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 ...

 

Helmets and the Importance of Sport Appropriate Equipment

Find Out What Type of Helmets are Appropriate for Horseback Riding.

 

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 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.

 

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.

 

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 ...

 

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 ...

 

Find-An-Official

This search will provide a list of recognized officials and does not indicate current status. For Breed and EC officials, confirmation of current status must be confirmed through those associations. Scotia Series Officials must met Equestrian NS Safe Sport Standards by March 31st, 2021. For more information on the requirements please click here.

 

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, ...

 

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 ...

 

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 ...

 

HorsePlay.app (Ride & Drive Rewards)

HorsePlay App - Our Rewards Program for Riders & Drivers -- Click / Tap enabled QR codes at bottom of page --

Over the past year, we have been working with other provinces and developers to create an amazing new APP to track your horse activity - HORSEPLAY is finally here! Horseplay will replace our original Ride and Drive Rewards program, allowing you to record your horse activity and be entered for a chance to win prizes.

The Horseplay app conveniently allows you to track your activity and connect with friends. We encourage anyone 13 years and older to sign up and use the app. If you wish to be entered into the draws for prizes, you must be a current Equestrian Nova Scotia member and be a Nova Scotia resident.

Don't worry - we are recognizing your logged-activity from the original program and you can achieve your rewards there too! Simply submit your paper copy logged-activity hours to us by December 31, 2024 and we will honour your achievements. Prizes, Prizes, Prizes!

For every 10 ...

 

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

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 ...

 

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 ...

 

 

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 ...

 

 

What is a Certified Coach

Finding a Coach and Where to Start.

 

 

 

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 ...

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