Equestrian Nova Scotia

🐴Caring for a Senior Horse

As horses age, their care needs evolve. Paying close attention to the following can help support comfort, mobility and overall well-being:

1. Nutrition - Recognize evolving nutritional needs, make gradual changes in feed, monitor weight and condition closely
2. Fitness - Movement and turn-out benefit senior horses
3. Dental health - Watch for non-circular chewing patterns, which may indicate that dental attention is needed and consult with your vet
4. Joint health - Arthritis is responsible for approximately 60% of lameness cases so keep joints lubricated through regular, slow-to-moderate exercise and consult with your vet for joint-support strategies tailored to your horse's needs

Small adjustments to your senior horse's management routine can make a big difference in maintaining health and quality of life throughout the aging process.

Support your horse through every stage of life with ’s Senior Horse Online Course .ca

https://thehorseportal.ca/course/the-senior-horse-fall-26/

Sept 21 to Oct 10, 2026

Flexible format | Certificate of Completion | Expert-led

▪ 15% discount for ENS members - an education partnership with Equine Guelph
▪ Register at www.TheHorsePortal.ca/ENS

We are excited to welcome athletes from our Western Performance and Showmanship divisions to the 2026 Scotia Series Provincial Championships leaderboard!

We have an exciting tie for 2nd Place in Senior Western Performance! 🥈

Updated leaderboards will be posted throughout the season as more results are finalized. Athletes won't show in the standings until they have met the minimum qualification standards, so we look forward to seeing more athletes across all divisions as the season progresses! Be sure to check the list of Scotia Series sanctioned competitions slide for qualifying events!

Please note that results from the Hunters Creek Farm Summer Show are not counted in this week's leaderboard. You can expect to see them in the coming days.

Curious about your own Scotia Series results? Check out our results page at https://equestriannovascotia.ca/results to view all Year-End Award Divisions and search results by athlete or equine.

More information on Scotia Series is available on our website and in our rulebooks!

August’s Early Bird Prize is a Halifax Tides Getaway, and you'll stay in the draw for the 50/50 prize on September1st! Purchase tickets before August 15th to be in the early bird draw!
You can purchase tickets at rafflebox.ca/raffle/sportns/3281 - don't forget to select a program athlete in the drop down menu to support their performance goals.

🐴 “Old age” isn’t a disease.

Subtle changes in your senior horse, like weight loss, stiffness, or attitude shifts, are often signs of manageable conditions, not just aging.
Small changes can make a big difference:

▪ Adjusting feed for dental and digestive changes

▪ Modifying turnout and exercise routines

▪ Catching pain or metabolic issues early

The right care can help senior horses stay comfortable, active, and engaged.
Support your horse through every stage of life with ’s Senior Horse Online Course .ca

https://thehorseportal.ca/course/the-senior-horse-fall-26/

Sept 21 to Oct 10, 2026
Flexible format | Certificate of Completion | Expert-led
▪ 15% discount for ENS members - an education partnership with Equine Guelph
▪ Register at www.TheHorsePortal.ca/ENS

New Month, New Draw: Support the Performance Athletes in August and have a chance to win the 50/50! Purchase this month's tickets before August 15th to also be eligible for the the Early Bird Draw!
You can purchase tickets at rafflebox.ca/raffle/sportns/3281 - don't forget to select a program athlete in the drop down menu to support their performance goals.

🐴 Horses hide discomfort better than you think.

As prey animals, horses are wired not to show weakness—so subtle signs of poor welfare can easily be missed.

What might look “normal” could actually be a clue:
▪ Dull or withdrawn behaviour
▪ Changes in appetite or social interaction
▪ Repetitive habits like weaving or cribbing

Good horse care isn’t just about what we provide—it’s about what we observe.

Understanding the why behind behaviour is key to improving welfare.

Learn how to recognize and respond to these signs in ’s Horse Care & Welfare On-Demand Course .ca
https://thehorseportal.ca/course/on-demand-horse-care-and-welfare/

Flexible format | Certificate of Completion | Self-paced (1-year access)
▪ 15% discount for ENS members - an education partnership with Equine Guelph
▪ Register at www.TheHorsePortal.ca/ENS

Congratulations to our 2026 Education Bursary recipients: Eden, Sophie, Sophia, Gabby, Ella, and Amina! We are proud of your accomplishment.

Many thanks to all members who applied. You are all very accomplished and driven, making this a difficult decision! Please apply again next year if you are still eligible!

Awarded annually, this $500.00 bursary is funded by Equestrian NS to assist our members attending a post-secondary educational institution. The application deadline for the 2027 bursaries is May 1st. More information can be found in the Membership tab of our website under "Funding Opportunities."

There's only five days left to purchase tickets for this month's Sport Split! The 50/50 prize draw will take place on August 1st.

You can purchase tickets at rafflebox.ca/raffle/sportns/3281 - don't forget to select a program athlete in the drop down menu to support their performance goals!

Happy Saturday! Take two minutes to read about this new program's launch!

LEARNto Program Email from Equestrian Nova Scotia Launch Update Launch Update Dear ENS Member, We hope you are having a wonderful summer and that you are enjoying your equine activities. You may have seen a social me

There's only one week left to support the Performance Athletes in July and have a chance to win the 50/50!
You can purchase tickets at rafflebox.ca/raffle/sportns/3281 - don't forget to select a program athlete in the drop down menu to support their performance goals.