Welfare & Performance of the Ridden Horse: The Future
The Saddle Research Trust invites you to book your tickets for the highly anticipated 4th SRT International Conference, to be held at the University of Nottingham (De Vere East Midlands Conference Centre). Building on the success of the 3^rd conference in 2018, the SRT is now focusing on the future of research in the important field of welfare and performance of the ridden horse.

We are delighted to announce our keynote speakers, who will be presenting their latest ground-breaking research. The defining feature of our conferences is the high quality of all the presentations, and we are proud that world-renowned researchers Prof. Hilary Clayton and Dr. Sue Dyson have already confirmed. This wealth of research experience will be joined by Dr. Felipe Bragança, who is at the forefront of the new generation of quantitative gait analysis researchers and developers. Prof. René van Weeren has once again very generously agreed to chair the meeting. More exciting speakers will be announced over the coming months, as new research that impacts the welfare and performance of the ridden horse becomes available.

With ticket prices starting at just £95 for concessions, this offers an excellent opportunity to acquire important CPD points for delegates whose professional bodies are registered with us. Standard rate tickets start at £125, increasing to £135 and £160 on the second and third release of the tickets. Enjoy great savings when booking a Conference + Gala Dinner Combi ticket. For group booking discounts (10+), please contact us.

Champagne Reception
For the first time, we will also be hosting a Champagne Reception in the concourse, providing an opportunity to relax with friends and network with colleagues after the conference and before the Gala Dinner. Each Gala Dinner ticket includes a complimentary glass of champagne or soft drink. For those of you who will not be staying over at the hotel, changing facilities will be provided to ensure that you can freshen up in comfort ahead of the Champagne Reception and/or Gala Dinner.

Gala Awards Dinner
The conference will once again be followed by a Gala Awards Dinner in the evening, where you can not only catch up with your peers, but also interact and share thought-provoking conversation with some of the keynote speakers from the day. Be sure to book your seat to stay on after the conference and enjoy a freshly cooked 3-course meal, the eagerly anticipated results of the prestigious SRT Awards – plus entertainment from some extra special guests!

Livestream
Once again, we will be offering the option to attend the conference via Livestream. Due to the huge popularity of the livestream option in 2018, and the anticipated increase in demand for the livestream opportunity globally, we are offering even more interactive features as part of the livestream package in 2021. You will be issued a unique access code via email to login and view the livestream on the day.

Covid-19 – Contingency Planning
Of course, we all hope that the impact Covid-19 has had on our daily lives will be a distant memory come December 2021; however, we also understand that our valued conference delegates need confidence to book on to our event. Whilst we don’t think that you can underestimate the value of attending any conference in person, we are pleased to say that, should a Public Health Emergency prevent delegates attending the conference centre on Saturday 11^th December 2021 as planned, we will automatically transfer your ticket to the livestream option, ensuring that you still have access to the same high-quality content and expert speakers.

CPD
CPD points are available for both conference delegates and ‘livestreamers’, in association with a wide range of organisations. Please check to confirm that your organisation is registered – if they are not yet registered just ask them to contact us and we will arrange it. Certificates of attendance will be sent out after the event.

Venue
Due to the excellent service provided at our 2018 conference, we are returning to Nottingham University’s De Vere East Midlands Conference Centre in 2021. Centrally located, with excellent travel links, this venue affords great accessibility for both UK-based and international delegates alike. The conference theatre is spacious and comfortable, with great views of the stage from all angles.

Catering
In addition to the unlimited free tea and coffee provided throughout the day, breakfast pastries are available on arrival (doors open from 7.30am) and an excellent hot and cold buffet at will be offered at lunchtime. Please contact us with any specific dietary requirements.

Hotel
The SRT has negotiated a special rate of £99pp at the Orchard Hotel directly adjacent to the conference centre. If booking before 11th December 2020, please either call the hotel on 0115 876 0900 (Option 1 for Reservations) and quote ‘saddle event’ with arrival date, or you can email emcc.reservations@devere.com with your details quoting ‘SADDLE 11/12/21’.  From 11th December 2020, delegates can book using the Orchard Hotel website. Simply use the code ‘SADDLE’ in the promotional code box.

Parking
All on-site parking is provided free of charge, with a new stewarding system in place to ensure easy and convenient parking from 6.30am onwards.

Fundraising
The SRT International Conference is our main fundraising event, with all proceeds directly invested into research to promote welfare and performance of the ridden horse. Although the SRT will not be a hosting a closed researchers’ workshop immediately after the conference on this occasion, this highly important meeting will take place at a later date, enabled by funds raised through the conference. The SRT is currently involved with several ground-breaking research projects with future ones already in the planning stages, none of which could take place without ongoing support from our conference delegates and supporters. To see just some of the scientific research projects supported by the SRT, visit our website.

Cancellation policy
In the unlikely event that the conference is cancelled, you will be issued a refund less £5 admin fee.