Protecting equestrians and horses through sustainable practices
Responsible interaction with horses—whether through sport, leisure, or education—plays a vital role in connecting people to the equestrian world and in building long-term respect for horses. When activities are well managed, they create strong advocates for animal welfare. When they are not, they can harm horses, damage the environment, weaken local communities, and undermine the credibility of the sector.
The Sustainable Equestrian Initiative (SEI) is a structured sustainability framework built on the three pillars of sustainability: Environmental responsibility, Social responsibility, and Economic viability, with horse welfare as a fundamental and non-negotiable principle across all three.
SEI provides equestrian centres, events, and organisations with clear guidelines and measurable criteria to reduce negative environmental impacts, safeguard horse welfare, support responsible people management, and ensure long-term operational resilience. It establishes a common standard supported by a robust compliance and assessment system, ensuring consistency, credibility, and continuous improvement.
Through practical, low-cost, and achievable actions, SEI empowers the equestrian community to eliminate harmful practices, optimise resources, strengthen strategic decision-making, and demonstrate responsible leadership—protecting horses, people, and the future of equestrian activities.
Become an SEI Member
“It has been proven that humans believe in the bond with a horse. Regardless of what country a person comes from, how much money they earn, their age, gender, discipline or experience with horses, people consider their bond with a horse a unique experience.”
“We are working towards a future where responsible and friendly practices are standard across the equestrian industry.”
Mission Statement
“To protect horses and equestrians by setting clear standards that safeguard welfare, the environment, local communities, and the future of equestrian activities.”
Established 2023
Who is part of the SEI Network?
SEI Participant
SEI Participant is the first step in engaging with the Sustainable Equestrian Initiative. It is open to all horse-related organisations, events, and competitions, anywhere in the world, including equestrian centres, stables, breeders, clubs, federations, and event organisers.
SEI Participants commit to applying the SEI Standard and to improving their practices over time. Progress is self-managed online through the SEI Online Reporting Tool (ORT), starting with a comprehensive self-assessment that establishes a clear baseline. This baseline allows participants to understand their current position, identify priority areas for action, and define a clear direction for improvement, supported by verifiable evidence uploaded over time.
SEI Participant is inclusive and developmental, with no minimum score requirement, recognising that organisations, events, and competitions start from different levels of maturity. Participation demonstrates a clear commitment to responsible equestrian practice and represents the first step towards SEI Certification.
SEI Participants may use a Digital SEI Participant logo, clearly distinguishing participation from SEI Certified status.
PARTICIPANT
SEI Participant Membership
SEI Participant is the first step in engaging with the Sustainable Equestrian Initiative. It is open to all horse-related organisations, events, and competitions, anywhere in the world, including equestrian centres, stables, breeders, clubs, federations, and event organisers.
SEI Participants commit to applying the SEI Standard and to improving their practices over time. Progress is self-managed online through the SEI Online Reporting Tool (ORT), starting with a comprehensive self-assessment that establishes a clear baseline. This baseline allows participants to understand their current position, identify priority areas for action, and define a clear direction for improvement, supported by verifiable evidence uploaded over time.
SEI Participant is inclusive and developmental, with no minimum score requirement, recognising that organisations, events, and competitions start from different levels of maturity. Participation demonstrates a clear commitment to responsible equestrian practice and represents the first step towards SEI Certification.
SEI Participants may use a Digital SEI Participant logo, clearly distinguishing participation from SEI Certified status.
SEI Cerified Membership
SEI Certified represents the highest level of recognition under the Sustainable Equestrian Initiative. Certification is not carried out by SEI itself, but is granted by an independent and officially recognised certification body, ensuring objectivity, credibility, and trust.
Organisations, events, and competitions seeking SEI Certification undergo in-person assessment by a qualified professional assessor appointed by the certification body. The assessment confirms compliance with the SEI Standard, based on documented systems, operational practices, and verifiable evidence.
Achieving SEI Certified status confirms that an organisation has met all requirements of the SEI Standard, demonstrating responsible equestrian operations and measurable performance across horse welfare, human safety, environmental care, community responsibility, and operational governance.
SEI Certification provides a formal and credible basis for public communication. Certified organisations are entitled to claim and promote their SEI Certified status, clearly demonstrating that their practices and achievements are independently assessed and officially certified. This ensures transparency for the public, partners, and stakeholders, and protects the integrity of SEI by backing all claims through a recognised certification process.
