Equestrian Nova Scotia

🐴 Did you know? Horses don’t laugh the way people do.

That classic curled upper lip often called a “laughing horse” is usually a Flehmen response.

When a horse encounters a new smell, they may raise their head and curl their upper lip to help analyze scents using a specialized sensory organ. It’s a normal behaviour—but it isn’t a joke or a smile.

There’s another type of lip curl horse owners should know about.

▪ A horse that curls the upper lip without raising the head may be showing discomfort or pain.
▪ This subtle expression can sometimes be associated with dental issues, ulcers, abdominal discomfort, or other sources of pain.
▪ Repeated lip curling should never be dismissed as a horse being "funny" or "silly."

Good horse care starts with understanding what horses are trying to tell us through their behaviour.

Learn how to recognize and interpret behaviours that can impact welfare in ’s Horse Care & Welfare online course .ca

https://thehorseportal.ca/course/on-demand-horse-care-and-welfare/

Oct 19 – 30, 2026
Flexible format | Certificate of Completion | Expert-instructor led
▪ 15% discount for ENS members - an education partnership with Equine Guelph
▪ Register at www.TheHorsePortal.ca/ENS

There's only one week left to support the Performance Athletes in August 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.

This week, we've added results from the Hunters Creek Farm Summer Show and the NSPE Light Horse Show to the standings! We've gained new athletes on the English Flat, Jumper, and Hunter leaderboards. 🏆

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!

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.

Please note that the Hunters Creek Farm Summer Show results for Open Equitation Over Fences #1 & #2 are not currently available on our website. We thank you for your patience!

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

🐴 Did you know? A communal water trough can become a disease hotspot.

When horses drink, they don't just leave water behind. Saliva, nasal secretions, feed particles, and pathogens can all end up in shared water sources.

Simple prevention steps can help reduce risk:

▪ Avoid sharing water buckets at events whenever possible
▪ Clean and disinfect buckets and troughs regularly
▪ Use your own buckets when travelling
▪ Monitor water sources for contamination

Biosecurity isn't only about avoiding sick horses—it's about recognizing the everyday ways disease can spread.

Learn how to identify and reduce disease risks with 's 'Sickness Prevention in Horses' on-demand course .ca

https://thehorseportal.ca/course/on-demand-sickness-prevention-in-horses/

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

Today is the last day to enter in time for this month's early bird draw! August’s Early Bird Prize is a Halifax Tides Getaway, and you'll stay in the draw for the 50/50 prize on September 1st! 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.

🐴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.