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
General Information
Candidate Considerations and What You Need to Know About Challenging Levels and Equivalencies
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
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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.
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.
Mem Walk Through Page Completed Post
Do you need an Equestrian Canada (EC) Sport License?
Athletes competing throughout the year will require various levels of membership and sport licenses along with other Discipline Specific levies.
Memberships for Competitions are as follows:
Equestrian NS Scotia Series - Equestrian NS Membership
Equestrian Canada Competition s - Equestrian NS Membership and Equestrian Canada Sport License. Click here to access EC Sport License Information and application. Please refer to EC for Discipline specific memberships/levies.
EC Passports may be required. Click here for a link to the Passport forms.
Please note: An Equestrian NS membership must be current before renewing or joining Equestrian Canada.
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 ...
Resources
Where to Find Reading Material and Other Testing Resources
What is a Certified Coach
Finding a Coach and Where to Start.
Testing Resources
Where to Find Reading Material and Other Testing Resources
General Information
Candidate Considerations and What You Need to Know about Challenging Exams and Submitting Results
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, ...