Organisations achieving SEI Certified status are authorised to display the SEI Certified logo and plaque, clearly distinguishing certified achievement from SEI Participant membership.
CERTIFIED
How to Become SEI certified
Becoming SEI Certified is a voluntary step that organisations take when they decide they are ready. There is no fixed timeline. Each organisation progresses at its own pace, based on the nature of its activities and its confidence in meeting the SEI Standard.
To apply for SEI Certification, an organisation must first be registered as an SEI Participant. This ensures familiarity with the SEI Standard and enables the organisation to implement the required practices in a manner relevant to its operations, events, or competitions.
Once an organisation is confident that it complies with all SEI requirements, it may formally request to proceed towards certification. As part of this process, a SEI professional assessor will first review the organization’s self-assessment and supporting evidence. This step confirms that the organization is ready to move forward.
If the self-assessment is considered acceptable, SEI will then facilitate contact with an authorized and officially recognized certification body. The certification body will agree on the scope, timing, and conditions of the on-site assessment, which is conducted independently and in line with the SEI Standard.
Following a successful assessment, and once all certification requirements are met, the organisation may be granted SEI Certified status by the certification body. This confirms that the organisation’s practices and achievements are independently assessed, verified through evidence, and formally certified.
SEI Certified organisations are then entitled to claim and publicly communicate their certified status, demonstrating credible compliance with the SEI Standard and reinforcing trust with riders, participants, partners, and the wider public.
WHAT ARE THE SEI STANDARDS?
The SEI Standard is structured around the following core topics, which together define responsible equestrian practices and outcomes across horse welfare, people, the environment, governance, communication, and long-term activity continuity.
Clear responsibility, transparency, and adherence to applicable laws, regulations, and sector requirements relevant to equestrian activities, events, and operations.
Accurate, clear, and responsible communication with the public and stakeholders, ensuring that claims and representations are truthful, evidence-based, and not misleading.
Reduction and responsible handling of emissions generated by equestrian activities, facilities, transport, and events.
Responsible use of energy resources, focusing on efficiency, reduction, and appropriate energy choices across equestrian activities and facilities.
Protection of horse health, wellbeing, behaviour, and humane treatment across all equestrian activities, facilities, events, and competitions.
Protection of natural habitats, biodiversity, soil, and surrounding ecosystems affected by equestrian activities, including land use, grazing, arenas, and event locations.
Responsible use, protection, and conservation of freshwater resources used in stables, arenas, events, and related activities
Respect for people, communities, traditions, and cultural heritage linked to equestrian activities, including fair treatment, inclusion, education, and safety.
Financial responsibility and long-term viability of equestrian activities, supporting stable operations, fair practices, and responsible growth.
Prevention and reduction of air pollutants arising from equestrian activities, facilities, transport, and supporting infrastructure.
Responsible handling and discharge of wastewater to prevent pollution of soil, water bodies, and surrounding environments.
Reduction, separation, reuse, recycling, and responsible disposal of solid waste generated by equestrian activities and events.
Responsible use, storage, and avoidance of substances that may harm horses, people, or the environment, including chemicals, fuels, and treatments.
Responsible planning, use, and upkeep of land, arenas, tracks, stables, and supporting infrastructure to minimise environmental impact and protect surrounding areas.
Promotion of knowledge, skills, and awareness among riders, staff, volunteers, and participants to support horse welfare, safety, responsible practices, and informed decision-making.
The SEI Standard encompasses best practices and considers the role of managers, operations, staff, tenants, customers and visitors. SEI was designed around the welfare of horses; therefore, the SEI Standards apply to all equestrian-related activities and events.
HOW CAN YOU USE SEI MEMBERSHIP?
TENANTS, CLIENTS & VISITORS
Choose equestrian organisations, events, and facilities that are SEI Participants or SEI Certified.
Actively support responsible practices by providing constructive feedback to equestrian organisations.
Use SEI recognition to make informed choices about where to ride, train, or stable horses.
Use SEI guidance to improve your understanding of responsible equestrian practices.
Expect and encourage organisations to apply SEI good practices consistently.
Act as an advocate by promoting SEI-aligned organisations within your equestrian community.
EQUESTRIAN ORGANISATIONS
Register as an SEI Participant and apply the SEI Standard to your activities.
Use the SEI framework to structure and improve daily practices related to horses, people, and the environment.
