What is a Certified Coach
Finding a Coach and Where to Start.
Keeping Current as a Coach
National standards for equestrian instructor/coaching programs are developed by Equestrian Canada (EC) in conjunction with the Coaching Association of Canada (CAC). As a certified EC instructor/coach one can take advantage of substantial savings on insurance policies. However, this certification must be kept “current” to do so. Once an individual is certified as an EC instructor/coach, it is important that certain certification elements are maintained to retain a “current” status.
To remain "current" NCCP Certified, an instructor/coach must:
Hold a current and valid Equestrian NS Membership ; Attend the our Coach Symposium every three years. Provide proof of a current Standard First Aid with level C CPR Provide proof of an acceptable criminal record check (vulnerable sector) - renewable every 3 years Hold a current and valid Equestrian Canada Sport License – at required level (minimum Bronze); Provide proof of Professional Development (PD) credits required for the specific stream of ...
Coach Developers/Facilitators
Coach Developers/Facilitators
Coach Developers are trained to develop, support, and challenge coaches to improve their knowledge and skills in order to provide positive and effective sport experiences for all participants. In short, Coach Developers need to be experts in learning, as well as experts in coaching.
Coach Developers include; Coach Evaluators, Master Coach Evaluators, Learning Facilitators (LFs) and Master Learning Facilitators (MLFs).
Resources for Coaches and Candidates
Coaches and Candidates Resources and Professional Development
Helmet and Concussion Resources
Long Term Equestrian Development (LTED2)
Equestrian NS Western Rider Level Progress Report - This is a tool for coaches to help students (and parents) to monitor progress as they work towards the next level.
Multi-Sport Coaching Education in Nova Scotia
Coach Resource Guide - Coach resource guide supporting young athletes who are deaf and hard of hearing in a mainstream setting
Insurance Information for Coaches and Students - This Insurance page outlines the automatic personal insurance coverage that is a Equestrian NS Membership benefit, our Member Optional Insurance products, Club Insurance Information, and Coach Insurance Application & Frequently Asked Questions. Coaches should ensure appropriate coverage with their insurance provider as it is not covered by the automatic insurance that comes with our membership. The automatic coverage information can be provided to clients to ...
Coach Certification
What Does It Mean To Be A Certified Equestrian Coach
Canada's equestrians, both new and experienced, are looking for direction and guidance that can be found through a mentor or coach. These individuals play a role that brings together the love of a sport with skill and learning. As with many sports, the coaches who impart information and help develop the skills that set athletes up for success also need to be cultivated and developed. We are your partner to help you develop your coaching skills.
We administer the programs recognized by, and in partnership with, the Coaching Association of Canada (CAC) and Equestrian Canada (EC). The Coaching Program includes the disciplines of Driving, English and Western, including training opportunities and competency based evaluation for certification.
What Is The Coaching Program
In general, The National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP) is a federal government-initiated program designed to give the public knowledgeable and ...
High-School-Credit-Program
High School Personal Development Program
[Image Description: High School Credit Program Poster - click here to download] Equestrian NS Instructor Certification
In partnership with the Nova Scotia Department of Education, our members have been provided the opportunity to utilize the NCCP Western and English Instructor Coaching Certification program as a High School Personal Development Grade 10 Credit that is applied to the official high school transcript.
Students may begin the program as early as grade 9 and can continue the program throughout high school. Getting Started
Students wishing to take part in this program must complete the program registration form. The registration form and other documents for the program are available from the links below.
After successfully completing the prerequisites, training and evaluation, students will be issued the necessary accreditation documents for submission to their school guidance counselor. The deadline for submission is June 1st ...
Health and Welfare Resources
Horse Welfare Alerts and Notices
When important notices are received from the Canadian Animal Health Surveillance System or the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) regarding national and infectious diseases affecting horses, it sends communications to the equestrian community and the media. To receive these notices, subscribe here .
Equestrian Canada has a wealth of Horse Industry and Welfare information on its website. Please take some time to visit their site and learn as much as you can about horse welfare. Horse Welfare Alliance of Canada - purpose is the dissemination of accurate information related to the Canadian horse industry to horse owners and the general public. Department of Agriculture Regional Office Information and contacts - purpose is to provide access to farm owners on programs and services offered through this department.
NS Emergency Management Office (EMO) Facebook page - purpose is to provide current information on community/provincial emergencies such as extreme ...
