Introduction

This statement is intended as a voluntary Code of Practice covering relationships between members of PACT (Producers Alliance for Cinema and Television) and members of British Actors Equity Association.  It places no legal obligations on either members of PACT nor on any Equity member.  Nor does it form any part of the PACT - Equity Cinema and Television Agreements.

The code of practice will apply, so far as is reasonably practicable, to individuals who are experienced Horse Masters, Riding and Stunt Doubles and Actors, engaged for the purpose of horseriding on a production.  It is acknowledged that a Horse Master, Riding and Stunt Double or Actor would not necessarily be a member of Equity.  If the provision of this code of practice should give rise to any differences, these will be subject to resolution by the production company and the individual Horse Master, Riding and Stunt Double and Actor concerned.  No production will be delayed as a result of such differences.

Code of Practice

1. The purpose of these proposals is to provide a safe working environment for animals and people working with animals, in particular where horses are being used.

Provision for the Safe Working Practice for Horseriding in Independent Production

2. Where artists, stunt and riding doubles, or any other crew member is required to ride horses on any production, a recognised horse master, or a recognised Equestrian Society approved horse handler will be engaged.  In the event that the horsemaster or handler judges any individual to be insufficiently skilled for the requirements of a particular shot, a riding double of sufficient skill to undertake the work will replace the individual concerned, if a solution to the anticipated hazard or danger cannot be found.
3. Where the artist hasto ride due to the production requirements, there will be adequate rehearsal time with the horsemaster or equestrian society handler to determine the skill of the artist concerned.  In the event that it is decided that the artist is not sufficiently skilled to undertake the production requirements, the producer should accept the professional advice given and give consideration to the engagement of a suitably qualified riding double to replace the artist.
4. On the production notification sheet, details of the horseriding requirements as far as they are known will be given.
5. There will be adequate preparation time provided for any action sequences, and the length of time shall be agreed at a meeting between the horsemaster, in consultation with the artists, stunt and riding doubles involved and the Director and Producer.
6. It is a requirement of every production using horses, that they will be properly shod for the working surfaces used in the production.