The Nine Ethical Principles of the True Horseman

1. Anyone involved with a horse takes over responsibility for this living creature entrusted to him.
2. The horse must be kept in a way that is in keeping with his natural requirements.
3. Highest priority must be accorded to the physical as well as psychological health of the horse, irrespective of the purpose for which is it is used.
4. Man must respect every horse alike, regardless of its breed, age and sex and its use for breeding, for recreation or in sporting competition.
5. Knowledge of the history of the horse, its needs and how to handle it are part of our historic-cultural heritage.  This information must be cherished and safeguarded in other to be passed on to the the next generations.
6. Contact and dealings with horses are character building experiences and of valuable significance to the development of the human being – in particular the young person.  This aspect must be respected and promoted.
7. The human who participates in equestrian sport with his horse must subject himself as well as his horse to training.  The goal of any training is to bring about the best possible harmony between horse and rider.
8. The use of the horse in competition was well as in general riding, driving and vaulting must be geared towards the horse’s ability, temperament and willingness to perform.  Manipulating a horse’s capacity to work by means of medication or other “horse-unfriendly” influences should be rejected by all and people engaged in such practises should be prosecuted.
9. The responsibility a human has for the horse entrusted to him included the end of the horse's life.  The human must always assume this responsibility and implement any decisions in the best interest of the horse.

   First Published in 1994 by the German National Equestrian Federation in Ethical Principles for the True Horseman