I turn you over to the capable hands of Kate Fenner who moves into this role at our AGM in May 2025. Katrina Merkies, Honorary President 2 Registered Charity #1176401 ISES Annual Report 2024-2025 ## **Table of Contents** **From the desk of the Honorary President** ................................................................................................. 2 **Administrative Details** ................................................................................................................................. 4 **ISES Mission and Goals** ................................................................................................................................ 5 **Trustees** ........................................................................................................................................................ 6 **Council Members** ......................................................................................................................................... 7 **Media Outreach** ........................................................................................................................................... 9 **Media Analytics** ......................................................................................................................................... 14 **ISES News** ................................................................................................................................................... 16 **Structure, governance, management** ...................................................................................................... 17 **Membership** ............................................................................................................................................... 18 **Taper Gauge Sales** ..................................................................................................................................... 21 **Financials** .................................................................................................................................................... 22 **Receipts and Payments Accounts** ............................................................................................................ 24 **Independent Examiner’s Report** .............................................................................................................. 26 **Annual General Meeting** ........................................................................................................................... 27 **2025 Annual Conference** ........................................................................................................................... 28 **ISES Outreach** ............................................................................................................................................ 28 **In memoriam** .............................................................................................................................................. 30 **Bequests** ..................................................................................................................................................... 30 **Looking Ahead** ........................................................................................................................................... 31 Registered Charity #1176401 ISES Annual Report 2024-2025 ## **Administrative Details** For the year end April 30, 2025 **Trustees** Katrina Merkies Janne Winther Christensen Kate Fenner Janet Douglas Caleigh Copelin Cath Henshall (appointed May 2024) **UK Charity Commissions registered number** 1176401 **Independent Examiner** Tyler Jeffs T Jeffs Accounting Services Ltd, 36 Dean Close, Banbury, OX16 3WA UK **Bank** Lloyd’s Bank plc 25 Gresham St, London, EC2V 7HN UK **The Objects of the Society** (as per our Constitution): To advance equitation science* and practice for the public benefit, in particular but not exclusively by: 1. encouraging and supporting research into the training of horses to enhance horse welfare and improve the horse–rider relationship and the dissemination of such research to the public; 2. applying valid, quantitative scientific methods to create evidence-based measures to inform equestrian practices; and 3. raising awareness of equine learning theory and its current application. *Equitation science promotes an objective, evidence-based understanding of the welfare of horses during training and competition by applying valid, quantitative scientific methods that can identify what training techniques are ineffective or may result in equine suffering. In setting objectives and planning for activities, the Trustees have given due consideration to general guidance published by the Charity Commission relating to public benefit, including the guidance 'Public benefit: running a charity (PB2)'. 4 Registered Charity #1176401 ISES Annual Report 2024-2025 ## **ISES Mission and Goals** Our mission statement and specific goals were carefully reviewed and updated by Council and Trustees to be more specific and aligned with our activities. **----- Start of picture text -----**
Mission Statement : The International Society for Equitation Science (ISES) is a not-for-profit
organisation that chiefly aims to provide a forum for presentation and discussion of advances
in equitation science research which will ultimately improve the welfare of horses in their
associations with humans.
