Online Conference, June 22-24 2021: Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
The conference brings together an international and interdisciplinary field of researchers. The unifying interest in the conference is scientific questions about the horse as well as the horse in society and the relation between humans and horses. In focus for the conference this year are questions regarding past, present and future challenges in relation to horse – human activities and interaction. Horse welfare and ethical issues regarding horses and horse keeping are a common thread through all the sessions.
The conference will take place online and includes the following sessions with oral presentations organized in five themes:
Theme One: Psychological, pedagogical and didactic perspectives on the relation between human and horse. The theme also includes challenges for equestrian coaching.
Within this theme we invite papers that address the demands of educating people that handle horses in different ways. We also address issues regarding new demands, such as mental and physical challenges, on riders when conditions for sport and recreation in companionship with horses are developed.
Theme Two: Historical, philosophical and ethical perspectives on human-horse relationships
Within this theme we invite papers that specifically explore historical, philosophical and ethical questions regarding interspecies communication and aspects on horse-handling in both the past, the present and in the future.
Theme Three: Consequences for the human-horse relationships connected to the lifestyle of modern humans – for example leisure, sport, tourism, technology and media.
Within this theme we invite papers that explore human-horse interactions through tourism, sports and leisure in the light of modern lifestyle such as for example globalization and social media. Consequences of modern technology in our interaction with horses are also welcomed in this theme.
Theme Four: Issues related to equine assisted therapy, in relation to the human body, mind and social work
Within this theme we address questions about practical and ethical implications, as well as considering future challenges and advantages of using the horse in equine assisted therapy in relation to both psychological and physical treatment and other arenas for social work.
Theme Five: We will also organize open sessions for those of you who would like to address an issue outside of the sub-themes.
We also invite social science and humanistic research that focuses on other aspects of challenges we stand for in the human-horse relationship. What we can learn from the past and how to approach the future.
Abstract submission
We welcome researchers with diverse backgrounds, both disciplinary, theoretical and methodological. We welcome submissions from colleagues at any stage of their academic career. Please make a note if you recently received your PhD, we are trying to give a special slot for you in the programme. The abstract should be submitted to Susanne.Lundesjo-Kvart@slu.se at latest 28 February.
For further details, including the list of keynote speakers, please visit the conference website: