2010 Changes to the Administration of EC Coaching Programs

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2010 Changes to the Administration of EC Coaching Programs

Dear Equestrian,

January 1st 2010 marked the implementation date of the service agreements that will require both Equine Canada and provincial sport organizations to meet agreed to national standards of service, financial transparency, and of accountability to Canadian equestrians for the delivery of national programs.

As of the time of this writing, the Ontario Equestrian Federation, Horse Council British Columbia, Manitoba Horse Council and the New Brunswick Equestrian Association have either signed or are on the verge of signing a service agreement with Equine Canada. The Alberta Equestrian Federation, Saskatchewan Horse Federation, Prince Edward Island Horse Council, Nova Scotia Equestrian Federation, Fédération Équestre du Québec and the Newfoundland Equestrian Association, have opted not to participate in 2010.

In provinces where the provincial sport organizations do not currently wish to negotiate a service agreement, alternative provincial equestrian associations will deliver our national programs. The one exception to this is Québec, as there is no other provincial sport organization with French language capacity; in this one case, Equine Canada will deliver coaching and other national programs directly.

Since these provincial sport organizations do not intend to negotiate service agreements with Equine Canada they were advised in writing in October 2009 that they would no longer act as delivery agents for Equine Canada national programs beginning January 1st 2010. These national programs include the rider level testing, as well as the Equine Canada instructor and coach training programs.

If you reside in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia or Newfoundland, instead of applying and submitting information to your Provincial Sport Organization, these documents will instead be submitted to the Ontario Equestrian Federation who has been appointed by Equine Canada to act as our delivery agent in these provinces for 2010. Residents of Québec will submit their rider level testing, Instructor of Beginners Evaluation and Coach training or evaluations, updating hours and first aid certificates directly to Equine Canada.

All current coaches and evaluators that hold the appropriate level of Equine Canada (EC) Sport Licence and who are in good standing with EC, can continue to administer the rider levels and coach evaluations as done prior to 2010, however forms and payments will now be sent to the Ontario Equestrian Federation (or to Equine Canada if from Québec). Please note that all cheques must be addressed to Equine Canada, even if they are being sent to the Ontario Equestrian Federation.

We also wish to advise you that as the OEF is the only agent for Equine Canada national coaching programs in the non-participating provinces. Any rider level testing or coach training and / or evaluation administered or organized by a non-participating province after January 1st 2010, will not be recognized by Equine Canada or the Coaching Association of Canada.

If you reside in a non-participating province, (Alberta, Saskatchewan, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, Québec or Newfoundland), it is no longer mandatory that you purchase a membership with your Provincial Sport Organization to obtain a Sport Licence. Any candidate who wishes to acquire a rider level status from any of the above provinces will need to purchase either a Sport Licence or a Service Package from Equine Canada instead of a Provincial Sport Organization membership (the service package is included with the purchase of your Sport Licence).

Please note that all Instructor of Beginner or Coach Training and Evaluations in the province of Québec have been postponed until further notice. Rider Level testing may continue as planned through the Equine Canada office.

FAQ for residents of Non-Participating Provinces (NPP)

1. I live in a non-participating province and I purchased a $25 Service Package with EC in January for 2010. Is this all I need to be able to take the Rider Level exams?

Yes, the $25 Service Package is all that you are required to have in order to participate in the Learn to Ride programs in your province.

2. I have a level 2 certified Coach who has agreed to give me the Rider Level exams. When I'm ready to take the exams, does she contact the OEF directly for the forms?

Yes, any approved examiner you have made arrangements to test with should contact the OEF in order to obtain tests. If you live in Québec however, you will need to contact Equine Canada.

3. What fees do I need to pay (and to whom) for each rider level exam?

The administration fee is $21 per rider level test and is payable to Equine Canada. This is then sent to the Ontario Equestrian Federation, or directly to Equine Canada if you are a resident of Québec.

4. How will the OEF or Equine Canada know that my coach is qualified to administer the exams to me?

Both the OEF and Equine Canada are able to verify the certification of coaches in the non-participating provinces through the NCCP database and through Equine Canada. There is no need to worry that your test will not be valid if a coach's name is posted on the OEF website. If the coach's name is not posted on the OEF or Equine Canada website, then we would advise you to contact either organization to verify that these programs / exams are legitimate.

5. When the exams are completed, does my coach forward them to the OEF or to Equine Canada?

Completed exams are to be forwarded to the OEF office (address is bellow) and to Equine Canada if you are from Québec.

6. Who sends out my certificates?

Certificates and badges will be produced and sent out from the OEF office for Alberta, Saskatchewan, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia or Newfoundland and from Equine Canada for Québec.

For more information please contact:

Jennifer Irwin

Education Manager

Ontario Equestrian Federation

9120 Leslie Street, Suite 203

Richmond Hill ON

L4B 3J9

1-877-441-7112 ext. 11

Edu2@horse.on.ca

www.horse.on.ca

Isabelle Aubé

Manager of Sport / Coaching