APEX Member Standards Inquiry Process
At APEX, certification is more than a credential — it is a commitment. Our standards exist to protect horses, support equestrian professionals, and uphold the integrity of the equine industry. When concerns arise about whether a member is meeting those standards, we take them seriously.
This page explains how to submit an inquiry and what happens next.
Who Can Submit and Inquiry?
Any client, colleague, or member of the public who has direct knowledge or concern that an APEX-certified professional may not be practicing in alignment with APEX standards is welcome to submit an inquiry. Submissions are treated with care and confidentiality.
How to Submit
Complete the APEX Standards Inquiry Form below. You will be asked to provide:
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Your contact information (kept confidential)
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The name of the APEX member the inquiry is about
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A clear description of the concern
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Any supporting documentation, photos, or records (optional)
All inquiries must be submitted in good faith. Submissions that are found to be intentionally false or malicious will not be acted upon.
What Happens After You Submit
APEX follows a structured, closed-loop process to ensure every inquiry is reviewed fairly and thoroughly — and that you hear back on the outcome.
Step 1 — Acknowledgment
You will receive a confirmation within 5 business days that your inquiry has been received and assigned to the APEX Standards Committee for review.
Step 2 — Initial Review
The Standards Committee reviews the submission to determine whether the concern falls within APEX's scope and whether there is sufficient information to proceed. You may be contacted for additional details during this phase.
Step 3 — Investigation
Based on the nature of the inquiry, one of two investigation paths will be followed:
*Unannounced site visits are conducted by trained APEX evaluators and are not disclosed to the member in advance. All visits are conducted professionally and respectfully.
Step 4 — Member Response
The member named in the inquiry is given the opportunity to respond to the findings before a final determination is made. APEX is committed to a fair process for all parties.
Step 5 — Determination
The Standards Committee reaches one of the following outcomes:
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No Action Required — The inquiry was reviewed and no standards violation was found
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Advisory Issued — The member receives guidance and recommendations for improvement
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Corrective Action Plan — The member is required to complete specific steps within a defined timeframe
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Certification Suspended — Certification is temporarily paused pending corrective action
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Certification Revoked — In serious or repeated cases, certification may be permanently removed
Step 6 — Closed-Loop Notification
Once a determination is made, both the submitter and the member are notified of the outcome. APEX is committed to transparency within the bounds of confidentiality. The submitter will be informed of the general outcome — though specific details of the member's corrective process remain private.
Confidentiality & Protection
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The identity of the inquiry submitter is kept confidential throughout the process
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APEX does not share submitter details with the member under investigation
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Members retain the right to respond to findings before a final determination is made
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All inquiry records are stored securely and accessed only by authorized APEX Standards Committee members
Questions?
If you have questions about the inquiry process before submitting, please contact us at [info@apexequestrian.org].
Investigation Type | When It Applies |
|---|---|
Unannounced Site Visit
| Concerns involving active animal welfare, facility conditions, or ongoing safety risks |
Documentation Review | Concerns that can be evaluated through records, communications, or written evidence |