Insurance
An Important Message from our Insurance Provider Regarding Wildfire and Coverage We are pleased to provide excellent insurance coverage provided to you by our partner, ACERA Insurance. Insurance-related Inquiries about your current Equestrian NS membership coverage should be sent directly to ACERA Insurance (formerly CapriCMW) at 1-888-394-3330 (ask for the equine department) or [email protected] Briefly outlined are the coverages available to you: Automatic Insurance Coverage for Current Equestrian NS Members
$5,000,000 Personal Liability Insurance ($1000 Property Damage Deductible)
Protects you, the member, if you are sued by a third party because a horse that you own or lease, ride or handle non-commercially, causes property damage or bodily injury to a third party. **Liability coverage is for non-commercial equine related activities. Some limitations and exclusions apply. Coverage is in force 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and covers the member (Canadian resident) anywhere in the ...
Certification Process
Register as a Candidate
Once you have determined the coaching stream that suits you and your skills, the first step is to contact us at [email protected] to register as a coach candidate. Please provide your name, Equestrian NS number (if available), and the certification in which you wish to register. There is no fee to register.
There is no timeframe for which to complete your certification. Whether you plan to move toward evaluation very soon, or years down the road, putting your name forward as a candidate will allow us to notify you of clinics, workshops, mentoring days and evaluations scheduled in your geographic area.
Once we receive your registration, we will set up an Equestrian NS coaching file and invite you to our coach classroom. Coach Classroom We have created a google classroom for each coaching stream/context to guide candidates through the pre-requisites and program requirements for certification. The classroom also includes "assignments" where you submit the ...
Bio-security
Government of Canada National Farm-Level Biosecurity Standard A national Equine Biosecurity Advisory Committee has been established to develop this voluntary standard which will provide a common approach to preventing and controlling disease in facilities where horses are housed and kept.
The equine biosecurity standard will: Provide guidelines for effective biosecurity practices; Promote a consistent approach to reducing the risks of established, emerging and foreign animal diseases; Enhance equine health, welfare and productivity; Minimize the frequency, scope and impact of disease outbreaks; Increase industry’s knowledge of the risks associated with diseases; and Identify potential gaps in current control measures.
For more information, please click here. Horse Welfare Alliance of Canada Resources Horse Welfare Alliance of Canada Resources are updated on a regular basis. Please follow this link to view the updated biosecurity page on their website. Click here to view their Animal Health ...
Educational Resources
Helmet and Concussion Information
One of the aims of our Provincial Sport Organization is to promote safety in equine activity. Under our education section, we have information on many aspects of horse welfare and safety.
There are many valuable resources and tools that may be of use to you in your efforts to become more "Concussion Aware"
Concussion Card - As with several other sports, for the human athlete, concussions are a risk involved with equestrian activity. Click here for a link for the Brain Injury Association of NS concussion information including a concussion card that outlines signs and symptoms of concussions but it contains information on the proper steps to return to activity. Many doctors, parents and coaches do not have this valuable information which can lead to a faster recovery and lower chances of making the injury worse. Get Concussion Smart Today!
This new Concussion Awareness section on coach.ca is great for parents, coaches, and athletes. Developed as part ...
Governance
2023/24 Equestrian NS Board of Directors
President : Krista (Kris) Foley [email protected]
Vice President : Katarin MacLeod
Treasurer : Barbie Lewis
Secretary : Val McDermott
Director of Recreation :
Adrienne Smith
Director of Education :
Krista (Kris) Foley
Director of Competitions :
Lesley Langley
Director of Clubs:
Melissa MacDonald
Director of Industry :
Barbie Lewis
Directors-at-Large :
Val McDermott
Kim Fortin
Kate Howarth
Katarin MacLeod
Mary-Clare McLaren
Andy Woolaver Equestrian NS Committees
If you are interested in volunteering your time on one or more of our Committees listed below, please complete the Committee Interest Form and submit it to the our Office. -Marketing Committee
-Para-Equestrian Committee
-Recreation Committee
-Industry Committee
-Policy Committee
-Nomination Committee
-Competitions and Officials Committee
-Multi-Disciplinary ...
Funding Initiatives/Programs
We strive to provide funding where available to members to help further their equine education and pursuits. Below are funding opportunities available for current members. Financial Aid/Equipment Support Programs Kidsport Provide grants to help cover the costs of registration fees so that all kids aged 18 and under can play a season of sport. Jump Start Funding to help cover the costs associated with your child's sport or physical activity.
Athlete Funding Long Term Equestrian Development (LTED) Bursary Program Deadline: March 1st Awarded to athletes who best demonstrate a continuing commitment towards skill development. Up to four bursaries of $500.00 each are awarded annually to Equestrian NS members who exemplify a commitment to personal long term equestrian athlete development. Application: LTED Bursary Educational Bursary Program Deadline: May 1st To support the post-secondary educational endeavours of our young members, we have developed the Educational Bursary Program. This program provides up to ...
