AI Disclosure
Effective May 2026
How Dark Horse Uses AI
Dark Horse uses artificial intelligence tools as part of its research, writing, and design process. Treating that as a secret would be inconsistent with the operating principles we bring to client work. So here is exactly how AI is used, where it is not, and how client data is protected.
On this website:
AI tools assist with research, drafting, editing, brainstorming, summarizing source material, and producing certain background graphics and non-representational design elements. AI does not replace editorial judgment, framework development, or final review.
The following are always created, directed, edited, and approved by Christy Slanaker before publication:
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All written content under the Dark Horse brand, including blog posts, service descriptions, and frameworks.
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The framework and any other proprietary methods. These came from twenty years of operating experience. AI did not invent them.
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All references to specific past work, clients, or results. These are based on actual experience, not synthesized.
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Final editorial decisions about what is published and what is not.
In client engagement work
This is the question most clients in fintech, financial services, and other regulated industries should be asking, and the answer matters more than the version on the website:
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Client data is not used to train AI models. Confidential client information is not entered into public AI tools, consumer-grade chatbots, or any system that retains data for model training purposes.
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AI tools used in engagement work are limited to enterprise-grade tools with appropriate data handling commitments (no training on inputs, defined data retention, defined access controls).
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Any use of AI in engagement work is disclosed to the client in the engagement letter or separately in writing, with specifics on what tools, for what purpose, and what data is involved.
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Client confidentiality obligations under any signed agreement override anything in this disclosure. When the engagement letter is stricter than this policy, the engagement letter governs.
If you are a current or prospective client and want more specifics about AI use in engagement work, this is a reasonable question to ask, and we will answer it directly in writing.
What AI is not used for
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AI is not used to generate fake testimonials, fake case studies, or fake credentials.
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AI is not used to depict real people in synthetic images.
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AI is not used to fabricate quotes, attributions, or sources.
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AI is not used to produce final client deliverables without human review and revision.
Accuracy and errors
AI tools can produce inaccurate, outdated, or incomplete information. All content is reviewed before publication or delivery, but errors can occur. If you find a factual error on this Site, please email christy@thedarkhorseadvisory.com and it will be corrected. Information on this Site is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional advice. See the Terms & Conditions for the full disclaimer.
Ownership and copyright
All published content on this Site reflects the creative authorship, direction, editorial judgment, and revision of Christy Slanaker, regardless of whether AI tools were used during drafting. Published work is owned by The Dark Horse Advisory, LLC and is protected by US copyright law. The use of AI as a writing or editing tool does not change that ownership, in the same way that using a word processor, spell checker, or research database does not change ownership.
You may not copy, reproduce, redistribute, or use Dark Horse content to train AI models or develop competing products or services without written permission.
Why we are being transparent
In B2B advisory, the question is no longer "do you use AI." The question is "how, where, and what happens to my data." Buyers in regulated industries have a right to that answer in writing. Hiding the use of AI is becoming a credibility risk in itself. Disclosing it directly is consistent with the operating discipline we sell.
Changes
This disclosure will be updated as AI tools evolve and as our use of them changes. The effective date will reflect the most recent update.
Contact
christy@thedarkhorseadvisory.com
The Dark Horse Advisory, LLC, dba The Dark Horse Advisory
Middleton, Idaho, USA