Code Of Conduct
Adopted by the Board of Directors on April 2026
The Equestrian Association of the Philippines (EAP) is the governing body for Equestrian Sport in the Philippines, as acknowledged by the Fédération Équestre Internationale (FEI), Philippine Olympic Committee (POC), and Philippine Sports Commission (PSC). This Code of Conduct is intended to the highest standards in good sportsmanship, horse welfare, and a positive environment for all; and in alignment with the FEI and IOC. It applies to the following at all times: Board of Directors, Officers, Officials, All Members, All Athletes, All Coaches, All Team Managers/Chef D’Equipes, Competition Organizers and Managers, and anyone else Appointed by the EAP to act on its behalf.
CORE PRINCIPLES
• Animal Welfare: Prioritize the health, safety, and well-being of all horses, guided by the FEI Code of Conduct for welfare of the horse.
• Community Engagement: Actively contribute to the development and promotion of equestrian sports within the community and support initiatives that enhance the sport’s accessibility and popularity.
• Integrity: Conduct all activities with honesty, fairness, and transparency while avoiding and disclosing any conflicts of interest
• Respect: Show respect for all participants, owners, officials, grooms, and spectators; and foster a culture of inclusivity, free from discrimination and harassment.
• Responsibility: Take personal responsibility for action and decisions and ensure compliance with all EAP rules, regulations, and policies.
• Sportsmanship: Promote fair play and positive behavior both in and out of the competition arena, encouraging mutual respect, and uplifting of fellow athletes and officials.
• Protection of the Environment: Respect natural environments, including but not limited to equestrian clubs and showgrounds, while implementing practices that sustainably minimize environmental impact.
1. WELFARE OF THE HORSE
This matter is governed by two (2) documents: The National Animal Protection Act, and the FEI Equine
Protection Statutes and Regulations. Horse welfare must be a priority at all times, and care is taken to
ensure the following:
a. Abuse Prevention
i. Education
ii. Safe training methods
iii. Proper farriery and tack
iv. Transport and Transit
b. Fitness to compete
i. Health Status
ii. Doping & Medication
iii. Surgical Procedures
iv. Pregnant /Recently Foaled Mares
v. Misuse of aids
vi. Competition Areas
• Ground Surfaces
• Extreme Weather
• Stabling/Horse Waiting Areas
c. Humane Treatment
i. Veterinary Treatment
ii. Competition Injuries
iii. Euthanasia
iv. Retirement
2. MEMBER DECORUM
a. Respect for the Sport: Always respect EAP and FEI rules and Regulations
b. Respect for All: Respect competitors, teammates, officials, and other members. Athletes (including guardians and parents when applicable), grooms, and officials must treat each other with respect and courtesy at all times.
c. Confidentiality: Respect the confidentiality of sensitive information. Do not disclose confidential information without proper authorization.
d. Underage Athletes: Any traveling minor must be accompanied by a parent or nominated guardian. Parents/Guardians are responsible for the behavior of their child at all times and must ensure that all comply with the National Rules and Code of Conduct.
e. Governing Documents: Always adhere to and conduct yourself in accordance with the Articles of Incorporation, By-laws, Constitution, Rules, terms and conditions of the Membership Application, Code of Conduct, and other policies of the Association, all as in effect from time to time.
f. Best Interest of the Association: Act in a manner that is in the best interests of the association and in the interest of Equestrian Sport. An individual member shall be deemed to have not acted in the best interest of the EAP and the sport when such member:
i. Acts, or incites any other Member to act, in a manner contrary to the Articles of Incorporation, By-laws, Constitution, Rules, terms and conditions of the Membership Application, or this Code of Conduct;
ii. Acts, or incites any other Member to act, in a manner deemed to be improper, unethical, dishonest, unsportsmanlike, intemperate, or prejudicial to the best interests of the sport or the Association;
iii. Acts, or incites any other Member to act, in a manner deemed by the EAP to be abusive or neglectful of a horse or other animal (based on Philippine Law and FEI);
iv. Publishes, or incites any other Member to publish, in social media or elsewhere, statements, comments, or remarks considered to be offensive or made with the intent to influence or cast aspersions on the character or integrity of the Association, an Individual Member, a Member Club, or an official of the sport; or
v. Discloses, or incites any other Member to disclose, confidential internal Association business or information to a third party not otherwise privy to such business or information.
g. Clean Sport: All members and horses are expected to comply with anti-substance abuse protocols and train and compete drug and alcohol free.
i. Guidelines can be found in the CleanSport app and WADA.
ii. Officiating officials/Members/Grooms must not be under any influence of drugs or alcohol at training and/or competition
3. MEMBER RESPONSIBILITIES:
a. Submission of Documents & Renewals – Members are responsible for:
i. Updating their member records with the EAP pertaining to their contact details and/or changes in status.
ii. Submitting their timely application for international rider licenses, horse and rider FEI registrations/renewals, Letter of Intent (LOI), entry forms, waivers, and any other documents requiring member feedback for any EAP/FEI events prior to their due dates (where applicable).
b. Accountability – Members are expected to manage their funds responsibly and keep their own records of expenses for their events and renewals with the EAP.
4. NATIONAL TEAM CONDUCT
National Team Members (Riders, Coaches, Grooms, Vets, Officials, Owners) should adhere to the member decorum (outlined #2), as well as the following:
a. Respect the process of qualification and selection: The qualification criteria for selection of international representatives and national teams are set to best ensure the safety and preparedness of our athletes, as well as ensure the best representation for Equestrian Sport and the Philippines.
b. Respect for officials: Respect for coaches, officials (both national and international), and grooms. Foster an understanding that all our selected team members (including support team) are selected and expected to act in good faith. Disrespect for anyone on the team will not be tolerated.
c. Prioritize team objectives: Remembering that whether selected to ride or as a reserve, every member of the team contributes to the team’s success (or failure). Thus, it is important to remain united as a team, working towards the end goal of the entire team at all times.
5. ENFORCEMENT
a. Members are expected to adhere to the Code of Conduct at all times. Violations of the Code of Conduct may result in disciplinary action as determined by the EAP Board of Directors and guided by the FEI and Philippine Law. Penalties may include:
i. Fines
ii. Withdrawal of athlete/official from team
iii. Suspension
iv. Expulsion (in severe cases)
b. Members are encouraged to report any unethical behavior and/or violations of this Code of Conduct in writing to the EAP Disciplinary Committee. Reports must be done in writing, and forms may be found on the EAP website.
i. The ethics committee is comprised of members of the board.
ii. Appeals may be made to the Independent Appeals Committee, and should the aggrieved party wish to appeal further, said party may file its appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), subject to the rules, regulations and processes of CAS.
COMMITMENT TO THE CODE OF CONDUCT
By being a member of the Equestrian Association of the Philippines (EAP), individuals commit to upholding
this Code of Conduct and promoting a culture of respect, integrity, and excellence within Equestrian Sports
and Horse Sports.