Horse owners, equestrian professionals and students are being invited to explore the importance of sleep in equine health and wellbeing at a special research event hosted by Hartpury University.
Taking place on Friday 4 December 2026, the evening summit, titled Beyond the Stable Door: Understanding and Improving Sleep in Stabled Horses, will explore how a better understanding of equine sleep can help inform horse management and welfare practices.
Organised by Hartpury's Equestrian Research Club, the event will be led by Dr Linda Greening, Senior Lecturer and researcher at Hartpury University, who will share insights from her own research alongside findings from other studies in the field.
The session will examine the importance of sleep for equine wellbeing, how sleep behaviour can be measured and the factors that may influence a horse's ability to rest effectively.
Particular attention will be given to the overnight environment of stabled horses, exploring how horse owners and caregivers can assess their management practices and consider changes that may help optimise sleep behaviour.
The event aims to make scientific research accessible and relevant to those involved in the care and management of horses, offering an opportunity to develop a greater understanding of an important aspect of equine welfare.
Dr Greening said: “Sleep is an essential part of equine wellbeing, yet it's an area that can sometimes be overlooked in everyday horse management.
“Through this event, we want to help horse owners, students and equestrian professionals better understand how horses sleep, why it matters and how the environments we provide can influence their ability to rest.
“By sharing research and exploring its practical applications, we hope attendees will leave with a greater awareness of equine sleep behaviour and ideas they can consider when caring for horses.”
The summit also reflects Hartpury University's commitment to connecting academic research with practical applications across the equestrian industry, helping to improve understanding of horse behaviour, management and welfare.
For Hartpury students, the event offers an opportunity to engage directly with research, deepen their understanding of equine welfare and explore how scientific evidence can inform professional practice.
Open to both Hartpury students and members of the wider equestrian community, the evening will provide a relaxed and welcoming environment for learning, discussion and knowledge sharing.
Event details and booking information
Beyond the Stable Door: Understanding and Improving Sleep in Stabled Horses takes place on Friday 4 December 2026, from 6pm to 8.30pm, at the University Learning Hub, Hartpury University.
Tickets cost £6, with free entry for Hartpury students. Refreshments will be provided.
Places are available, and attendees are encouraged to book in advance.
For further information and to book, click here.
