Athlete Performance Programs

Equestrian NS Athlete/Team Programs Equestrian NS has several exciting programs for athletes in different stages of the LTED Pathway. Scotia Series Provincial Championships Athlete Performance Program Click here for more Information and links to the forms for these programs.

 

 

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 ...

 

 

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 ...

 

Performance Program

In partnership with the Canadian Sport Institute - Atlantic and Sport Nova Scotia's Support4Sport Program, we are pleased to support our athletes through our Performance Program; targeted at podium-bound athletes with successful competition experience, whose goal is to represent Nova Scotia in one of Equestrian Canada’s National Team programs, Breed/Discipline Qualifying National and International Championships! For more information on the program, visit this link. Click here to complete the application electronically. Click here to download the application form for email or mail submission Previous Performance Athlete Profiles :

Scotia Series Provincial Championships We post updates about the Scotia Series Provincial Championships on our Scotia Series page in the Competitions section of our website. Click here for more information.

 

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 ...

 

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 ...

 

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 ...

 

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 ...

 

Advertising Opportunites

We have opportunities for members and equine related groups to advertise to Equestrian NS members.

Equine Directory Profile

This listing on our website provides two options: Basic Profile (free) or Enhanced Profile (annual fee). The Basic Profile allows for specific information to be posted while the enhanced profile includes more information including a logo or picture. Profiles can be listed in multiple categories related to the organization's programs/services. To access this option, complete the Equine Directory Profile Form and submit it to our office by email, fax, or mail.

Advertising in our E-newsletters

This ad space reaches over 3000 members and provides two options for ad space: Header Banner Ad or Side Banner Ad. We are flexible with the schedule allowing for weekly, bi-weekly, monthly or other intervals.

Advertising in our annual report

This report is sent to all members in September and provides many options from business card size ads to full page ...

 

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 ...

 

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 ...

 

Level Breakdown

Break down of the Western Rider Levels and Intermediate Programs

 

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 ...

 

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 ...

 

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 ...

 

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 ...

 

Participation-Recreation

Participation/Recreation

We offer several participatory programs to our members such as the Ride & Drive Rewards Program or the Learn to Ride Programs.

Equestrian Friendly Trails

To view a list of equestrian friendly/accessible trails, visit the Nova Scotia Trail Guide. "The trails are beckoning and I hope that everyone can get out and enjoy them" - Ride & Drive Participant

 

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 ...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Joining the Equestrian NS - Club Memberships

Clubs and associations submit an annual application to become Equestrian NS Member Clubs

 

Western Levels

The Western Learn to Ride Program is Composed of Two Components, Rider Levels 1-4 and the Intermediate Rider Program.

 

 

Staff

Staff

 

Club/Association Membership

Equestrian NS is pleased to offer equestrian clubs/associations an opportunity to join the Equestrian NS as a Club/AssociatIon Member.

 

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 ...

 

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, ...

 

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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.

 

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 ...

 

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

 

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 ...

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