The sheer volume of opinion out there can be both overwhelming and deafening. In horse sport, welfare has again sparked fierce debate in the media: from that photo of Gordon Elliot to revelations in Panorama to treatment of horses in Modern Pentathlon at the Olympics, but strong views can be found wherever horses come into contact with people. But whom should we listen to?
“The challenge for all of us is to distinguish the signal from the noise, and apply rigour to our own thinking to ensure we heed only the opinions that deserve to influence us. This can be a challenge both mentally and emotionally as all around us conflate fact and opinion and even the meaning of truth is up for debate.
What is the role of objective evidence in our decision making? Do the loudest or oldest opinions drown out the most informed? How open are we to views that challenge our own way of seeing? And when – if ever – should opinion overrule fact? I hope you agree that this is a very pertinent debate that should engage a lively discussion.” Roly Owers, World Horse Welfare Chief Executive
Agenda
9:45am Welcome Mike Cattermole
9:50am Sponsor’s address Nigel Payne
9:55am Opening Michael Baines
10:05am Whose opinion matters? Roly Owers
10:15am The importance of evidence in animal health and welfare Dr Monique Eloit, OIE Director General (virtual presentation)
10:30am The powerful role of opinion in equestrianism Pammy Hutton, Dressage Rider & Trainer
10:45am The media and opinion Ed Chamberlin, ITV Racing Lead Presenter
11:00am Two-minute silence
11:02am Q&A Leopoldo Stuardo, Pammy Hutton and Nick Powell
11:17am Morning break (with Charity In Action virtual presentations available for viewing)
11:55am When opinion runs riot Jordan Headspeath, former World Horse Welfare Groom
12:05pm Knowing your own mind Charlie Unwin, Performance Psychologist
12:15pm Q&A Jordan Headspeath and Charlie Unwin
12:25pm Discussion panel Sara Cox, Dr Camie Heleski, Mariano Hernandez-Gil, Dr Neil Hudson, Chris Tufnell
1:25pm Closing address Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal
1:35pm Summing up Roly Owers
