Equine Canada Competitions
Hundreds of horse shows are held across the province, some sanctioned by Equine Canada (EC), some sanctioned by other equine organizations, while others are run independently without any sort of endorsement. It’s not mandatory to sanction a horse show; however, there are tangible benefits for organizers who do choose to register their horse show.
What does it mean to sanction a competition?
EC sanctioned competitions are the only horse shows in Canada that are recognized by Equine Canada. Therefore, only EC sanctioned competitions, with the exception of the OEF Equestrian Skills Development (E.S.D) competitions in Ontario, are eligible to use EC accredited judges, course designers and stewards. Without sanctioning, EC accredited officials are prohibited from officiating at unsanctioned competitions. By using an EC accredited official you can be sure competitors are receiving fair judging, jumping safe courses and EC rules are being followed.
As for dressage competitions, sanctioning means you are also permitted to use the Dressage Canada dressage tests for a nominal fee. For insurance purposes, at all levels of competitions, it is mandatory for horse owners and competitors to hold a valid OEF membership. This ensures all horses and riders are insured as a safety precaution.
As an added benefit, the OEF proudly promotes EC sanctioned competitions hosted in Ontario on the OEF website and in WHOA! In addition, EC sanctioned competitions can purchase advertising space in OEF publications. With over 22,000 members and many more people who visit our website, your competition is sure to be seen!
In addition, the OEF proudly provides organizers with off-site support as needed prior to, during and following competitions. An OEF representative can be reached by phone or email during the week to answer any questions you may have. Organizers can also call the competition hotline on the weekends during show season in the event that their issue can’t wait until Monday.
How do you sanction a competition?
- Determine the level of competition that you are sanctioning – Platinum, Gold, Silver or Bronze. The sanctioning levels are determined by the amount of prize money and type of classes you will be offering, as outlined in the EC Competition Information Package. Please note that if you are sanctioning one of the following types of competitions you must do so through the Equine Canada office:
- All horse trials (eventing)
- Platinum or Gold competitions
- Silver or Bronze competitions that are running concurrently with a Gold competition
If you are sanctioning an Ontario Silver or Bronze level of competition you can do so through the OEF Office by following the remaining steps.
- Review the EC Competition Administration Policy.
- Complete the EC Competition Application Form and return it to the OEF office with the appropriate payment as indicated on page 2 of the competition application form. Application form is due 60 days prior to the competition start date otherwise late fee applies.
- Have your Steward complete the Prize List Approval Form and return to the OEF office (for Silver level competitions only). Prize list approval form is due 30 days prior to the closing date for horse show entries otherwise late fee applies.
- Submit a copy of your Horse Show Insurance Certificate. The required insurance coverage is outlined in Equine Canada’s rules (see Section A, General Regulations – Article A507) Insurance certificate is due 30 days prior to the competition start date otherwise late fee applies.
- Submit a copy of your competition prize list and entry form to the OEF office. Prize list is due 30 days prior to competition start date.
Once you have submitted the required paperwork and payment your competition will be listed on the OEF website and in WHOA! You will receive notification via email that your competition and officials have been approved approximately two to three weeks prior to the competition start date. At that time you will also receive your sanctioning package in the mail.
Please note that if you need to make any changes to your application after it has been submitted you will need to complete an EC Competition Modification Form.
For more information about sanctioning your competition contact Angelique Homan at 905-709-6545/1-877-441-7112 ext. 15 or a.homan@horse.on.ca.
To sanction a horse trial, Platinum competition, Gold competition or a Silver and/or Bronze competition running concurrently with a Gold competition please contact 1-866-282-8395 or visit www.equinecanada.ca.