Encourage basic and applied research into the
training and welfare of horses
Support researchers studying equitation science
Provide an international forum where scientists can
communicate and discuss their research results
Encourage the dissemination and application of
scientific knowledge in relation to the way horses
are trained, managed, housed and cared for
Encourage and support the teaching of equitation
science in research and academic institutions,
especially vet schools, departments of animal
science and animal production, agricultural colleges
and departments concerned with equids
Provide a pool of expertise to national
governments, international bodies, industry and to
those equine welfare organisations who deal with
topics related to equine welfare, behaviour, training
and management
Learn from other disciplines such as applied animal
behaviour science, veterinary science, psychology
and others
**----- End of picture text -----**
5 ISES Annual Report 2024-2025 Registered Charity #1176401 ## **Trustees** The charity trustees oversee the affairs of the charity and abide by the regulations of the Charity Commission for England and Wales. Trustees meet every other month. The slate of trustees serving from May 1, 2024 to April 30, 2025 consists of: **----- Start of picture text -----**
Honorary Junior Vice Senior Vice
President President President
Katrina Kate Fenner Janne
Merkies Winther
Christensen
**----- End of picture text -----**
**----- Start of picture text -----**
Honorary Membership Treasurer
Secretary Secretary
Janet Douglas
Caleigh
Cath Henshall
Copelin
**----- End of picture text -----**
6 Registered Charity #1176401 ISES Annual Report 2024-2025 ## **Council Members** The Council performs duties for the regular functioning of the charity. The council meets every other month. The Council as of April 30, 2024. **----- Start of picture text -----**
Media Team Student Rep Vet Liaison Research
Officer Officer
Colleen Claire
Brady O'Brien Barbara Uta König
(Interim) Padalino von Borstel
**----- End of picture text -----**
**----- Start of picture text -----**
Education Governance Practitioner Ordinary
Officer Officer Rep Member
Colleen Vicky Hailey Susan Angelo
Brady Kjægård Telatin
**----- End of picture text -----**
7 Registered Charity #1176401 ISES Annual Report 2024-2025 - Changes in Trustees 2024-2025: - Cath Henshall voted in as Membership Secretary (May 2024) - External trustees Hayley Randle, Nat Waran and Andrew McLean completed their second term (May 2024). - The slate of trustees remains at six and agree to consult _ex officio_ external advisors as needed. - Changes in Council 2024-2025: - Susan Kjærgård voted in as Practitioner Rep (May 2024) - Claire O’Brien voted in as Student Rep (May 2024) - Kym Griffin voted in as Media (May 2024) - Kym Griffin resigned as Media (January 2025). Colleen Brady took over as interim. 8 Registered Charity #1176401 ISES Annual Report 2024-2025 ## **Media Outreach** Our Media Manager Chloe Campbell has developed numerous initiatives to provide information and resources to our members through various portals. Kym Griffin and Colleen Brady support Chloe’s work in content ideas and creation and respond to inquiries submitted through our website. A media framework ensures all output is reviewed by at least two council officers. _Chloe Campbell ISES Media Manager_ - **Exclusive members’ area content on our website** - **ISES community** – an inclusive space where equestrian enthusiasts, professionals and researchers converge to celebrate and advance the science of equitation. ## `o` **Webinars** - Episode 1: Equitation science and equine ethology – Dr Janne Winther Christensen - Episode 2: Understanding horse behaviour – Dr Sue McDonnell - Episode 3: Training methods for welfare – Shawna Karrasch and Jessie Hillegas ## `o` **Membership community meet ups** - Dr Inga Wolframm - Dr Gemma Pearson - Dr Kris Hiney - Dr Jo Hockenhull - Dr Andrew McLean 9 Registered Charity #1176401 ISES Annual Report 2024-2025 ## `o` **Research Bites** : - Can ponies distinguish human facial expressions? - Positive reinforcement: Standing still - Beginning positive reinforcement training - The four quadrants of operant conditioning 10 Registered Charity #1176401 ISES Annual Report 2024-2025 ## `o` **NZ conference talks** - Lightening talks from multiple researchers - Effect of touch on horses during horse-human interactions – Dr Katrina Merkies - Oral conflict behaviour is a potential indicator of oral lesions in dressage horses – Prof Janne Winther Christensen - Rein tension and perceived driveability – Prof Paul McGreevy - Safe, effective and ethical horse-human interaction – Dr Kathalijne Visser - Working to reach a consensus on NBAs – Chloe Young - Detecting positive emotions to assess quality of life – Dr Cathrynne Henshall - Setting up horses for a good life – Prof Janne Winther Christensen - Horse owner knowledge of care and perceptions on mandatory equine knowledge