Responsibility and Accountability
TL;DR
Practitioners are responsible for their actions, accountable to their clients and communities, and must address ethical issues openly and responsibly.

Practitioners must be motivated and committed to good ethical practice, accepting responsibility for their professional behaviour and decisions. They are accountable to clients, service users, society, and the communities in which they work — including maintaining a Duty of Candour (being open and honest when issues occur).

When ethical conflicts arise, practitioners should address them responsibly. Ethical compliance applies both to service user interactions and professional conduct more broadly.

 

Benefit
TL;DR
Always act for the client’s benefit, stay within your expertise, and continue developing your skills through training and supervision.

Practitioners must always act in the best interests of those they work with, staying within the limits of their competence, training, and experience. This includes:

  • Receiving regular supervision to improve service quality.

  • Committing to ongoing professional development.

  • Recognising that clients may be dependent on carers or guardians.

 

Do No Harm
TL;DR
Protect both clients and horses from harm, ensure safety, and challenge poor practice when it occurs.

Practitioners must avoid causing harm — physically, emotionally, socially, or otherwise. They must guard against personal, financial, organisational, or political factors that could lead to exploitation or misuse of influence. If unfit to practise, they must not offer services.

In Equine Assisted Services, this also includes:

  • Maintaining the physical safety of clients.

  • Extending the “do no harm” principle to horses — ensuring their physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing, and monitoring the impact of sessions on them.

  • Intervening if a horse shows signs of distress.

  • Challenging malpractice or incompetence in others, whether related to clients or horses.

 

Trust and Integrity
TL;DR
Build trust, act honestly, and keep information confidential unless disclosure is necessary.

Practitioners must build relationships based on trust, acting with honesty and integrity. They must maintain confidentiality and share information only when appropriate or legally required.

 

Fairness
TL;DR
Treat all people and horses fairly, avoid bias, and respect each horse’s capacity and willingness to participate.

Practitioners must ensure fairness and justice for all, avoiding bias and unjust practices. Everyone should have equal access to, and quality of, EFI services.

Fairness also applies to horses — practitioners must not overwork or make unreasonable demands on them, and must respect their age, health, and ability. Horses should be allowed to opt out of interactions when possible.

Respect
TL;DR
Respect the rights, dignity, and needs of both people and horses. Gain informed consent, follow EDI principles, and ensure horses are treated with care and agency.
For People’s Rights and Dignity

Respect every individual’s dignity, privacy, confidentiality, and autonomy.

Gain informed consent from clients or their legal representatives, and clearly communicate service details, safety agreements, and confidentiality terms.

For People’s Needs and Relationships

Acknowledge the emotional, psychological, social, and familial needs of clients. Involve significant others in decision-making where appropriate.

For Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

Follow the Equality Act (2010) and the Register’s EDI statement at all times.

For Horses’ Rights, Welfare, Needs, and Relationships

Respect the horses’ welfare both in daily care and during client sessions. Within safe boundaries, give horses agency in the process — allowing them to choose participation and recognising their “voice.” This fosters authenticity and meaningful learning.

The Register’s Framework for the Ethical Treatment of Horses defines these standards.

Self-Respect and Development
TL;DR
Take care of your own wellbeing, skills, and professional standards through learning, supervision, and protection.

Practitioners must apply these principles to themselves, respecting their own needs, knowledge, and growth. This includes:

  • Ongoing learning and professional development.

  • Regular supervision.

  • Maintaining adequate insurance coverage.

 

Version Date Initials Description
v2.00
OZ
Initial draft after website redevelopment