Guiding Principles
Guiding plans and statements outline how we operate our day-to-day activities and business. They are used to set priorities and goals, and focus our energy and resources to strengthen operations, ensuring employees, the board, and other stakeholders are working toward common goals. The plans are regularly assessed and adjusted for the organization’s direction in response to a changing environment.
Land Acknowledgment
The Alberta Equestrian Federation humbly acknowledges that what we call Alberta is the traditional and ancestral territory of many diverse original peoples, who have lived on these lands for generations. As we make our own footprints and hoofprints, we recognize those who have cared for these lands for centuries. We are grateful to live upon this territory together. We pay respect to the Knowledge Keepers and Elders who are still with us today and those who have gone before us. We are thankful to learn from all the original peoples of these lands as we move forward together in reconciliation.
Climate Change
The Alberta Equestrian Federation acknowledges the world’s climate emergency and resolves to contribute solutions to the climate crisis. We commit to demonstrating leadership to the equestrian community through sustainability in our operations, programs, and projects. We will encourage and help the Alberta equestrian community to assess and implement their own positive changes for future generations.
Equine Welfare Position Statement
All equines matter. The Alberta Equestrian Federation is committed to the respectful and humane care of all equines throughout their lifespan.
Clarifications:
- This applies to all equids (horses, ponies, donkeys, mules, hinnies) owned and wild/feral.
- Owned equines to be treated in accordance with the https://www.nfacc.ca/codes-of-practice developed and regularly reviewed under the auspices of the National Farm Animal Care Council.
- AEF recognizes that the Five Freedoms apply to all equines, owned, wild, and feral. They are:
- Freedom from hunger and thirst
- Freedom from discomfort
- Freedom from pain, injury, and disease
- Freedom to express normal behaviour
- Freedom from fear and distress
- Transportation in accordance with the Health of Animals Regulations for Animal Transport enforced by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and in accordance with any further provincial regulations.
- Euthanasia in accordance with Canadian Veterinary Medical Association Guidelines.
Guiding Plans
2023 – 2028 Strategic Plan
Our strategic plan is set by the board of directors. It considers where we are now, where we want to be, and how we will get there. While plans like this are constantly evolving, they ensure we stay focused and aligned on matters of importance to our members and our business.
2022 Economic Impact Study
As the voice of Alberta horse owners and riders, we have sought for many years to better understand our equestrian community and its contribution to the province. In 2021, we conducted a study designed to capture the impact of all businesses and services in Alberta that connect, directly and indirectly, to the equine industry. Results were compiled and released in the spring of 2022.
The resulting Economic Impact Study shows the equine community’s significant impacts across the province, demonstrating the great importance of this diverse and wide-reaching sector. Findings will help determine the best way to enhance and grow our increasingly vibrant equine community.
Governance & Policies
Learn about the bylaws and rules that guide our federation