certificates – Megan Watney - Carbon footprint of a Dutch sport horse – Iris Huisman - Validation of a QBA method measured through quantitative behaviour test – Dr Gemma Pearson - Observational indicators of fatigue during cross country – Prof Jane Williams - Effect of hay feeding regimen on horses’ emotional state – Prof Uta Konig von Borstel - Summary for work of the FEI ethics commission – Prof Nat Waran - Effect of noseband tightening on eye temperature – Dr Orla Doherty - The wicked situation of horse welfare – Julie Fiedler - Polo – what do we know now – Dr Russell Best - Analysis of equestrians’ knowledge level – Sarah Marlene Lojewski - A good life for horses – Prof Paul McGreevy - How should we think about equine ethics – Madeleine Campbell - Influence of perceived personality traits on police horse selection – Kiana McDole - Evidence-based horse training – Dr Andrew McLean 11 Registered Charity #1176401 ISES Annual Report 2024-2025 **“** _Thank you for making quality continuing education affordable!_ _**Hoof Falls & Footfalls**_ - **Position statement summaries** These are available on our website Position Statements - **Podcasts** - Episode 17: Exploring the relationship between horse-owner attributes and their approach to horse training – Ella Barlett, Dr Jo Hockenhull, Lorna Cameron - Episode 18: Living the good life? Welfare and horse-human interactions – Dr Carol Hall - Episode 19: Exploring equitation science with Dr Andrew McLean - Episode 20: Signs of happiness: Measuring horse welfare through affiliative behaviour – Dr Miriam Baumgartner 12 ISES Annual Report 2024-2025 Registered Charity #1176401 ## • **Podcasts (continued)** - **NZ conference bite-sized interviews** - Episode 4: Lessons learned from horse-related human fatalities – Meredith Chapman - Episode 5: Interpretation of equine affective states – Amber Wells - Episode 6: Differences in jockey position – Dr Kylie Legg - Episode 7: The comparative effects on three enrichment items on the behaviour and physiology of stalled horses – Miranda Brauns - Episode 8: Views of the equestrian community of OTTTBs in second careers – Natasha Rose - Episode 9: How useful are the physiological measures of stress in the field – Karly Liffen - Episode 10: Identifying risk factors of conflict behaviours in Canadian riding lesson horses – Caleigh Copelin - Episode 11: Teaching horse owners about disease transfer and prevention – Dr Betsy Greene and Debbie Reed - Episode 12: Exploring the attitudes of veterinary - hospital staff toward pain assessment in horses – Olivia Curry - Episode 13: Monitoring cumulative use of horses in education – Lindsay Skyner - Episode 14: Behavioural characteristics of OTTTBs – Dr Anne-Louise Knox - Episode 15: Familiarization, positive associations and its effect on juvenile horses in response to a fear test – Dr Gabriel Lencioni - Episode 16: A good life for horses by design – Leonie Lee ## `o` **Myth busting infographics** - “Positive reinforcement takes too - long” - “The clicker holds the power” - “Positive reinforcement and clicker - training are the same” - “Positive reinforcement will make my horse gain weight” - “Horses should be obedient because they want to please me, not because I won their love through treats” - “Using treats is bribery. Horses should be obedient because they respect me” 13 ISES Annual Report 2024-2025 Registered Charity #1176401 ## **Media Analytics** ## • **Facebook** - 220,200 reaches ( 97.4% from last fiscal year); 11,700 interactions ( 39.4%); 13,797 followers (697; 90% women, 10% men; mostly 25-64 years; mainly from UK, USA, Australia); 2,500 link clicks ( 33.1%) - Top posts: summarized _Position Statement on Leadership and Dominance_ and _No Significant Difference Found Between 1.5 and 2 Finger Noseband Tightness in New Study, but FEI’s Precautionary Approach Praised_ . ## • **Instagram** - Instagram – 36,900 reaches ( 869.8% from last fiscal year); 1,500 interactions (no change); 542 followers - Top posts: summarized position statements 14 Registered Charity #1176401 ISES Annual Report 2024-2025 ## • **Youtube channel** - 1,292 subscribers - 5,318 views - 447 hours of watch - time ## • **Spotify** - 467 followers (85% female, 10% male; mostly 28-59 years; mainly from Australia, UK, NZ and USA) - 639 consumption hours - Top episodes: Episode 2 – 477 views; Episode 3 – 349 views ## • **Website** - 446,044 views ( 206.7% from last year) - Total of 420 registrants in four webinars - Dr Andrew McLean: Discussing equitation science - Prof Janne Winther Christensen: Equine ethology - Dr Sue McDonnell: Understanding horse behaviour - Shawna Karrasch and Jessie Hillegas: Training methods for welfare 15 Registered Charity #1176401 ISES Annual Report 2024-2025 ## **ISES News** As a learned society we welcome opportunities to work with other societies to bring about positive changes for all equids. **Precautionary principle… Preventing or avoiding activities that have potential for risk when