Page 4 - AEF-AlbertaBits_Fall-2025

From the President
Building Trust
in the Equine
Community
AUTUMN IS A cherished season for many of us in
Alberta’s equestrian community. The crisp air, absence of
bugs and the comfort of a barn full of hay bring a sense
of calm and readiness for the months ahead. As I reflect
on this past summer, one topic has stood out: the concept
of our “social licence” as equestrians.
Social licence refers to how the public perceives
our treatment of horses, our management of barns and
acreages and our behavior in shared spaces. Whether
we embrace the term or not, the reality is that public
perception matters. Viral videos of equestrians using
harsh methods, debates over racing or even scrutiny
of equipment like nosebands have already influenced
our sport and industry. These moments remind us that
our actions are noticed, shaping how society views our
equine community.
Recently, I witnessed two contrasting examples that
highlight the responsibility that social licence brings to
the equine community. At an equestrian campground,
a frustrated rider was seen yelling and striking a horse
that wouldn’t load into a trailer, unaware of the young
riders watching and “learning” from the scene. Thankfully,
a calm camper stepped in, loaded the horse with ease
and defused the situation. More recently, at a mountain
trailhead, I saw a rider dump manure from their trailer
near a parking area used by hikers and bikers. When
asked to reconsider, they insisted it was their “right.”
Access to these shared spaces is a privilege, not a right.
Leaving trails and campsites better than we found
them is not just trail etiquette, it’s common sense and a
cornerstone of preserving our access to public lands.
On a personal note, I brought two new horses to the
mountains this summer, aided by supportive friends. They
performed beautifully on the trails, but at the trailhead,
one refused to load — a surprise after smooth trips prior.
For over an hour, in full view of hikers and picnickers, we
patiently used gentle techniques: a lariat for guidance,
light tension on the halter and positive encouragement.
We stayed calm, mindful of how our horse needed time
and how our actions might be perceived. Back home, I
immediately worked on trailer loading to address the
issue, and it hasn’t recurred since.
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Alberta Bits Fall 2025
Alberta Bits Summer 2025
Jason Edworthy
These experiences underscore a key lesson: our social
licence depends not only on how we treat our horses
but also on how we respect the special places we ride.
By prioritizing equine welfare, practising patience and
maintaining clean, safe trails, we strengthen our community’s
reputation. The Alberta Equestrian Federation’s educational
resources offer us even more opportunities to keep updating
our personal “best practices.”
Let’s commit to supporting one another — whether
by offering a helping hand at a trailhead or sharing
knowledge to learn from our mishaps. Let’s not be the ones
who end up in a viral video, risking the social licence of
our beloved equine activities. Together, we can uphold the
values that make our community exceptional: care, respect
and stewardship.
Wishing you a wonderful fall filled with peaceful rides
and meaningful connections.
Jason Edworthy
President, Alberta Equestrian Federation