Equine Colic Research Symposium

Event Information

Find venue details, accommodations, travel information, and historical information.

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Registration is open for attendees, researchers, veterinarians, and students.

Submit an Abstract

Submit your research for consideration as an oral or poster presentation.

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Partner in the advancement of equine colic health.

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Event Information

About the Symposium

Continuing a legacy of global leadership, The Foundation for the Horse will host the 15th International Equine Colic Research Symposium from March 9–11, 2027.

For the first time in its history, the conference will be held at the World Equestrian Center in Ocala, Florida, with scientific sessions taking place at the Equestrian Manor. As equine gastroenterology continues to evolve into areas like metabolomics, advanced imaging, dynamic diagnostics, and targeted therapies, the 15th Symposium will once again serve as the centerpiece for sharing new research and driving innovation that protects and improves the lives of horses everywhere.

For more than four decades, the International Equine Colic Research Symposium has served as the premier global forum dedicated to advancing the understanding, treatment, and prevention of equine colic—the leading cause of premature death in horses. By bringing together top veterinary clinicians, comparative scientists, researchers, residents, and graduate students from across the globe, the symposium has played an instrumental role in turning cutting-edge gastrointestinal science into lifesaving clinical care.

The symposium series was launched in 1982 at the University of Georgia. At the time, equine colic presented a formidable clinical challenge with significant gaps in basic anatomical, physiological, and surgical knowledge. The inaugural meeting established a critical paradigm: uniting international expertise to share new research, standardizing emerging evidence, and defining priority directions for future study.

From its inception, the event was designed not only to report completed science, but to actively shape the future of equine medicine. By bridging the gap between benchtop laboratory discoveries and bedside diagnostics, the symposium has provided immense value across the equine health ecosystem:

    • For the Horse: Innovations presented at the symposium—ranging from advanced fluid therapy protocols and refined surgical techniques to a deeper understanding of endotoxemia, post-operative ileus, and the intestinal microbiome—have dramatically improved survival rates and long-term outcomes for horses suffering from acute abdominal disease.
    • For Researchers & Investigators: The conference offers an unmatched collaborative environment where investigators present preliminary findings, receive rigorous peer feedback, spark global multi-center trials, and mentor the next generation of veterinary scientists.
    • For Donors, Funding Agencies & Institutions: By assembling leading experts to analyze critical gaps in equine gastroenterology, the symposium highlights urgent research priorities, ensuring that research dollars and foundation grants are directed toward the most impactful studies.

A pivotal evolution occurred in 2002 through a strategic partnership between transatlantic equine veterinary leadership: the British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) alongside its charity, the BEVA Trust, and the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) alongside its charity, the AAEP Foundation (now operating as The Foundation for the Horse).

Under this joint stewardship, the symposium adopted a triennial schedule, alternating host cities every three years between Europe and North America. This partnership expanded international perspective and fostered a truly global network of researchers and clinicians. Following this alternating tradition, the most recent event, the 14th International Equine Colic Research Symposium, was hosted in Edinburgh, Scotland, in 2024.

Venue

Some info about the venue.

Accommodations

The Foundation for the Horse has contracted with the World Equestrian Center to offer a special rate of $219++ (King Studio or Double Queen Suite) per night for symposium attendees while available at The Riding Academy Hotel. The rate is valid March _–_, and the deadline to reserve a room at this special rate is February 15, 2027.

Reserve a Room

The Riding Academy Hotel is a 390-room property located on the grounds of the World Equestrian Center in Ocala, Florida, offering upscale, pet-friendly accommodations.

The guest studios and suites provide separate sleeping and living areas, along with desirable in-room amenities such as coffee makers, Sub-Zero refrigerators and pull-out sleeper sofas. Enjoy a pet-friendly stay with exceptional amenities including a 24/7 fitness center, The Tack Room grab-and-go market and an outdoor pool with a walk-up bar for refreshing drinks. Guests of The Riding Academy Hotel also enjoy convenient access to on-property dining outlets, shops and events.

For more information about the hotel, visit here, but do not reserve your room through this link. Click the button above for the special discounted rate.

The Riding Academy Hotel is located at 1615 NW 81st Ter Rd, Ocala, FL, walking distance to the Equestrian Manor, where the symposium will take place.

Registration

Registration is open to veterinarians, researchers, residents, students, and industry professionals. Registration includes access to scientific sessions, networking opportunities, meals as noted in the program, and conference materials. Registration opens October 15, 2026.

2027 Registration Rates
All rates are in U.S. dollars.

Registration Type

Early Registration
Through Feb. 9

Standard Registration
Beginning Feb. 10
Individual $495 $550
Veterinary Presenters $395 $450
Resident & Graduate Student Presenters $295 $350
Residents, Graduate Students, Interns & Veterinary Students $195 $250
WEC/Farm Tour TBA TBA

What’s Included
Breakfast for three days, breaks, lunch and receptions on two days are included with registration.

Continuing Education
This program has been submitted for RACE approval (but is not yet approved) for more than __ hours of continuing education credit in jurisdictions that recognize RACE approval.

Registration Policies
Coming soon