lacking scientific evidence to the contrary** - Sent out two update newsletters to members (Oct 2024, Feb 2025) - In May 2024 ISES wrote a news release urging the FEI to take action on the six priority areas raised in the Equine Ethics and Wellbeing Commission’s final report, specifically regarding tack, equipment, riding, training, physical and emotional stress and the other 23 hours. - Dr Andrew McLean has been appointed (among others) to the FEI’s welfare advisory group, promoting the adoption of the ISES Training Principles - In September 2024 ISES released a statement in response to the publication of new research on noseband tightness. While the study provided some insight into pressure on a horse’s nose exerted by the noseband, ISES cautioned against inferring too much from small studies and to remain true to the precautionary principle when scientific evidence is not robust. - A Danish translation of the Training Principles was released. The Training Principles are now available in eight languages. - Discussed potential of hosting a photo repository for researchers but determined the cost was too prohibitive. - Entered into a reciprocal membership with the National Association for Equine-Affiliated Academics to exchange news and announcements. 16 Registered Charity #1176401 ISES Annual Report 2024-2025 ## **Structure, governance, management** ISES is overseen by the Trustees who have a duty to ensure the Society meets its goals while complying with UK law. ISES is a registered Charitable Incorporated Organization (CIO) with the Charity Commission of England and Wales (Registered Charity Number 1176401) and operates under our Constitution. The daily activities of the Society are carried out by the Council. Trustee and Council positions are filled through majority vote at the Annual General Meeting and held for a period of four years with the exception of Junior Vice President, Honorary President and Senior Vice President which are each held for two years in succession. External Advisors to the Trustees may be consulted. Activities undertaken this year: Updated our mission statement and aims to be more aligned with what we actually do Development of strategic plan moving into 2026-2031 Drafted and approved Code of Ethics policy for council members Drafted and approved Conflict of Interest policy for council members All council members attended a General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) awareness workshop delivered by Claire O’Brien to ensure we are compliant by 2029 A data privacy statement and policy is being developed. Our privacy notice was updated on our website as of April 17, 2025 17 Registered Charity #1176401 ISES Annual Report 2024-2025 ## **Membership** The primary activity of the membership secretary and membership committee is to process and review new applications and respond to membership queries. ## **Committee Members:** - Cath Henshall (Membership Officer and Practitioner Rep) - Janne Winther Christensen (SVP) ## **Membership Count by Category:** |**Membership Category**|**As of30 April 2025**|**Change from 1 May 2024**| |---|---|---| |Academic|83|+8| |Associate|60|+28| |Corporate|14|+3| |Honorary|10|-1| |Practitioner|52|+12| |Student|43|+3| |Supporter|220|+80| |**Total**|**482**|**+129**| In keeping with the past few years there has been significant growth in the number of members, with large increases in the Supporter category (+80 members) and also healthy increases in the Associate category (+28). In the Associate category we have seen an increase in the number of registered veterinarians joining which is very pleasing as this is a sector of the industry where a knowledge of equitation science can be directly implemented in the care and treatment of equine patients, as well as contributing to safer workplaces for veterinary clinic staff. The increase in Supporter members from 103 in 2022-23 to 220 currently, represents a 219% increase across two years. It is a testament to the wonderful work of the ISES media and communications team and the increasing awareness of equitation science in the wider equestrian community that we continue to welcome so many new members who wish to express their support for the work of ISES and for horse welfare in general. The number of Corporate memberships has also experienced a steady increase from previous years. Student and Academic memberships show a smaller increase. **----- Start of picture text -----**
482 members in 2025
 36.5% from last year
