Where research meets practice – for the benefit of the horse

Horse Welfare Summit (HWS) is an international conference and recurring meeting place for everyone who wants to contribute to a more knowledge-based, sustainable and responsible development of horse welfare.

The second edition of HWS brings together researchers, educators and professionals from across the equine sector around a shared focus: horse–human interactions.

Over two days at Flyinge, we will explore how human factors – such as biomechanics, communication, language and our own inner balance – affect horse welfare in training, education, handling and everyday life.

Why Horse–Human Interactions?

Horse welfare is shaped in the interaction between horse and human – every day, in every situation. By focusing on this interaction, HWS 2026 creates a shared knowledge base for the future education of riders and horses, as well as for the design of the horse’s immediate environment.

The conference will highlight, among other things:

• how horses perceive and respond to human signals
• the biomechanical influence of riders and trainers on the horse
• communication, learning and the use of aids
• the role of language – how the words we use shape the way we view horses
• mental balance, self-leadership and human factors
• implications for horse welfare in training, competition, education and daily care
• how the horse’s immediate environment affects the horse and the interaction between horse and human

Two Tracks – One Summit

Horse Welfare Summit 2026 is a two-day conference in which the two days share an overarching theme and are aimed, to a large extent, at the same broad audience, but with different approaches: day 1 is based on research, knowledge and in-depth exploration, while day 2 focuses more on practical application, dialogue and concrete examples.

The conference is for those who work with, are responsible for, or are interested in the education of people who interact with horses – and for those who educate, train or handle horses in practice.

Day 1 – Research Meets Practice

The first day has a research- and knowledge-based focus, with international keynote speakers, lectures, poster presentations and discussions.

The day is aimed at researchers and academics, as well as at educators, teachers, trainers, decision-makers and other professionals who want to engage with current knowledge and discuss how research can be translated into practice. HWS offers an international arena for knowledge exchange, visibility and dialogue between research, education and practice.

Day 1 concludes with an evening clinic that serves as a bridge between research and practice.

Day 2 – Practice, Education & Application

Day 2 builds on knowledge and moves towards application, focusing on dialogue, practical examples and concrete tools for professionals working in education and training. The day is primarily aimed at those who work professionally with education and training, such as trainers, riding instructors, riders who produce and educate horses, young horse trainers and professional riders, but it will also be of interest to researchers and academics. The content aims to strengthen decision-making, communication and horse welfare in everyday practice.

Practical information

Location: Flyinge, Sweden

Dates: 15–16 September 2026

Programme: Published on an ongoing basis during spring and early summer 2026
Ticket sales: May 2026

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Horse Welfare Summit is organised by Riksanläggningarna Flyinge & Strömsholm – Sweden’s national centres for education, research and development in equestrian sport and horse management.