Safety is Our Top Priority
We are committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment for all participants. We prioritize the well-being and safety of our members, ensuring that everyone can enjoy equestrian sport without fear of harassment, discrimination or abuse.
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Promoting Safe Sport Principles
Safe sport provides athletes, coaches, and the equestrian community with the knowledge, tools, and resources to promote safety, respect, and well-being.
SAFE SPORT resources
Complaint Management
Reporting Safe Sport violations is critical in creating and maintaining a safe and welcoming environment for all equestrian participants. Complaints are managed through Equestrian Canada, you may also contact the Canadian Sport Helpline for immediate independent advice.
Policy and rules
Equestrian Canada’s Discipline, Complaints, and Appeals Policy governs all reported complaints, including those related to equine welfare and human Safe Sport and general complaints submitted under the Equestrian Canada Rules.
Abuse Free Sport
Abuse-Free Sport is an independent program that is part of a growing national movement to rid Canadian sport of all forms of harassment, discrimination and abuse. They are responsible for investigating reported violations of the Universal Code of Conduct to Prevent and Address Maltreatment in Sport (UCCMS) and for imposing sanctions against individuals who violate the Code.
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Creating a Safe Community
Safe Sport provides athletes, coaches, and the equestrian community with the knowledge, tools, and resources to promote safety, respect, and well-being.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Find answers to frequently asked questions about SafeSport policies and procedures.
Safe Sport is a set of policies and procedures designed to ensure the safety and well-being of all participants in equestrian sport. It includes guidelines for preventing and addressing issues such as abuse, harassment, and misconduct.
Like all sports, riding is an activity that comes with a certain level of risk, especially considering the involvement of a large animal as the equipment. All riders, regardless of age, discipline or experience level are encouraged to wear a certified riding helmet when working around and riding horses. As the provincial sport organization for equestrian disciplines, Ontario Equestrian plays an integral role in the education and development of equestrian athletes. As such, we also have an essential role to play in promoting safety awareness. It is the responsibility of all members, parents, coaches, officials, owners and all participating in equestrian sport to keep the field of practice and play a safe environment for everyone to enjoy equines and learn together.
Ontario Equestrian works with Equestrian Canada (EC) to manage Safe Sport complaints. Equestrian Canada’s Discipline, Complaints, and Appeals Policy governs all reported complaints, including those related to Safe Sport and general complaints submitted under the EC Rules.
EC has retained the services of independent counsel and investigation to provide the equestrian community with expert and objective third-party facilitation of complaints, and to help support EC’s commitment to Canada’s Safe Sport movement. All complaints are directed to EC's official Complaints Manager, designate of EC’s President of the Board.
Submit a complaint through Equestrian Canada by following this link.
Violation of Safe Sport policies is investigated by a third-party investigator to ensure objective review of the complaints is completed. The independent review may result in various consequences, including suspension or ban from participating in the sport, further education or special conditions for any members found to be in violation of policies. You may familiarize yourself with the Ontario Equestrian policies by going to our Policies page.
If you have any questions, or need assistance, contact us directly at: 1-905-709-6545 or contact the Canadian Sport Helpline for immediate advice.
Promoting Safe Sport for All
Learn more about Safe Sport and access resources to stay informed and help create a positive equestrian experience for everyone.
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