**----- End of picture text -----**
18 Registered Charity #1176401 ISES Annual Report 2024-2025 ## **Membership Committee Activities** - The new application process managed via the website and Monday.com is now working smoothly. Application documents are uploaded to the website by the applicant and stored in a central repository on Monday.com where they are then reviewed by the membership committee. - Standardized welcome letters have been created for new members to all membership categories. Memberships are active immediately upon payment. - The automatic renewal of memberships is largely working smoothly. We continue to experience some glitches and it will be a priority in 2025 to resolve these. - The Membership Committee continues to assess and approve all categories of membership with the exception of Supporter, Corporate and Honorary. - The previously implemented automation of some membership processing steps is largely working well. - Work is ongoing to more fully utilize the functionality of our IT resources to further automate aspects of the application processes to improve the experience for members and reduce manual input. - Members whose payments have been declined are followed up with an email advising them of this and providing details about how to rejoin if they wish to. - The clarification of the wording of the eligibility criteria for the Academic and Associate memberships has reduced to zero the number of applications that are not aligned with either of these categories. - We continue to receive Practitioner memberships that require manual follow-up despite updating the wording on the website. Addressing this issue will be a major priority for the Membership committee in 2025 to improve the application experience for prospective members and streamline the workload for the committee. - Ongoing discussions have been had regarding the structuring of the membership categories to ensure the membership base reflects the goals and mission of the Society and to improve the efficiency of the membership processing systems. ## **Yearly Plan** - Continue review of membership categories via Council meetings/discussion - Implement further automation of membership processing where possible - Investigate and where applicable, implement options to further utilize the benefits of IT systems to improve application processing as well as the accuracy of membership data and communication with individual members regarding membership matters. - Work with Council to develop mechanisms to gain deeper insights into membership demographics and motivation to join ISES such as investigating what barriers may 19 ISES Annual Report 2024-2025 Registered Charity #1176401 exist to prevent qualified people from applying for membership. A particular focus will be on the Academic membership category, specifically academics and researchers working in Equitation Science or relevant fields who are eligible for membership but who are not currently members. Membership logos are available to those who request them through the Membership Secretary. 2024 20 Registered Charity #1176401 ISES Annual Report 2024-2025 ## **Taper Gauge Sales** - Taper gauge sales totaled 330 items sent to 22 different countries. Germany (69), France (65), Iceland (60) and the UK (56) were the top countries placing orders (note each order could be for multiple taper gauges). This is a slight decrease from 369 taper gauges sold last year. However we have an order placed for 200 taper gauges by the German Leisure Riders Club that is waiting to be filled. - Volunteers in regions around the world send out orders. - An inventory recording system was set up to track where our stock of taper gauges is to enable better tracking and quicker order fulfilment. **----- Start of picture text -----**
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
Taper Guage Sales
**----- End of picture text -----**
21 Registered Charity #1176401 ISES Annual Report 2024-2025 ## **Financials** (May 1, 2024 – April 30, 2025) |**Revenue**|**2024-2025**
**£**|**2023-2024**
**£**| |---|---|---| |Memberships|12,160|8,965| |Taper Gauge sales¥|4,390|4,746| |Conference|7,332|-| |Webinars/conference|1,070|| |downloads||| |ISES merchandise|-|1,156| |Miscellaneous
Debt repayment|55
5153|1,749
-| |Donations|39|-| |**Total Revenue**|**30,199**|**16,616**| ¥Includes revenue from postage via Paypal |**Expenses**
Contract fees
Taper Gauge order
Conference expenses
Website/Admin
Bank/Paypal fees
Postage fees
Travel grants
ISES Merchandise
Refunds
Miscellaneous
**Total Expenses**
**Net**|**2024-2025**
**£**
6,990
-
2,225
876
682
-
-
115
-
**10,888**
**19,311**|**2023-2024**
**£**
5,640
6,922
5,080
2,137
867
3,386
4,000
1,395
-
1,946| |---|---|---| |||**31,373**| |||**-14,757**| **----- Start of picture text -----**
Downloads &
webinars
Taper gauge
3.6%
sales
14.6%
40.4%
17.1% Memberships
Debt
repayment
Conference
24.4%
Refunds
Bank & Postage
PayPal 6.3% [1.1%]
fees
8.0%
20.4%
Admin
Contract 64.2%
employment
