EHC 2026 – CFP

Equine History Collective Virtual Annual Conference 2026

Ways of Being: Equid Experiences of the Five Domains

September 25-27, 2026

How can we understand historical equid experiences? That question is so often at the heart of our work as horsetorians. In veterinary and animal welfare studies, the Five Domains Model is a means of measuring the impact of survival- and situation-related factors on the subjective experiences of more-than-human animals to determine their welfare states. First developed in 1994 by D.J. Mellor and C.S.W. Reid, the framework examines the interrelated conditions of nutrition, physical environment, health, and behavior. In 2020, Mellor et. al. updated the model to emphasize the role human-animal interaction plays in creating animals’ welfare states. Models from other fields of study, like the Five Domains, can become powerful lenses of inquiry for our work in animal history.

For our 2026 virtual conference, the Equine History Collective invites a wide range of proposals exploring historical equid ways of being inspired by the Five Domains Model. How do we understand and investigate historical equid experiences? Can frameworks like the Five Domains Model guide our research? What do we learn when we center these species-specific factors in our study of the past? Is it even possible to understand historical equids’ affective states and how might equid  histories change if we pursue them? 

Proposals should fall into one of the following categories:

The conference will take place roughly between 9 A.M. and 5 P.M. EDT. As a virtual conference, proposals for pre-recorded individual papers will also be accepted for anyone who would like to add special media or demonstrations that would be difficult to accomplish in real-time. We also accept proposals for alternative presentations. 

Panel Session (3 to 4 speakers)

Panel proposals should include: 

  • Panelists’ names and one-page C.V.s 
  • Name and contact for panel organizer
  • Panel abstract (150 words or less) 
  • Individual abstracts (250 words or less, ea.)

Individual Paper (presentation 15-20 minutes)

Proposal should include: 

  • Name and one-page C.V. 
  • Abstract (250 words or less)

Alternative Presentations: 

These presentations might not fit the conventional format of a paper presentation or panel but offer alternative ways to explore the conference theme. These could include but aren’t limited to performances, film presentations, gallery-style exhibits, etc. 

Proposal should include:

  • Name and one-page C.V. 
  • Abstract/description (250 words or less)
  • Presentation format description (250 words or less)
  • Estimated duration 

Please submit all materials by August 15, 2026 and direct any questions to EquineHistory@gmail.com.

Please notify us as soon as possible if you intend on submitting a paper. 

The EHC values collaborations regardless of institutional affiliation. The organization is committed to accessibility and inclusion. Please let us know of any accessibility concerns or requests.