Learn To Ride/Drive
Learn to Ride/Drive
The Learn to Ride/Drive Program provides the opportunity for individuals of all ages to learn best practices for safe and enjoyable experiences handling, riding and/or driving horses. The purpose of this program is to produce safe and knowledgeable horse people. Whether you are interested in tracking your progress or becoming a certified coach, this program will provide guidance with progressive skill development through the levels.
Through this non-competitive certification program, both participatory and competitive riders are rewarded with Certificates of Achievement for advancing their learning. For more information on athlete development, The Long Term Equestrian Development provides a valuable resource for athletes, coaches and parents. Click here for more information .
The English Rider Level 1 to 10 program has been tailored to assist athletes who seek to further their riding skills on the flat but do not wish to continue over fences. Candidates will have the ...
SafeSport
Everyone has the right to feel safe and to participate in an accessible and inclusive sport environment free from maltreatment, regardless of age, ancestry, colour, race, citizenship, ethnic origin, place of origin, language, creed, religion, athletic potential, disability, family status, marital status, gender identity, gender expression, sex and sexual orientation.
According to the Coach Association of Canada (CAC), safe sport refers to our collective responsibility to create , foster and preserve sport environments that ensure positive, healthy and fulfilling experiences for all individuals. A safe sport environment is one in which all sport stakeholders recognize and report acts of maltreatment and prioritize the welfare, safety and rights of every person at all times.
In addition to our Member code of conduct, we have Safe Sport standards for coaches and officials, Equestrian NS Board and staff. Athletes and parents/guardians are encouraged to engage in safe sport training and awareness ...
P'tit Trot
P'tit Trot
P'tit Trot is an exciting program for children who love horses and want to learn about horseback riding while caring for their horse at the same time.
Designed for children aged 5 to 12 years old new to the sport, the P'tit Trot manuals- one each for the English and Western disciplines - are fully illustrated throughout and introduces children to the basics of English or Western Riding and learning how to care for a horse or pony using the colourful drawings and amusing antics of P'tit Trot.
Parents and coaches are invited to use this entertaining and educational presentation that is ideal for horse lovers. It can also be used to prepare and support the activities offered at riding camps and as a precursor to the English or Western Learn to Ride Programs.
A special THANK YOU is extended to our colleagues at Cheval Quebec for developing and sharing this amazing program with us.
Contact us at [email protected] for more information or ...
Scotia-Series
Participate in Nova Scotia’s multi-discipline competition series to make your way to Provincial Championships and earn points for year-end awards! Competition Managers are supported with our unique on-line competition management system that will meet all your needs! Contact us at 1-800-263-2410 or [email protected] if you wish to sanction your competition as Equestrian NS Scotia Series! Scotia Series designed to promote and encourage participation in western, english, hunter, hack, jumper, dressage, and driving disciplines across Nova Scotia. The program supports community horse clubs, generating interest and encourages athletes and coaches to achieve personal success at competitions at an introductory or grassroots level. We support and facilitate the activities that take place at qualifying events to ensure athletes of all ages, have the opportunity to compete. Scotia Series rewards athletes and their horse for their dedication by recognizing their efforts at the local, district and ...
Anyone involved with horses can benefit from an Equestrian NS membership. Whether you are a coach, official, competitor or a recreational rider, there is value in it for you! Individual Membership is available to juniors (under 18 years) and seniors (18+ years as of January 1). Family Membership is available to spouses and/or the junior aged children of either/both spouses. Juniors are defined as children 18 years of age & under in 2017 (born in 1999 or later). If the child/sibling turns 19 in 2017 (born in 1998 or before) an individual membership is required. Spouses may include those who are cohabiting, but not married by law; those who are married, but do not use the same surname; legal guardian(s) of a junior aged member. JOIN OUR AFFILIATES WITH YOUR Equestrian NS MEMBERSHIP
When you join Equestrian NS, you can also join the following affiliates at the same time: Horse Trials NS (HTNS), Nova Scotia Hunter Jumper Association (NSHJA) Cape Breton Western Riders Association (CBWRA)
Your Equestrian ...
Books, DVD's and CDs
Below are some general interest books, DVD's and CD's. The Rider Development and Coaching Manuals are in their own sections. Please see above for links to those sections.
