Equine Canada Code of Ethics

"We look to sport to impart something of moral and social values and, in integrating us as individuals, to bring about a healthy, integrated society."
The Honorable Chief Justice Charles L. Dubin

Preamble
We believe:

• that equestrian sport is based on a partnership between horse and human athlete;
• that it is the right and responsibility of Equine Canada to set standards in matters of ethics, sportsmanship and the welfare of the horse and in all matters under its jurisdiction;
• that it is desirable to define ethical practices, to delineate unethical practices, to encourage good sportsmanship, fair play and high ethical behavior and to warn, censure, or bring to public attention and discipline those who commit acts detrimental to the best interests of stakeholders;
• that Equine Canada members should observe the spirit as well as the letter of this Code of Ethics;
• that membership is a privilege, not a right and that membership may be suspended, terminated or rejected following appropriate disciplinary procedures.

Application and Structure of the Code of Ethics

• All members of Equine Canada (including temporary members) shall be bound by this Code of Ethics
;
• All members of other National and Provincial Federations must agree to be bound by the rules of Equine Canada while competing or exhibiting at Equine Canada sanctioned competitions;
• The Code of Ethics consists of four parts: The Preamble, the Statement of Principle, the Code of Conduct and Further Expectations of a Equine Canada member. The Statement of Principle is to be considered an interpretive guide in applying the Code of Conduct. The Code of Conduct is mandatory in character and is enforceable.

Statement of Principle

The Equine Canada, the national equestrian federation of Canada, supports adherence to humane treatment of horses in all competitions under its jurisdiction.

Equine Canada is committed to:

• Upholding the welfare of horses, regardless of value, as a primary consideration in all activities;
• Requiring that horses be treated with kindness, respect, and the compassion that they deserve, and that they never be subjected to mistreatment;
• Ensuring that owners, trainers and exhibitors or their agents use responsible care in the handling, treatment and transportation of their horses as well as horses placed in their care for any purpose;
• Providing for the continuous well-being of horses by encouraging routine inspection and consultation with health care professionals and competition officials to achieve the highest possible standards of nutrition, health, comfort, sanitation and safety as a matter of standard operating procedure;
• Continuing to support scientific studies on equine health and welfare;
• Increasing education in training and horsemanship practices;
• Requiring owners, trainers and exhibitors to know and follow their sanctioning organization's rules, and to work within industry regulations in all equestrian competition;
• Reviewing, revising and developing competition rules and regulations that protect the welfare of horses. The standard by which conduct or treatment will be measured is that which a reasonable person, informed and experienced in generally accepted equine training and exhibition procedures, would determine to be neither cruel, abusive nor inhumane.