Horse–Human Partnerships and Human–Agent Teams
January 10–14, 2026 — University of Arizona & Al Marah Equine Center
Where mathematics meets motion, and partnership bridges biology and technology.
Hosted by the University of Arizona Department of Mathematics and the Al Marah Equine Center, this five-day conference bridges mathematics, biomechanics, AI and robotics, equine science, and classical dressage. The first two days explore the mathematics of coupled biological systems, equine science, and human-agent teaming. The final two days feature a hands-on clinic with classical dressage master Dominique Barbier. The middle day brings both groups together at the Al Marah Equine Center for live demonstrations, discussion, and collaborative exploration.
PRELIMINARY SCHEDULE
Day 1 – Saturday, January 10
Location: Biological Sciences West, UA Main Campus
Theme: Nonlinear Dynamics and Coupled Oscillators
Evening: Dinner and reception with Dynamics Days 2026
Day 2 – Sunday, January 11
Location: Biological Sciences West, UA Main Campus
Theme: AI and Human-Agent Teams
Poster Session I and Reception
Day 3 – Monday, January 12
Location: Al Marah Equine Center
Theme: Physiological Synchrony and the Horse–Rider System
Morning: Working groups, demonstrations
Afternoon: Live Horse-rider with Dominique Barbier
Poster Session II and Reception
Day 4 – Tuesday, January 13
Location: Al Marah Equine Center
Theme: The Art and Science of Classical Dressage
Riding demonstrations and discussion of biomechanics, communication, and balance
Day 5 – Wednesday, January 14
Location: Al Marah Equine Center
Advanced work with Barbier
Closing discussion: Linking mathematics, artistry, and compassion
About.
Mathematics, robotics, and horsemanship share a deep concern with balance, timing, and communication. This conference—January 10–14, 2026—creates a new space for dialogue among mathematicians, engineers, equine scientists, and riders. We’ll consider how horses and humans synchronize movement, physiology, and emotion—and how those principles can inform human-agent teams.
This conference is organized by Dr. Laura Miller and Dr. Kevin Lin of the Department of Mathematics at the University of Arizona and is funded by the U.S. Army Research Office. For more information, please contact Laura Miller at lauram9@arizona.edu.