Individual/Family Membership
Equestrian Nova Scotia Memberships Join NOW! Anyone involved with horses can benefit from an Equestrian Nova Scotia membership. Whether you are a coach, official, competitor or a recreational rider, there is value in it for you! Individual Membership
Available to juniors (under 18 years) and seniors (18+ years as of January 1). Family Membership
Available to spouses and/or the junior aged children of either/both spouses. Juniors are defined as children 18 years of age & under in the calendar year. If the child/sibling turns 19 in the calendar year, an individual membership is required. Spouses may include those who are cohabiting, but not married by law; those who are married, but do not use the same surname; legal guardian(s) of a junior aged member. Refer a Friend and Save!
CURRENT MEMBERS - Refer NEW members for a credit of $5 towards your next year's membership. You can refer enough NEW members to get your next membership for FREE!* The new member must provide your Equestrian NS # in the ...
Long-Term-Equestrian-Development
Long-Term Equestrian Development
Science, research and decades of experience all point to the same thing, kids and adults will get active, stay active, and even reach the greatest heights of sport achievement if they do the right things at the right times.
Equestrian Canada's Long Term Equestrian Development program (LTED) aims to define an optimal training, competition and recovery program based on biological age rather than chronological age. It is athlete-centered, coach-driven, administration and sport science supported. It is designed to promote sequential equestrian development that targets specific stages for improved growth in our athletes.
This program's target goals are to improve the overall health, well-being, and athlete potential while encouraging life-long participation in equestrian sport.
The Long-term equestrian development model provides a framework for training, competitions and recovery that is based on the development stage of the athlete rather than the ...
Officials
Types of Officials
Equestrian Nova Scotia supports our Scotia Series Officials Program and the Equestrian Canada (EC)/Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI) Official Programs.
Scotia Series Officials Program
We recognize that the recruitment and training of officials are vital to the sustainability of our sport, especially at the entry level. As such, we have invested in creating a specific officials training program to build a repository of trained NS officials for Scotia Series competitions. By offering training and professional development opportunities to interested candidates, our provincial level competitions will be further enhanced by qualified officials.
Our first phase is the training of Scotia Series Foundations Judges and Scotia Series Discipline-Specific Judges . As this program develops, the pathway for certification will evolve. Scotia Series Foundations Judge Recognition
The Scotia Series Foundations Judge Training program supports all Scotia Series ...
Popular Links
Provincial Organizations
[Image Description: NBEA - AÉNB Logo]
[Image Description: Prince Edward Island Council Logo]
[Image Description: Newfoundland & Labrador Equestrian Association Logo]
[Image Description: Cheval Quebec Logo]
[Image Description: Ontario Equestrian Logo]
[Image Description: Manitoba Horse Council Logo]
[Image Description: Saskatchewan Horse Federation Logo]
[Image Description: Alberta Equestrian Logo]
[Image Description: Horse Council British Columbia Logo]
[Image Description: Equine Association of Yukon]
National Organizations
[Image Description: Canadian Pony Club Logo]
[Image Description: Equestrian Canada Logo]
[Image Description: CanTra ACET Logo]
For the Kids
[Image Description: P’tit Trot Logo]
[Image Description: EquiMania Equine Guelph Logo]
Sport & Coaching
Sport Nova Scotia
Support 4 Sport
Coaching NS
Nova Scotia Amateur Sport Fund ...
Award and Bursary Recipients Historical Record
Past Award & Bursary Recipients
We recognize individuals and companies who contribute to equestrian sport in Nova Scotia through our annual Awards Recognition program. Awarded annually, are members who are nominated by their peers or the Equestrian NS Board of Directors and deserve special acknowledgement in the areas of volunteerism, sportsmanship, sponsorship, and 10 or more years of service. Other categories of recognition include Athlete, Coach and Official of the year. Recipients of several of these awards are then nominated as the Equestrian NS representatives at Sport Nova Scotia's annual awards gala.
In addition to the annual Annual Awards Recognition program, we have two bursary programs that recognize athlete development and educational pursuits.
General Information
Candidate Considerations and What You Need to Know about Challenging Exams and Submitting Results
Helmets and the Importance of Sport Appropriate Equipment
Find Out What Type of Helmets are Appropriate for Horseback Riding.
Staff
Staff
Setting up an Evaluation
Who Can Host, Evaluate and Participate in a Rider Level Evaluation
Western Levels
The Western Learn to Ride Program is Composed of Two Components, Rider Levels 1-4 and the Intermediate Rider Program.
Level Breakdown
Break down of the Western Rider Levels and Intermediate Programs
Testing Resources
Where to Find Reading Material and Other Testing Resources
Setting up a Rider Testing
Find Out Who Can Host, Evaluate and Participate in a Rider Level Testing