**----- End of picture text -----**
||**2024-2025**|**2023-2024**| |---|---|---| ||**£**|**£**| |**Net worth***|**41,994**|**22,683**| *Current net worth comprises the Treasurers and Business bank accounts, PayPal balance and a debt repayment of £5,153 (seed money for ISES 2024 conference). 22 Registered Charity #1176401 ISES Annual Report 2024-2025 **Going Concern** : The charity has minimal fixed costs with the main source of expenditure being grants made at the discretion of the Trustees. Furthermore, the charity had a healthy net asset position at the year end the Trustees therefore consider that based on the circumstances existing t the date of signature of the accounts the charity is a going concern. This bsis is adopted within these accounts. **Reserves Policy** : The charity held unrestricted funds at the end of the year of £41,994 (2024: £22,683). These reserves are considered adequate by the Trustees and will allow the charity to continue making grants in the next financial period. In view of the nature of the charity, the Trustees are satisfied that no formal level of reserves are required, as grants are only made when there are available funds and the charity does not have any liabilities to make grants. 23 Registered Charity #1176401 ISES Annual Report 2024-2025 Internation￿ kniety for Equrtaty"on ScierKe Receipts and Payments Accounts CHARITY CI)MMIS51 FOP etr4GLAND Aho WALE 11T6•1 Receipts and pa ments accounts CC16a To Sectson A Receipts an¢J payments Al •J$5 Jjo 1¥3 1.7 toi 31.1 ¥1.1* l*•+tabl*}. .1 lJ55 &J22 ¥1.¥7J Ic¢al Jt.Jn Plotof r&c¢ftpt8/{K4YM￿ts 14.757 )7.440 Cajh fl￿￿5 Ihjj rn en 41.Y CWRI axAvOISSI 24 Registered Charity #1176401 ISES Annual Report 2024-2025 Internation￿ kniety for Equrtaty"on ScierKe Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period Unrestricted lunds Restricied lunds Endowment nNv•5tt B1 Cash ftvM15 5.129 rotsl cash funtt5 Unre#￿tt*d lunds Restrftl•d lund$ EThdowmefit lunds Do14i1s D•t41 B3 Inv•sffiMm ass•ts Oetail B4 AM•ts r•tairnd f¢r th• charltys own u Dei•il B5 L￿￿"1rti•$ z£aa 25 Registered Charity #1176401 ISES Annual Report 2024-2025 ## **Independent Examiner’s Report** ## **International Society for Equitation Science Independent Examiner’s Report For the Year Ended 30 April 2025** ## **Independent Examiner’s Report to the Trustees of International Society for Equitation Science (‘the charity’)** I report to the charity Trustees on my examination of the accounts of the charity for the year ended 30 April 2025. ## **Responsibilities and Basis of Report** As the Trustees of the charity you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the 2011 Act’). I report in respect of my examination of the charity’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act. ## **Independent Examiner’s Statement** I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect: 1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 130 of the 2011 Act; or 2. the accounts do not accord with those records; or 3. the accounts do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a ‘true and fair’ view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination. I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. This report is made solely to the charity’s Trustees, as a body, in accordance with Part 4 of the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008. My work has been undertaken so that I might state to the charity’s Trustees those matters I am required to state to them in an Independent Examiner’s Report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, I do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charity and the charity’s Trustees as a body, for my work or for this report. Tyler Jeffs 36 Dean Close Banbury OX16 3WA Date: 2[nd] December 2025 26 Registered Charity #1176401 ISES Annual Report 2024-2025 ## **Annual General Meeting** The last Annual General Meeting was held online on May 28, 2024. There were 105 attendees. Recordings of the speaker talks are available in the member’s area of our website. The upcoming Annual General Meeting will be held online on May 27, 2025. 27 Registered Charity #1176401 ISES Annual Report 2024-2025 ## **2025 Annual Conference** The 20[th] annual Equitation Science conference will be held at Colorado State University in Fort Collins, USA from July 23-26, 2025. The theme of the conference is “Improving connection with horses through science” Details and registration can be found here. A virtual option was made available to enable more people to attend. Three travel grants to the conference will be awarded: one to a student, one to a practitioner, and one based on Equity, Diversity and Inclusion. ## **ISES Outreach** Our Council members donate untold hours to ensure our society runs smoothly, but they also contribute to equitation science through their own personal and professional lives. Here are some highlights: - Katrina Merkies is a member of the Canadian National Farm Animal Care Council scientific committee updating the Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Equids - Katrina Merkies created two industry partner projects between ISES and her 4[th] year Equine Management students. One group of students helped to develop the myth buster infographics with the assistance of Chloe Campbell. Another group of students surveyed student engagement and membership trends in ISES compared to other scientific societies. - Kate Fenner, as a Pony Club Australia Board member, led the updating of the Pony Club Welfare Policy, incorporating the ISES First Principles. - Janne Winther Christensen is an expert member of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) equine group. She also acts as an independent expert in the voluntary initiative for the welfare of equids under the EU platform for animal welfare. - Janet Douglas co-authored, with Dr Gemma Pearson, an editorial in the Equine Veterinary Journal on mental maturity in horses (“Start ‘em young, treat ‘em right: How horses’ early life experiences can set them up for success in life”). 