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The Dolly Way™ Code of Ethics

For practitioners and professionals who place kindness, honesty,
safety, and horse welfare above all else.
This code is designed to protect both horses and humans — because real partnership cannot exist without safety.
For a fuller explanation of how safety fits within ethical practice, please see “A Note on Safety, Perception and What We’re Really Saying” on The Dolly Way intro page.— it captures the heart behind these ethics
If you feel you cannot accept this code of ethics, please do not apply.
(If you’d like to share why, your feedback is welcome — it helps us keep improving our standards.)

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🧭 1. Horse First, Always

I prioritise the physical, emotional, and behavioural wellbeing of the horse over results, expectations, or traditions.
I do not use, condone, or remain silent about training methods that rely on fear, force, pain, or learned helplessness.

🪞 2. Honest Practice

I represent my skills, qualifications, and experience truthfully.
I do not claim titles, results, or specialisms I haven’t earned.
I clearly communicate what I can offer and refer on when something is beyond my scope.

🫂 3. Kindness Is Non-Negotiable

I treat horses and humans with respect, even when opinions differ.
I do not shame owners or professionals — I offer education, compassion, and clarity instead.

🧠 4. Ongoing Learning

I stay informed and open to new understanding in welfare, ethics, and communication.
I seek out credible learning opportunities and do not stop questioning what I was taught — especially if it puts the horse second.

🛡️ 5. Safety With Integrity

I recognise that safety is not a compromise to ethics — it is part of them.
Protecting a horse or human from harm is an act of trust, not control.
I take proactive, informed steps to ensure the physical and emotional safety of everyone involved, including myself.
I intervene calmly and appropriately when risk arises, knowing that clear, confident action prevents fear-based escalation.
I carry appropriate insurance and work within the boundaries of my training.

🛡️6. . Responsibility Within Role
If I become aware of harm or distress caused to a horse in my professional setting, I aim to offer education and support to the owner or carer, when safe and appropriate.
I do not confront or criticise others outside my role, unless I feel it is safe and necessary to do so, and I understand that long-term change comes through trust, not conflict.

🌾 7. Dolly Values: Courage, Clarity, Compassion

I support others in walking the quiet, often unseen, path of ethical horse care.
I stand beside fellow professionals facing judgement or financial loss for doing what’s right.
I know we are stronger together — and that horses need us united.

The Dolly Way™
Application Form

Section 1: Basic Details

Your Role In The Horse World (Check all that apply)

Section 2: Core Values and Approach

Section 3: Self-Reflection and Alignment

Are you open to gently being challenged if an approach you're using doesn’t align with the ethics of this movement?

Section 4: Agreements

All collaborators will be expected to keep their profiles up to date including an image of their current insurance policy.

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All insignia represent The Dolly Way™ and are supplied in digital format for use on your website, social media, or printed materials. At this time, welcome packs will be digital-only.  A 3D insignia badge design to proudly display your collaboration will be available soon for a small cost to cover postage.

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Should your application be declined your payment will be refunded once the decision has been made. 

To recognise early supporters and help shape this movement from the ground up, the first wave of approved applications will be completely free of charge. 

If you believe in these values, don’t wait — let’s build this together.

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