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 ...

 

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 ...

 

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 ...

 

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 ...

 

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 ...

 

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 ...

 

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 ...

 

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 ...

 

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 ...

 

General Information

Candidate Considerations and What You Need to Know about Challenging Exams and Submitting Results

 

 

 

General Information

Candidate Considerations and What You Need to Know About Challenging Levels and Equivalencies

 

Level Breakdown

Break down of the Western Rider Levels and Intermediate Programs

 

What is a Certified Coach

Finding a Coach and Where to Start.

 

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 ...

 

Western Levels

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

 

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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