28 Registered Charity #1176401 ISES Annual Report 2024-2025 - Janet Douglas organised a virtual conference titled ‘Accountability for welfare in equestrianism: Looking beyond the obvious’ at which the speakers, who included Dr Mette Uldahl, presented their ideas for industry-specific initiatives that could positively influence equine welfare. - The textbook ‘Equine Welfare in Clinical Practice’ was released in 2024 with many chapters written by current and previous ISES council members. - Janet Douglas worked to create the report “National survey of UK citizen attitudes towards UK equestrian sport activities”. - Janet Douglas presented on topics related to social licence, equitation science, and equine welfare at workshops and conferences organised by British Eventing, Riding for the Disabled Association, Pony Club UK, CAFRE (College of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Enterprise), and the University of Nottingham. - Janet Douglas contributed to numerous other projects in my work with the charity, World Horse Welfare. - Barbara Padalino is part of the EU planning for regulations on equid welfare. She participated as a representative of ISES in the EFSA Donkey and Horse Welfare workshop in September to gather scientific information pertinent to developing regulations. Claire O’Brien attended and contributed as an Irish representative. - Claire O’Brien is a member of the Aberystwyth Research Ethics Panel (UK). - Caleigh Copelin held a sessional lecturer position at the University of Guelph, Canada, teaching an undergraduate course in the principles of equine behaviour and welfare and focusing on equitation science. - Caleigh Copelin works as a freelance scientifc writer for Mad Barn, writing and reviewing lay articles ,disseminating welfare and behaviour science to the broader horse industry. She also acts as a consultant on additional articles that have welfarerelated considerations. - Caleigh Copelin sits on an Equestrian Canada committee to review and update their Horse Welfare Code of Conduct. - Colleen Brady contributed to the development of the online course “Recognizing Affective States in Equine” (RAiSE) consisting of approximately 10 hours of content. This resulted in publications in Translational Animal Science and the Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science. 29 Registered Charity #1176401 ISES Annual Report 2024-2025 ## **In memoriam** In September 2024 we mourned the passing of honorary fellow, Frank Ödberg, one of the founding members and a strong supporter of equitation science. Frank was a firm believer in rigorous scientific inquiry, and to that end ISES is developing an award in his memory. Details will be released in the coming year, but the award will recognize some aspect of rigorous science. ## **Bequests** ISES is honored to accept bequests as a meaningful way to support our mission. By including us in your will or estate plans, you help ensure lasting impact for the causes we champion. A bequest is a powerful legacy, allowing your generosity to extend beyond your lifetime. If you would like to leave a bequest, please reach out to our treasurer (treasurer@equitationscience.com). 30 Registered Charity #1176401 ISES Annual Report 2024-2025 ## **Looking Ahead** ISES is clearly moving from a fledgling organization into a robust society committed to optimize the welfare of horses. This is evidenced by our many arms of dissemination coupled with the substantial increase in members that reflects the recognition of equitation science around the world. The rapid growth of the society coincides with the review and update of our strategic plan. Our current strategic plan set ambitious goals that laid the groundwork for who we are. Our next strategic plan continues with those original core values - being a global influencer; supporting research with impact; embedding sustainability in our practice and values – and expands on them to enable the spread of equitation science not just for researchers, but for all horse enthusiasts. Look for the strategic plan to be released soon! 31 Registered Charity #1176401 ISES Annual Report 2024-2025 **“** _So, so happy to see this!!! [Danish translation of training principles] The horse world is going forward. Thank you for your work for the horses’ welfare._ _**Hedvig Aareskjold**_ 32 Registered Charity #1176401 ISES Annual Report 2024-2025