Red Deer County, Alberta, Canada albertahorsetrials@gmail.com

Code Of Ethics

AHTA Policies & Procedures – New in 2021

AHTA Complaint or Appeal Procedure
AHTA Witness Statement
AHTA Substance Use Policy

From Equestrian 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

Application and Structure of the Code of Ethics

1. All competitors, exhibitors and officials participating in EC-sanctioned competitions arebound by the Code of Ethics.
2. The Code of Ethics consists of four parts: The Preamble, the Statement of Principle, the Code of Conduct and Further Expectations of an EC 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.

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, safety and high ethical behaviour and to warn,
censure or bring to public attention and discipline those who commit acts detrimental to the
best interests of stakeholders;
• That EC 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.

STATEMENT OF PRINCIPLES

Equine Canada (EC), the national equestrian federation of Canada, supports adherence to
humane treatment of horses in all activities under its jurisdiction.
EC 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 person, informed
and experienced in generally accepted equine training and exhibition procedures, would
determine to be neither cruel, abusive nor inhumane.

CODE OF CONDUCT

EC rules address the following general areas:
• Welfare of the horse
• Safety of horse and human athlete
• Administration of competitions (see also Competitions Administration Policy)
• Code of conduct for officials and competitors
• Drug and medication control
• Individual breed and discipline rules

1. All EC members shall support the enforcement of the rules of the Federation by:
• personal knowledge and compliance
• agreeing to report any alleged infractions and occasions of alleged abuse at EC sanctioned competitions
2. The organizers of EC-sanctioned competitions shall operate within the rules of the Federation.
3. A member should be completely trustworthy, exhibit honesty, loyalty and discretion in all equestrian-related activities.
4. A member should issue public statements only in an objective and truthful manner
5. The EC member should uphold issues of safety and fairness in all aspects of equestrian sport.
6. No member shall act to the detriment of others or equestrian sport in a situation where the responsibility of their position places them in a conflict of interest.
7. All members shall conduct themselves in a manner which reflects the values and ethics of EC. Any member who engages in or is party to conduct inappropriate to an EC member will be subject, after due process, to such sanctions as the Federation may impose.

Further Expectations of an EC Member
1. Members are encouraged to continuously educate themselves and to take an active role in the activities of the Federation.
2. The EC member should strive to preserve and enhance the image of the sport so that society’s respect will be maintained.