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 ...
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 ...
Industry Equine Directory
Welcome to the Equestrian NS Equine Directory!
Equestrian NS is pleased to provide you with a list of Equine Businesses and Companies via our On-line Equine Directory. The Directory links are found on the left side bar of this page.
To be added to the Equestrian NS Equine Directory please download the Equine Directory Profile Form here and submit it to the Equestrian NS Office. If you have any questions please email [email protected] . There are two profile options for the Equine Directory: Basic Listing (Free) and Extended Profile Listing (Annual Fee). The details of what is included for each listing option is listed on the Equine Directory Profile Form . Equine Directory Disclaimer
The information in our directory is supplied by the individuals and associations. Listings in the directory are provided for informational purposes and not as a endorsement by Equestrian NS.
Individuals and associations are asked to update the information as it changes as well as notify the ...
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 ...
Learn to 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. Participants of all ages and experience are encouraged to get involved, and have the opportunity to choose the appropriate stream and level. The program is administered by the Provincial and Territorial Sport Organizations (PTSOs) and features English, Western and Driving streams.
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 ...
Dressage
Dressage
Each horse and athlete performs a combination of movements and gaits, designed to demonstrate the level of achievement of the horse to show a perfect understanding with his or her rider. Membership Requirements Equestrian NS Membership Equestrian Canada Sport License Dressage Canada EC Passport Scotia Series Bronze Silver Gold Platinum Nova Scotia Discipline Specific Associations R.I.D.E.R.S Competition Rules Scotia Series Rulebook Equestrian Canada Rules – Section A General Equestrian Canada Rules – Section E Dressage Please consult the individual competition prize lists for required discipline memberships and rules Sanction your Dressage Show! | Find a Club
Athlete Information
Memberships for Competition
For Scotia Series Competitions, an Equestrian NS Membership is required for the athlete and the owner of the horse. Click here to access more information on the Equestrian NS Membership.
For Breed, NRHA, and other club sanctioned competitions, please refer to the individual associations rules and regulations to ensure you have the required affiliate memberships required for competition.
For Equestrian Canada competitions, requirements depend on the discipline and level of the competition. Before purchasing an Equestrian Canada (EC) sport license, individuals need to have their Equestrian NS membership. Passports and discipline affiliate fees may apply depending on the level of competition as outlined in the Equestrian Canada rulebooks . Click here to access more information on purchasing an EC sport license.
Maritime Bred Registry
Individuals with Maritime Bred horses and/or ponies can register their equine with Equestrian NS's Maritime Bred Registry. The ...
Find-A-Business-Service
Welcome to the Equestrian NS Equine Directory!
We are pleased to provide a list of Equine Businesses/Service Providers via our Equine Directory. You can search the listing by category, city, or region of the province using the drop down menus below.
To be added to our Equine Directory please download the Equine Directory Profile Form here and submit it to our office. Please see form for more details. If you have any questions please email [email protected] .
Equine Directory Disclaimer: The information in our directory is supplied by the individuals/associations. Directory listings are provided for informational purposes and not as an endorsement by Equestrian NS. Individuals and associations are asked to update the information as it changes as well as notify us if they should be removed from the directory.
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 ...
Learn to Ride/Drive
Overview 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. Participants of all ages and experience are encouraged to get involved, and have the opportunity to choose the appropriate stream and level. The program is administered by the the Equestrian NS and features English, Western and Driving streams.
Rookie Rider
Rookie Riders is curriculum-based, filled with engaging activities that are fundamental to success in horseback riding. It includes basic gymnastics on mats, fundamental skills learned on Radish, our “barrel horse” and concludes with an introduction to riding. It is a core skill-building program that benefits all disciplines.
More about Rookie Riders
Safe and fun Introduction to riding skills, horses and horsemanship – Riding and Gymnastic activities focus on developing the skills used in equestrian sport Group and individual activities Introduce OR reinforce movement skills within the FUNdamental stage of long term equestrian and athlete development. Flexible curriculum delivery Provides physical, mental, and emotional engagement Designed to be delivered to a large group of children Easily customizable to meet the needs of your group
Participants Learn
Fundamental Movement Skills
Develop Fundamental Movement Skills (FMS) necessary for riding by engaging students physically, ...
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.
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
Learn to Ride Western
Overview 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. Participants of all ages and experience are encouraged to get involved, and have the opportunity to choose the appropriate stream and level. The program is administered by the Equestrian NS and features English, Western and Driving streams.
Club/Association Membership and Benefits
Club Membership
Offered on a calendar-year basis, our Club/Association Membership is available to equine/equestrian discipline or breed clubs/associations. Members have representation on the Equestrian NS Board of Directors via the designated Club Director position. 2024 Equestrian NS Club/Association Membership Application Insurance Requirements Although there is a minimum criteria to join us, clubs/associations are required to have commercial general liability insurance coverage, (minimum coverage limit of $2,000,000). The policy is to include Equestrian NS as an "additional insured". We highly recommend that member clubs/associations carry Directors' and Officers' Liability insurance. Our insurance partner, ACERA Insurance, can meet equine breed or discipline clubs and associations' insurance needs. Two types of insurance offered specifically for clubs and associations are : Commercial General Liability Insurance - Insurance that protects the organization, board members, volunteers, employees and ...
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 ...
Setting up a Rider Testing
Find Out Who Can Host, Evaluate and Participate in a Rider Level Testing
Setting up an Evaluation
Who Can Host, Evaluate and Participate in a Rider Level Evaluation
What is a Certified Coach
Finding a Coach and Where to Start.
Level Breakdown
Break down of the Western Rider Levels and Intermediate Programs
Western Levels
The Western Learn to Ride Program is Composed of Two Components, Rider Levels 1-4 and the Intermediate Rider Program.
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 ...
