The 2nd International Conference on the transportation of sport/breeding horses is to be held on the weekend of 12th and 13th July at Hartpury College, Hartpury, Gloucestershire.

It is specifically aimed at horse transport industry representatives and is expected to attract up to 300 delegates from all over the world.

The Conference, funded by the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI), the ILPH (International League for the Protection of Horses) and the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (MSPCA) will focus on horse welfare during transport and will build upon the 1st Equine Transport Workshop, held in March 1999 in Middlebury, Virginia, USA. That Workshop, sponsored by the MSPCA, updated earlier research into Transport Stress in horses initiated by the FEI and ILPH.

Says Alex Atock, ILPH Consultant and Conference Secretary, "The Conference will review transport risk factors and existing guidelines for equine movement, seek to capture the perspective of the industry on the practical aspects of managing horses during transport, and will assess the safety and design of transporters by road, sea and air."

There will be a separate Veterinary Research Group Meeting, chaired by Professor Catherine Kohn (University of Ohio), which will provide a forum for invited delegates to discuss new information and research on equine transport, identify areas for future study, and define opportunities for collaboration.

All indications are that this Conference will be extremely well supported so early registration is advised to avoid disappointment. Full details and registration procedures can be found on the ILPH website at http://www.ilph.org/items.asp?ID=145&TY=3

www.ilph.org

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