Partners
The Horsemanship For Life Project partners with a network of equestrian facilities to provide safe and enriching experiences of the highest quality. Our network is comprised of well established family farms and therapeutic riding centres. We work closely and come together often to share professional development and are continuously striving to improve while working towards shared commitments in the following areas:
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1. We provide the Five Freedoms for each member of our herd generously and without compromise.
2. Our horses are regularly assessed for physical and mental health, happiness and safety. We understand their communication and are able to adapt to meet their changing needs.
3. We have a reliable relationship with a veterinarian, a health care decision making process, and ability to provide necessary medical treatment without delay in an emergency.
4. We have a plan in place to adapt our programming at times when we don't have enough horses able to participate on a program day, so that no horse is required to serve if they are not able or willing to.
5. We have an end-of-career plan for each of our horses and decision making process.
6. We believe that our horses are our equal partners. Their health and happiness are not compromised to benefit our clients.
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7. We proudly comply with every item on the Cartier Farms Standard of Practice and Code of Ethics, as well as any other standards that apply to our programs.
8. We have a custom-tailored "reset" program that is consistently applied to meet the needs of each of our horses and ensure that they are ready, willing, and able to participate in our programs.
9. We embrace a growth mindset throughout our organization, regularly seek feedback from our clients and stakeholders and continually improve our service.
10. We engage in ongoing professional development related to our programs.
11. We share our experiences and learn from others through regular participation in a community of practice with other equine-human service professionals.
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12. We know the history of the location that we work on and are in active relationship with the people whose ancestors were the original stewards of the land. Through relationships and community service, we take steps to make reparations for harm done through colonization.
13. We are authentically advised on the specific cultural needs of our clients and partners.
14. We have a written diversity and inclusion policy and actively take steps to promote diversity and inclusion in our hiring process.
15. All our program facilitators are paid staff and we are a Certified Living Wage Employer.
16. We are knowledgeable about the ecology of the area in which we work and take steps to avoid any negative impact on our environment at every opportunity. This includes being mindful of carbon emissions, non-renewable resource use, proper manure management, etc.
17. We are aware of all potential emergencies that pose a risk to our horses, team members and clients, and have written emergency plans in place.
These commitments are important for three main reasons:
The equine-assisted services sector is rapidly growing and unregulated. We have a fabulous opportunity to work together at the forefront of this growth, demonstrating the best practices possible.
Ethical issues related to both human and horse well-being are increasingly in the public eye. Our practices must shine in the face of scrutiny.
Together, we can know better and do better. More than ever before, research and knowledge sharing are inspiring better practices in all aspects of this amazing work - horse welfare, collaboration, community building, ecological impact, and much more. Through connection and education, we can continuously adapt, improve and elevate.