About Us

What does R.I.D.E.R.S. offer to you?

In our first year, 2002, we offered three dressage primary competitions, and a RIDERS ROMP. The ROMP was purely for fun—a trail ride, games on horseback, a tailgate picnic—a perfect day. We’d love to do it again sometime.

Our 2003 Events included two primary competitions, a Beach Ride, and an Adult Amateur Dressage Camp with the support of Dressage Canada. We held our first Vet Clinic in February 2003, and have held one annually since.

In 2004, we held the much anticipated and very successful clinic with Walter Zettl. In 2005, we held three primary competitions, and introduced the Seahorse Circuit, provincial dressage awards sanctioned by the Nova Scotia Equestrian Federation. We also brought Walter Zettl back for another successful clinic at the Atlantic Dressage Development Centre. 2006 brought 3 primary competitions, our first National Step Up to Eight Class 8 Competition, and a great clinic with Tom Dvorak. In 2007, we added a fourth primary competition, with a record number of entries, and held the second Step Up to Eight Class 8 Competition, drawing competitors from New Brunswick and PEI. In 2008, we held four primary competitions and a Gold Step Up to Gold event at the end of the season, featuring the Power of Pink! to support the Canadian Cancer Society. We also welcomed Lisa Wilcox to Chester for an incredible clinic experience. In 2009, we offered three bronze competitions, and another Step Up to Eight Class 8 (Gold) competition, with great success. Lisa Wilcox returned for two clinics and the riders who participate in them are thrilled with the continuing opportunity to work with this world class teacher.

What’s in store for 2010? See 2010 Events for all the details, and don’t forget to join R.I.D.E.R.S. today—Membership Forms can be found here!

About Us

Board of Directors 2010

Alison Kelland - Co-Chair

Carol Macomber - Co- Chair

Claire Milton - Secretary & Treasurer

Dianne MacDonald - Volunteer Coordinator

Jane Fraser

Megan Marshall

Mai Riives

Paula Welton

Several South Shore equestrians in Nova Scotia, Canada, interested in providing organized activities for horse enthusiasts incorporated R.I.D.E.R.S. in 2002 as a society under the Nova Scotia Societies Act. We have the following purposes:

1. To promote, encourage, and coordinate equine and equestrian activity, and to provide support and leadership for organized equine and equestrian activities in Nova Scotia

2. To provide an association for persons who share an interest in horses and equine and equestrian activity in Nova Scotia for the sharing of knowledge and enjoyment.

3. To provide recreational and competitive opportunities for all levels of riders and equine enthusiasts in Nova Scotia.

R.I.D.E.R.S. is a non-profit, volunteer society incorporated under the Nova Scotia Societies Act.

Any resident of Nova Scotia willing to uphold our objects and pay a $20 (2010) membership fee is welcome to join R.I.D.E.R.S. We are affiliated with the Nova Scotia Equestrian Federation and Dressage Canada. All RIDERS Competitions are Equine Canada competitions. Competitors in our Bronze Seahorse Circuit shows earn points towards provincial Dressage Awards presented annually by the Nova Scotia Equestrian Federation.

To contact us: e-mail: membershipnews@ridersns.org

195 Alexandra Avenue

Bridgewater, NS

Canada

B4V 1H7

REPORT FROM THE ANNUAL MEETING

The R.I.D.E.R.S. AGM went very well this year, with ten members elected to the Board. Since the meeting, Donna Wentzell and Roz Moscovits have resigned from the Board, leaving a complement of eight. The Board members are identified at right.

We used the AGM opportunity to develop a plan, based on the survey sent to our mailing list. The key goals are outlined below:

RIDERS Planning Session Results, June 6, 2010

Goals:

1. Maintain and grow RIDERS programs

· Develop the competition and clinic program to reflect survey identification as the club’s priority

· Include social and recreational opportunities with competitions and clinics where feasible

· Explore options to increase program accessibility from a financial, geographic and riding / training level perspective

· Continue developing the RIDERS award and recognition program

2. Communicate and promote opportunities, activities and results

· Develop clear, consistent communication tools and key messages

· Build stakeholder knowledge that RIDERS events are welcoming to all riding and training levels

· Maintain and build fund raising capacity; Identify a club ‘cause’ to support

· Identify fund raising requirements to support programming and develop a plan to meet needs

3. Increase volunteer capacity in order to implement the RIDERS plan

· Build on the success of the current program

· Develop volunteer appreciation tools

· Update job descriptions

· Develop a recruitment and training strategy

4. Continue to develop the R.I.D.E.R.S. Board governance, designed to implement the goals

· Develop a Board terms of reference

· Develop job descriptions

· Update by-laws as required

On a related note, in keeping with our communication goal, we’ll be developing new ways to keep you informed and stay connected. Check out our Facebook fan page and become a fan for frequent club updates and news, or to add your thoughts and ideas.

We’re looking forward to a great year. Hope to see you at the shows!

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