Lisa Ashton, Senior Lecturer at Hartpury University and internationally recognised advocate for evidence-based horse training and welfare, has been invited to open the University of Guelph’s 10th Annual Equine Industry Symposium that gets underway today.
The symposium, organised by students from the University of Guelph’s Equine Management degree, takes place virtually (on Tuesday 18 and Wednesday 19 November 2025), bringing together equine professionals, researchers, coaches, and welfare specialists from around the world.
This year’s theme, “Patching the Holes in our Bucket - Inspiring Change in Equestrian Culture,” explores how the sector can evolve to create safer, more ethical, and more sustainable equestrian environments.
Representing Hartpury University on the international stage, Lisa Ashton will open night one with a keynote session on the creation of equestrian culture, setting the tone for an evening focused on how change can be facilitated through science-informed practice, awareness, and better decision-making.
Lisa’s involvement highlights Hartpury’s strong global reputation for equine teaching, research, and industry engagement. Many Hartpury lecturers, like Lisa, combine academic expertise with active roles across the equestrian industry, ensuring that Hartpury students benefit from teaching underpinned by the latest scientific and cultural developments.
Symposium Programme
Night 1 – Tuesday 18 November
Creating Change in Equestrian Culture
· Lisa Ashton – Creation of equestrian culture
· Crispin Parelius – Discernment of equestrian practices
· Inga Wolframm – Changing hearts, changing minds
· Open discussion moderated by Akaash Maharaj, former CEO of Equine Canada
Night 2 – Wednesday 19 November
Global Perspectives on Culture Change
· Akaash Maharaj – Re-cap and moderator
· Eurico Rosa da Silva – Changing cultures from jockey to equine-assisted learning coach
· Gary Yaghdjian – Culture change in riding programming over the last decade
· Panel discussion moderated by Akaash Maharaj
As the equestrian world increasingly emphasises welfare, ethics, behaviour, and rider education, Hartpury University remains committed to shaping the future of the industry through research-informed teaching and international collaboration.
Learn more and register here.
