As a Member in good standing of the International Horsemanship Foundation (IHF), I pledge to:

1.  Uphold the IHF’s commitment to the pursuit of excellent horsemanship.

2.  Prioritize and maintain the safety of students, clients, horses, and all others involved in equestrian activities.

3.  Uphold and advocate for the highest standards of mental and physical welfare and humane training and treatment of the horse.

4.  Apply horse psychology and promote scientifically proven training techniques that represent the core principles of equine learning theory.

5.  Continue to advance my knowledge, skills, and experience in order to contribute to the growth and education of the equine community.

6.  Acknowledge when my abilities or expertise fall outside the realm necessary to be of professional assistance to a client. Should this occur, I shall seek support from the IHF or refer to a fellow professional.

7.  Conduct myself in a professional manner with honesty, integrity, and respect in all business dealings and interpersonal relations with clients and colleagues.

8.  Contribute to the IHF culture, which fosters education, collaboration, and mentoring.

9.  Assist in maintaining the honor and reputation of the IHF and refrain from any form of fraud, deception, or impropriety.

10.  Cooperate with the IHF’s Ethics Committee during the investigation of any reported violation of mental, physical, or inhumane treatment of an equine or human, understanding and accepting that a full investigation by the Ethics Committee will be required to make recommendations to the Board of Directors concerning any action that may be taken, with the final decision resting with the Board.

Any member who has been convicted of cruelty or inhumane treatment of animals shall be terminated from the International Horsemanship Foundation and all privileges withdrawn. The INTERNATIONAL HORSEMANSHIP FOUNDATION, while striving to maintain the highest standards of conduct among its members, shall not and cannot be responsible in any way for the individual acts of its members.

Updated December 2023