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Sustainable Equestrian Initiative (SEI)

The Sustainable Equestrian Initiative (SEI) is an international sustainability certification standard developed specifically for the equestrian sector, with horse wellbeing at its core. SEI brings together people and organisations across the equestrian community to strengthen the sector and safeguard its future through responsible, evidence-based practices.

SEI – horses

    What is SEI certification?

    The SEI Standard is built around four key pillars:

    1. Horse Wellbeing
    2. Environmental Responsibility
    3. Social Responsibility
    4. Economic Resilience

    These pillars are translated into measurable and auditable requirements. The modular structure combines mandatory core requirements with activity-specific criteria, ensuring that organisations are assessed against standards relevant to their operations. Developed in the Netherlands, SEI applies to a broad range of equestrian activities, including:

    • Riding schools
    • Stables and livery yards
    • Breeding facilities
    • Training and coaching organisations
    • Equine-assisted therapy providers
    • Tourism and leisure operators
    • Transport and logistics providers
    • Equestrian event organisers
    • Manufacturers and suppliers of equestrian products
    • Professional service providers to the equestrian sector

     

    Three-year certification cycle

    Through EmpCo-proof* independent third-party auditing and certification, organisations can:
    • Demonstrate responsible practices
    • Build stakeholder confidence
    • Support sustainability claims with verified evidence
    • Strengthen their market position
    • Contribute to the long-term future of equestrianism

    Year 1: On-site initial certification audit
    Year 2: Remote surveillance audit (desk-based)
    Year 3: On-site recertification audit

    *Empowering Consumers for the Green Transition (EmpCo) requires organisations to substantiate sustainability claims with evidence. Marketing messages must be supported by facts, data, transparency, and independent third-party verification

    Responsible equestrianism. Verified for the future.

    SEI – Paarden

    The 15 SEI Core Topics

    The SEI Core Topics provide a common framework across all modules. They are not intended to create a rigid one-topic-per-criterion structure. Equestrian activities are interconnected, and individual requirements may contribute to multiple topics simultaneously.

    The extent to which a topic is addressed depends on its material relevance, associated risks, and an organisation’s level of control and influence.

    1. Governance & Legal Compliance
    2. Communication & Transparency
    3. Greenhouse Gas Emissions
    4. Energy Efficiency & Use
    5. Horse Wellbeing
    6. Ecosystems & Biodiversity
    7. Fresh Water Resources
    8. Social & Cultural Responsibility
    9. Economic Responsibility
    10. Air Quality Protection
    11. Wastewater Management
    12. Solid Waste Management
    13. Environmentally Harmful Substances
    14. Land Use & Infrastructure Impact
    15. Education, Training & Awareness

    Eight SEI activity modules and one mandatory foundation

    The Core Mandatory Layer establishes the foundation that applies to every applicant organisation. It includes requirements for:
    • Legal compliance
    • Governance
    • Responsibility and accountability
    • Competence and training
    • Risk management
    • Documentation and evidence
    • Corrective actions
    • Communication
    The SEI Online Reporting Tool (SEI-ORT) supports benchmarking through standardised measurement, reporting, normalisation, and performance comparison.

    More info about Core mandatory Layer

    Applies to facilities where horses are housed, cared for, managed, or handled.

    More info about Stables & Centres

    Focuses on competent instruction, responsible training methods, horse-rider matching, horse workload management, participant safety, and measurable performance outcomes.

    More info about Training & Coaching

    Covers responsible breeding decisions, reproduction, pregnancy, foaling, and young horse development, while addressing environmental, social, and economic responsibilities.

    More info about Breeding & Stud Operations

    Places both horse wellbeing and beneficiary protection at the centre of service delivery, including safeguarding, accessibility, safety, and ethical practice.

    More info about Horse Therapy & Care Services

    Combines horse wellbeing and visitor safety with responsible destination management, environmental stewardship, and community engagement, from trail riding to equestrian holidays and carriage tourism.

    More info about Leisure, Tourism & Equestrian Activities

    Covers the complete event lifecycle, including planning, venue preparation, horse welfare, veterinary oversight, participant and spectator management, environmental performance, and post-event legacy.

    Applicable to events ranging from local competitions to major international championships.

    Events & Competitions

    Addresses the entire transport process, from fitness to travel and loading through to transport, arrival, and recovery, ensuring continuous responsibility for horse wellbeing.

    More info about Transport & Logistics

    Designed for organisations that provide products or professional services to the equestrian sector.

    The module covers:
    • Product and service safety
    • Horse wellbeing considerations
    • Responsible sourcing
    • Traceability
    • Environmental performance
    • Workforce practices
    • Marketing and claims
    • Continuous improvement

    More info about Equestrian Products & Services

    Benefits of SEI certification

    SEI certification helps organisations to:

    • Improve horse wellbeing, operational management and resource efficiency

    • Strengthen the equestrian sector and support its long-term future and long-term business resilience

    • Demonstrate responsible, evidence-based practices

    • Meet a standard developed specifically for the equestrian industry

    • Benefit from independent third-party auditing

    • Respond credibly to questions concerning horse welfare and animal wellbeing

    • Build public trust and confidence among customers, regulators, welfare organisations, and other stakeholders

    • Support sustainability claims with independently verified evidence

    • Differentiate themselves from organisations without independent certification

    • Contribute to a more transparent and credible equestrian sector based on verifiable facts rather than assumptions

    Becoming SEI certified

    Create your profile

    Create your profile after your registration as SEI Participant at Join SEI

    Create your profile to apply for SEI

    Prepare for your audit

    Prepare the audit in the SEI Online Reporting Tool (SEI-ORT)

    Request your certification audit

    Request your certification audit

    Obtain your SEI Certification

    Based on positive audit results, your organization will become SEI certified

    How can we help you?

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