The Mare and Foal: From Womb to Weaning
After two very successful editions on mare and stallion fertility in 2018 and 2022, and one on the late pregnant mare, parturition and neonatology in 2020, the focus of the 4th edition will be on late pregnancy, periparturient events in mare and foal, neonatology, and medicine, surgery and orthopaedics in the nursing foal.
See programCourses and Workshops
These carefully crafted courses and workshops will advance your knowledge to new heights. For each workshop, a panel of 4-6 experts will give short, in-depth presentations followed by highly interactive group discussions. Attendance is limited to allow for maximum interactivity.
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Raising the Foal for Future Performance
Raising a foal for optimal performance is a challenging and complex process. In this workshop, the early-life determinants of future performance will be covered in depth. Risk-factors during pregnancy and early life, environmental influences, daily handling, nutrition, proper weaning techniques and disease prevention will be discussed with some of world’s leading experts.
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Equine Embryo Transfer: From Basics to Perfection
In this two-day course, Pat McCue, Peter Daels and the team at the Keros ET Center will provide lectures and hands-on, clinical training in equine embryo transfer. At the end of the course, participants will be ready to offer embryo transfer services in their practice. The course is limited to 15 participants to optimize interactivity and hands-on training.
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Foal Imaging: Technique and Interpretation
Diagnostic imaging plays an essential role in the diagnosis and monitoring in the neonate foal. This workshop will review ultrasonographic and radiologic imaging techniques of the chest and abdomen in foals. The use of appropriate imaging protocols and the recognition of patient-associated artefacts is critical for accurate image interpretation. Expert lectures and interactive discussions will help you gain more confidence in interpreting radiographs and ultrasound images.
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Semen Handling Course
This one-day course will guide you through the complexities of collecting, preparing, storing and shipping semen. Peter De Blende (ERC DeMorette, Belgium), Tullis Matson (Stallion AI Services, UK) and Bart Kools (Stallion Station Paul Schockemohle) will share their experience during this highly interactive and hands-on course.
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Foal Surgery and Orthopaedics
Bladder problems, navel infections, colic, joint infections and orthopaedic issues are complications that sometimes require surgical intervention. In this workshop, experienced surgeons will present their latest approach to solving these problems and engage in highly interactive discussion with participants. This workshop is mainly directed to surgeons and surgeons-in-training.
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OPU/ICSI
This workshop aims at bringing together veterinarians with working experience in ovum pick-up for a full day of updates by experts, question-and-answers, and discussions. This highly interactive workshop offers a unique opportunity to exchange insights, experiences, tips and tricks with colleagues with a common interest. Participants are encouraged to send in their questions or cases before the start of the workshop.
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Periparturient Complications in Mares
Perinatal death accounts for a large percentage of foal mortality. The most serious threats to perinatal survival remain placentitis, septicaemia, hypoxia, and dysmaturity. In this workshop, we will also discuss placentitis, obstetrical complications, foaling injuries, and postnatal care of the mare. Participants will be invited to discuss the different diagnostic and therapeutic approaches with the panel of experts.
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Infectious Diseases in Foals
This half-day workshop will focus on proper recognition, diagnostic and treatment strategies of the sick foal. Foal diarrhoea and pneumonia can be caused by viruses, bacteria, and parasites. However, when it comes to diagnosing, it can be difficult to pinpoint a specific cause. Lectures and discussions will alternate and guide you to the most efficient diagnostic approaches and sound therapeutic choices.
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Discover the latest equipment
During the breaks, the meals, and the social event, our sponsors will be waiting for you to answer all your questions, renew existing relationships and perhaps negotiate a great deal. The commercial booths are conveniently placed around the courtyard and the ever so friendly representatives will help you with all your queries.
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European Breeders Symposium
For the first time in the history of the ESER, a one-day symposium for horse breeders will be organized in parallel to the ESER symposium. The European Breeders Symposium will take place in a separate section of the ICC. Breeders will be able to attend lectures on the latest development in equine reproduction, browse the exposition hall and network with friends and colleagues. The symposium is an initiative of the Belgian Warmblood Breeders Association (BWP).
VSGp
The ESER symposium would not be possible without the enthusiastic and hard work of our student team. Our local student association, the VSGp - Veterinary Study Group paard ('horse' in Dutch) - unites all our veterinary students with a special interest in horses. At each edition of the symposium, they have been the motor behind this event and they are essential to the success of the symposium. On Thursday night after the dinner, they organize a Ghent-by-night tour that comes highly recommended but is only for trained individuals with lots of stamina!
ISER
The International Symposium on Equine Reproduction, better know as “ISER”, is a scientific and research meeting on all aspects of equine reproduction. The first symposium was held in Cambridge, UK in 1974 and has been organized every 4 years since. The next ISER symposium will be held in 2027 in Dublin, Ireland. The proceeds of the ESER symposium provide financial support for travel and registration of young scientists attending the ISER 2027 meeting.
ISER Global Education
The ISER Global Education is a comprehensive catalogue of “How to…” webinars aimed at enhancing core knowledge and clinical skill development on all aspects of Equine Reproduction. All webinars are easily accessible on multiple platforms, including mobile devices. Webinar speakers are world-renowned experts in their respective fields of equine reproduction, encompassing the mare, stallion, foal and assisted reproductive techniques. All webinars have been reviewed by panel of expert reviewers. The target audience for these "How to..." webinars is veterinarians, ranging from final year students through to early career or experienced clinicians who need to learn a specific skill or refresh their knowledge. To download a comprehensive overview of all available, upcoming and planned webinars, click here.
