Our Commitment to Animal Welfare + Safety
We are committed to providing emotional, psychological, and physical safety for all, including the equines and other animals who join us in this work. Additionally, we feel it is paramount to advocate for all equines and their global welfare, as we are one part of an industry that has chosen to include them in programs for the benefit of humans. We are dedicated to modeling ethical, compassionate, and life-long animal welfare practices, and we collaborate with other organizations who have a transparent, horse-first approach. Below you will find credentials and trainings we pursue, as well as collaborations with important organizations who we use to guide our philosophy in asking animals—especially equines—to work alongside us every day, and our commitment to them as sentient beings.
IAHAIO
The International Association of Human-Animal Interaction Organizations (IAHAIO) is the global association of organizations that engage in practice, research and/or education in animal assisted activity, animal assisted therapy, and service animal training. These activities serve to promote pet ownership, the human-animal bond, and respectful approaches to engaging with animals. Equuvation subscribes to the IAHAIO international guidelines on care, training and welfare requirements for equines in equine-assisted services.
The Compassionate Equestrian
Compassion becomes the foundation for all decisions that an equestrian makes with every choice for their horse, for all people involved in the equine community, as well as the global community. Through choosing compassion as the common ground for all decisions, equestrians can become a movement for creating a kinder, happier, healthier, more compassionate world. Equuvation approaches every situation with a belief towards compassion, and is dedicated to the Compassionate Pledge. Click here for the Principals of Compassionate Equitation [pdf] or learn more about The Compassionate Equestrian here.
United Horse Coalition
Through industry collaboration, the United Horse Coalition promotes education and options for at-risk and transitioning horses. The UHC is a broad alliance of equine organizations that have joined together under the American Horse Council to educate the horse industry about the issues facing horses At-Risk, or in transition. They seek to provide information for existing and prospective owners, breeders, sellers, and equine organizations regarding the long-term responsibilities of owning and caring for horses, as well as focusing on the opportunities available for these horses. Equuvation is a non-profit member of the UHC.
EQUUS Foundation
The EQUUS Foundation is the only national animal welfare charity and accrediting body in the United States 100% dedicated to the dual mission of protecting America's horses from peril and strengthening the bond between people and horses. Equuvation is an advocate for the #HorseProtector Pledge and participates in the EQUUS Foundation Equine Experiential Learning Inititiative, which aims to cultivate advocacy on behalf of horses, stimulate volunteerism, and inspire a lifelong commitment to horse welfare. By engaging people to embrace and witness the impact of horses to empower, teach, and heal, the base of equine advocates who raise awareness of the important role of horses in our lives will grow.
North Carolina Horse Council
The North Carolina Horse Council aims to serve as the voice of the North Carolina Equine community through education, communication, and representation. The NCHC is composed of volunteer individuals and groups from all breeds and types of horse activities, without bias. Equuvation is a member of the NCHC and as been the recipient of several NCHC grants.
Animal Welfare Institute
Equuvation utilizes the Teaching Resources available through the Animal Welfare Institute to help develop humane education curriculum modules that apply to our setting and animals; and to promote advocacy for equines. Since 1951, AWI has been dedicated to reducing animal suffering caused by people. They seek better treatment of animals everywhere.
National Wildlife Federation
National Wildlife Federation (NWF), America’s largest wildlife conservation and education organization, is pleased to recognize that Rocky Creek Ranch (home of Equuvation) has successfully created a Certified Wildlife Habitat®. NWF celebrates the efforts of Rocky Creek Ranch to create a space that improves habitat for birds, butterflies, frogs and other wildlife by providing essential elements needed by all wildlife – natural food sources, clean water, cover and places to raise young.
Pollinator Partnership
Pollinator Partnership’s mission is to promote the health of pollinators, critical to food and ecosystems, through conservation, education, and research. In addition to our commitment to using pollinator-friendly methods of ranch management, Equuvation maintains several pollinator gardens on the farm and also is raising Monarch butterflies in 2024.