Call for abstracts Horse Welfare Summit 2026

Following the strong international interest and positive feedback from previous editions, the Horse Welfare Summit returns in 2026 with a dedicated focus on education, training, and knowledge transfer within the horse sector. While the summit particularly welcomes researchers, educators, trainers, and professionals working with horses and riders, it is open to practitioners, organisations, and anyone with an interest in horse welfare and human–horse interaction. We warmly invite international and Swedish researchers and professionals to submit abstracts for oral or poster presentations.

Conference Structure

Day 1 – Scientific Perspectives
Focus on research, evidence-based knowledge, and scientific perspectives on horse–human interactions and horse welfare.
The programme will include keynote lectures, oral presentations, poster sessions, and moderated discussions with international experts.
Day 2 – Practice, Training & Education
Dedicated to trainers, coaches, and educators working with riders and horses, with an emphasis on applied knowledge, education, and implementation.

Researchers and professionals are invited to submit abstracts for oral or poster presentations for Day 1.

Theme

The overarching theme for the HWS 2026 is Horse–Human Interactions.

Within this theme we especially welcome abstracts on the following sub themes:

Rider Impact & Equine Response – How our body, movement, and equipment influence the horse.
Mental Wellbeing & Self-Leadership – How our inner state affects our actions, presence, and relationship with the horse.
The Power of Words & Perception – How the language we use – about and with horses – affects how we see them and, ultimately, how we treat them.
Environmental influences on equine welfare and behaviour – how the horse is affected by its surroundings, such as stable, yard, paddocks, in clinics etc.

However, all abstracts fitting under the main theme are most welcome!

Who Can Submit?

Researchers and professionals are invited to submit abstracts for oral or poster presentations on Day 1.

Abstract submissions should:

Present completed research
Be clearly aligned with the conference theme
Have relevance for educators in the horse sector
Address horse welfare, directly or indirectly

Presentation Formats

Oral Presentation
Conventional Print Poster Presentation

Authors may indicate their preferred format. Final decisions regarding presentation format, scheduling, and placement are made by the Horse Welfare Summit Scientific Board and will depend on the structure of the scientific programme.

Submission Procedure

Abstracts must be submitted via the official online submission form: https://forms.office.com/e/CrVhrpKpwC

After undergoing the review process, all authors will be informed about the acceptance or rejection of their submission on 1 April 2026 via email. The final decision about the presentation format lies with the Horse Welfare Summit Scientific Board and is also due to the settings of the Scientific Programme. It will be announced within the acceptance notification on 1 April 2026. Slots (day & time) assigned to presenters are non-modifiable.

Key Dates

Abstract submissions open: Early February 2026
Abstract submission deadline: The 15^th of March 2026
Notification of acceptance: The 15^th of April 2026

Conference registration opens:The 1^st of April 2026

Accepted authors will be informed by email.

Host & Venue

Host: The National Equestrian Centers – Flyinge & Ridskolan Strömsholm
Venue: Flyinge Kungsgård, Sweden
Dates: 15-16 September 2026

Sponsorship & Collaboration

Stay tuned for updates on registration details, keynote speakers, and the full conference programme.

Sponsorship collaborations are available – please contact for more information.

Flyinges samarbetspartners