GOVERNANCE

Good governance requires maintaining a clear and disciplined distinction between the functions
of the Board and the functions of management. It also requires that the Board follow the
principles of sound governance endorsed by Sport Canada.

EC employs a governance model that separates governance and management functions. The Board delegates to the CEO the responsibility for managing the operations of EC under Board direction and policies, and subject to any limits that may be established by the Board.

For more information about Governance, read our Governance Manual.

Strategy 2025 marked an important period of stabilization, modernization, and foundation-building for Equestrian Canada. Over these years, EC focused on strengthening governance and risk management, modernizing our LearnTo curriculum, Rookie Riders programs and services, advancing equine welfare and the Horse Welfare Code of Conduct, and improving operational systems. Strategy 2025 helped EC rebuild capacity, respond to a changing sport environment, and establish the structures, tools, and relationships needed to support long-term growth. With these foundations now in place, Strategy 2025 has formally concluded.

Building on this progress, Strategy 2028 sets EC’s direction for the next phase on the road to Imagine 2030. Guided by six strategic objectives, the plan focuses on delivering a consistent and participant-centered service experience; modernizing competition and development pathways; building sponsorship and donation revenue; advancing equine welfare and identification; supporting high-performance and NextGen athletes; and ensuring long-term organizational sustainability through service standards and automation. Strategy 2028 emphasizes clarity, accountability, and measurable outcomes, with progress tracked and reported quarterly. Together, Strategy 2025 and Strategy 2028 represent a deliberate evolution — from rebuilding the foundation to delivering lasting impact for Canada’s equestrian community.

Over the past several years, EC has undertaken governance review and renewal work in response to evolving national standards set by the Canadian Olympic Committee and Sport Canada, including the Canadian Sports Governance Code and the Sport Canada Governance Scorecard. These efforts included a comprehensive governance review, by-law modernization, enhanced board and committee practices, the addition of an Athlete Director, selected by the national team athletes, and the implementation of enterprise risk management to strengthen accountability and decision-making.

Governance renewal has focused on aligning EC’s structures, policies, and practices with the expectations of the Canadian Sports Governance Code and establishing EC as a model of effective governance among National Sport Organizations. While the Sport Canada Governance Scorecard was applied during a defined period, EC continues to assess and strengthen its governance practices through ongoing review and improvement. Most recently, EC received a 5 out of 5 governance score in its Sport Canada Sport Support Program (SSP) application, reflecting the organization’s strong governance foundations.

As EC moves forward under Strategy 2028, governance remains a core enabler of success. The organization will continue to work in collaboration with its community to maintain high standards of transparency, accountability, and effective leadership in support of Imagine 2030.