ESC Participant Code of Conduct

ESC Participant Code 1.0 | October 2, 2026

As an ESC Show Participant, I agree to uphold horse welfare, human safety, fair competition and respectful conduct at or in connection with ESC sanctioned events.

ESC Show Participants include exhibitors, trainers, owners, riders, drivers, handlers, grooms, officials, show management and volunteers. Additional responsibilities below apply when serving as an official or show personnel.

1. Put horse welfare and human safety first. I will not commit, encourage or knowingly permit cruel, abusive or inhumane treatment. I will promptly report suspected abuse, prohibited practices, unsafe conditions and medication concerns through the appropriate ESC process. Emergencies require immediate assistance. An Incident Report does not replace emergency care. References: WL701 through WL706 and SP618.

2. Follow applicable rules. I will follow the ESC rules for my participation, respect eligibility and suspension requirements, provide truthful information and comply with applicable decisions. I will not manipulate competition or knowingly assist someone in evading the rules. Reference: SP618.

3. Treat everyone respectfully. I will not threaten, harass, bully, intimidate or physically or verbally abuse other participants. I will not knowingly encourage such conduct by people under my authority. References: SP618 and WL701.

4. Communicate responsibly. In person, in writing and online, I will distinguish documented facts from allegations and opinions. I will not knowingly spread false accusations, organize harassment or retaliate against someone for a good faith report. Respectful disagreement and use of complaint and hearing procedures remain permitted. References: SP618 and RE902 through RE905.

5. Report concerns honestly. I will distinguish what I personally observed from information reported by others, preserve relevant evidence and cooperate honestly with authorized investigations. I will not conceal, alter or fabricate information. References: SP618 and RE902.

6. Protect confidential information. I will handle nonpublic case materials and personal information discreetly and share them only through authorized channels. Questions about disclosure will be referred to ESC. This commitment does not prevent reporting emergencies or suspected wrongdoing to appropriate authorities, obtaining legal advice or making disclosures required by law.

7. Respect the review process. I understand that alleged violations are considered under the applicable ESC rules, penalty tables and review procedures. Signing this code does not establish guilt or replace those procedures. References: SP618 and RE902 through RE905.

Additional Responsibilities for Officials and Show Personnel

1. Work within my authority. I will understand the rules for my assignment and perform only duties authorized for my role. Judges make field of play decisions. Stewards investigate and report within their authority. Show Commissioners follow the required unanimous decision process and the limits on changing a judge’s decision. References: GL202 through GL206, GL205.1 and SO504.

2. Remain fair and independent. I will disclose conflicts of interest and decline or withdraw from prohibited assignments. I will not accept gifts, favors or pressure intended to influence my decisions. When serving on a judging panel, I will determine placings independently. References: SO504 and SO505.

3. Document official actions accurately. I will submit required Incident Reports and document warnings, disqualifications and investigations in accordance with ESC procedures. I will not represent a proposed or divided decision as a final unanimous decision. References: SO504, GL205.1, SP618 and RE902.

4. Represent my qualifications honestly. I will provide accurate credentials, maintain the requirements applicable to my role, keep my rule knowledge current and accept assignments consistent with my qualifications. I will promptly notify show management if I cannot fulfill an accepted assignment. Reference: SO504.

This code supports the applicable ESC rules and procedures. It does not create a separate penalty schedule or change rights available under those procedures.

Acknowledgment

I have read and agree to the ESC Participant Code of Conduct and the responsibilities applicable to my role.

View the public ESC Participant Code of Conduct