Share SEI guidance with staff, tenants, and instructors to support consistent practices.
Use SEI posters, guidance, and resources to educate clients and visitors.
Use SEI participation to demonstrate responsible operation and transparency.
Prepare your organisation to progress confidently towards SEI Certification.
OWNERS AND MANAGERS
Register your organisation and complete the self-assessment using the SEI Online Reporting Tool (ORT).
Use the baseline assessment to identify priorities and guide improvement actions.
Ensure staff and key stakeholders follow SEI guidance in their daily activities.
Use SEI materials to communicate expectations clearly to tenants, customers, and visitors.
Support evidence-based improvements aligned with the SEI Standard topics.
Decide when your organisation is ready to pursue SEI Certification through an independent certification body.
EVENTS & COMPETITIONS
Use SEI as an umbrella framework covering the full event lifecycle: planning, delivery, and follow-up.
Apply SEI criteria consistently across venues, stabling, logistics, and on-site activities.
Align event image, branding, and marketing with SEI principles and communication rules.
Demonstrate responsible treatment of horses, participants, spectators, and local environments.
Use SEI participation to increase credibility with sponsors, authorities, and the public.
Use SEI guidance to ensure consistent practices across all competitions and activities.
GOBERMENT & PUBLIC AUTHORITIES
Use the SEI Standard as a reference framework for responsible equestrian activities.
Use SEI outcomes to support policy development and regulatory alignment.
Build capacity among field staff and inspectors in collaboration with the equestrian sector.
Promote SEI-aligned practices to achieve measurable improvements at local and regional level.
Use SEI data and results to inform, strengthen, and harmonise equestrian-related policies.
Encourage adoption of SEI by equestrian organisations and event organisers within your jurisdiction.
SEI Methodology – Activities, Scope, and Application of the Standard
The Sustainable Equestrian Initiative (SEI) applies a clear and structured activity-based methodology that recognises the diversity of equestrian operations. SEI does not assume that all organisations operate in the same way or have the same impacts. Instead, it allows each organisation to define its certification scope based on the equestrian activities it actually delivers.
This methodology ensures relevance, fairness, transparency, and credible public communication.
Mandatory Foundation: Governance & Legal Compliance
Any organisation registering with SEI is required, by default, to comply with:
Governance & Legal Compliance
This element is mandatory for all SEI Participants and SEI Certified organisations, regardless of size, location, or activity type. It ensures that every organisation demonstrates:
- Compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and sector requirements
- Clear responsibility and accountability
- Accurate, transparent, and evidence-based communication
- Correct use of SEI claims, references, and logos
Governance & Legal Compliance is always included in assessment and certification.
SEI Activity Sections
In addition to Governance & Legal Compliance, organisations must select one or more Activity Sections that reflect their core equestrian activities.
The SEI Activity Sections are:
1.Stables and Equestrian Centres
Covering boarding, stabling, daily care, facility use, and general equestrian centre operations.
2.Training and Coaching Activities
Including professional instruction, rider training, coaching programmes, and performance development.
3.Breeding and Stud Operations
Covering breeding programmes, stud management, foaling activities, and genetic responsibility.
4.Horse Therapy and Care Services
Including rehabilitation, therapy, welfare-focused care, and specialised horse health support activities.
5.Leisure, Tourism, Equestrian Activities
Covering recreational riding, tourism experiences, educational programmes, and public engagement activities.
6.Events and Competitions
Including temporary or recurring equestrian events, competitions, shows, and all related logistics, image, and communications.
An organisation may select one or multiple Activity Sections, depending on the scope of its operations. There is no minimum or maximum number of activities, provided the selection accurately reflects actual activities delivered.
Application of the SEI Standard Within Each Activity
For each selected Activity Section, the full SEI Standard applies.
All 15 SEI Core Topics are embedded within the criteria of every Activity Section, ensuring a consistent and complete assessment of impacts related to horses, people, the environment, governance, and communication.
The 15 Core Topics are:
While the topics are consistent across all activities, the criteria are tailored to the specific risks, impacts, and characteristics of each Activity Section.
ENQUIRIES
If you would like to find out more about SEI, please get in touch with us at
contact@sustainable-equestrian.org
SEI| Sustainable Equestrian Initiative
Nicolaes Maesstraat 2, 1506 LB Zaandam
0031-(0)85-301 0650
KvK 67691951
contact@sustainable-equestrian.org
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