JSES – Japanese Society of Equine Science: History, Mission & Global Role

The Japanese Society of Equine Science (JSES) is Japan’s leading organisation dedicated to advancing equine veterinary medicine and equine science.

Founded in 1989, JSES brings together veterinarians, researchers, and academics with a shared goal: improving horse health and welfare through research, clinical practice, and knowledge exchange.

While its base is in Japan, JSES plays an influential role internationally through its peer-reviewed journal, Journal of Equine Science, which publishes cutting-edge research from Japan and around the world.

What is the Japanese Society of Equine Science (JSES)?

The Japanese Society of Equine Science (JSES) is Japan’s leading academic organisation dedicated to equine veterinary science and research. Founded in 1989, JSES advances horse health and welfare primarily through scientific research, peer-reviewed publication, and international knowledge exchange, rather than clinical representation alone.

Who Is JSES For?

The Japanese Society of Equine Science primarily serves:

• Veterinary researchers and academics
• Clinician-scientists working in equine hospitals and universities
• Postgraduate students and doctoral researchers in equine science
• International researchers seeking peer-reviewed equine literature

Unlike practitioner-led associations, JSES focuses on scientific advancement and publication, rather than professional regulation or clinical representation.

A Brief History

JSES was established in 1989 during a period of rapid growth in Japanese equestrian sport and racing.

Recognising the need for a scientific forum dedicated to equine medicine and research, a group of veterinarians and academics founded the society to advance standards of care and promote international knowledge exchange.

Over the decades, the Japanese Society of Equine Science has built a reputation for academic excellence, and its journal has become a widely respected publication cited by researchers across veterinary and animal sciences.

Mission & Objectives

The mission of the Japanese Society of Equine Science is to advance equine health, welfare, and veterinary knowledge in Japan and beyond. Its objectives include:

• Scientific research: Supporting equine-focused research across clinical, physiological, and behavioural sciences.
• Publications: Publishing the Journal of Equine Science, freely available in English and indexed globally.
• Continuing education: Providing a platform for Japanese veterinarians and researchers to share findings and improve practice.
• International collaboration: Promoting exchange with societies across Asia, Europe, and North America.
• Horse welfare: Ensuring that scientific advances translate into better welfare outcomes for horses.

Journal of Equine Science (JES)

The Journal of Equine Science is the flagship publication of the Japanese Society of Equine Science and one of Asia’s most influential peer-reviewed journals in equine veterinary medicine.

Key features of the Journal of Equine Science:

• Open-access and published in English
• Indexed in PubMed and international scientific databases
• Covers veterinary medicine, physiology, nutrition, behaviour, reproduction, and performance science
• Frequently cited by researchers and clinicians worldwide

Through this journal, JSES exerts global influence well beyond Japan, contributing directly to evidence-based equine medicine and welfare standards.

Member Services & Benefits

Members of JSES benefit from:

• Access to the Journal of Equine Science and opportunities to publish research.
• Participation in annual meetings and academic conferences in Japan.
• Networking with Japanese and international equine researchers and clinicians.
• Collaboration with veterinary schools and research institutes.
• Contribution to the growth of equine veterinary science in Asia.

Annual Meeting & Publications

Instead of a traditional congress, JSES hosts an annual scientific meeting where members present their latest research and discuss developments in equine science.

JSES is best known internationally for its open-access Journal of Equine Science (JES):

• Language: Published in English, making it accessible to a global audience.
• Content: Covers veterinary medicine, physiology, nutrition, behaviour, and equine performance.
• Recognition: Indexed in PubMed and widely cited in the scientific community.

International Role & Scientific Influence

Although based in Japan, the Japanese Society of Equine Science operates within a global scientific ecosystem.

JSES maintains active academic links with international veterinary organisations and contributes to global knowledge exchange through:

• Collaboration with World Equine Veterinary Association (WEVA)
• Cross-citation and academic exchange with European and North American research groups
• Regular contribution to international equine science conferences and symposia

Through its journal and research activity, JSES plays a meaningful role in shaping global understanding of equine health, performance, and welfare.

Why JSES Matters to Equine Vets

For Japanese veterinarians and researchers, JSES is the cornerstone of equine science, offering access to the latest research, a strong professional network, and opportunities to publish internationally.

For international colleagues, JSES provides a unique window into equine veterinary developments in Japan and Asia, as well as access to one of the field’s most respected open-access journals.

Engage With Equine Science Globally

Researchers, clinicians, and postgraduate veterinarians interested in equine science regularly engage with JSES through its publications, meetings, and international collaborations.

Whether you are publishing research, conducting clinical studies, or following advances in equine veterinary science, JSES provides a trusted academic gateway into Japanese and Asian equine research.

Surprisingly, we have a number of Japanese equine veterinarians and researchers among our subscribers, alongside colleagues from Europe from the likes of Hungary, Czech Republic, North America, and beyond.

By joining this network, you can connect with like-minded professionals, gain access to global resources, and share knowledge across borders. Together with JSES, you’ll be part of a worldwide effort to advance equine veterinary science and improve horse welfare.

Japanese Society of Equine Science – FAQs

What is the Japanese Society of Equine Science (JSES)?
JSES is Japan’s leading academic organisation dedicated to equine veterinary science and research.

When was JSES founded?
The Japanese Society of Equine Science was founded in 1989.

What does JSES focus on?
JSES focuses on equine research, scientific publication, and international knowledge exchange rather than professional regulation.

What is the Journal of Equine Science?
The Journal of Equine Science is JSES’s open-access, peer-reviewed journal covering all areas of equine veterinary science.

Is JSES internationally recognised?
Yes. JSES is internationally recognised through its journal, research output, and collaboration with global veterinary organisations.

This article is maintained by The Equine Practice Company, an education-focused platform supporting equine veterinarians and researchers worldwide through evidence-based resources, continuing education, and collaboration with international equine veterinary organisations.