Equine Canada has launched a new competition classification structure for its sanctioned competitions. In order to compete in an Equine Canada sanctioned eventing competition all competitors must hold a sport license. Sport licenses are identified at four levels Platinum, Gold, Silver and Bronze.
The level of license required is dependent on the divisions in which the rider/horse is competing. In addition - the horse will require a passport if competing in Training level divisions or above. When the horse is competing in a division which requires a passport - the level of Equine Canada Sport license required by the owner equates to the division in which the horse is competing (For example - A horse competing in a EC Training or Open Training division - The rider needs a Silver level License - The horse requires a Passport, The owner requires a Silver level license)

For an overview of the changes from Equine Canada that change/affect your Eventing season, please click here.

To view an Equine Canada chart, which may help to answer your questions, please click here.

You will now purchase a sport license according to what level you ride at. The graduated license program will be in effect for all disciplines…so if you not only Event but also do the Jumpers and Dressage shows (you only need one sport license for any/all disciplines) just make sure that you have purchased the correct one at the highest level you require. If Eventing is all you do, they suggest you purchase a sport license at the HIGHEST level you think or plan to compete at.
The breakdown of memberships required and sport license needed is:

• Entry: OHTA, OEF, EC-Bronze or higher

• Pre-training: OHTA, OEF, EC-Bronze or higher

• Training: OHTA, OEF, EC-Silver or higher + passport and sticker

• Prelim: OHTA, OEF, EC-Gold or higher + passport and sticker

    
     I ride someone else's horse, I am not the owner...what does the owner need?

• Training Level or above: The horse's owner requires a sport license at the same level (or above) as the sport license that the rider requires for the level at which you are competing.

• Pre-Entry, Entry and Pre-Training (where no passport is required): The horse's owner does NOT require an Equine Canada Sport License, but the rider does!

     What about if I want to change levels during the season????

• Here is what you need to do. Let’s say you purchase a Bronze sport license for you at the beginning of the season because you think you may stay in Entry or PT for the season…then rides go really well and you want to try Training! First and foremost you need the passport and the sticker for your horse (if he/she does not already have one!) and you MUST make sure the owner of your horse (if it is not you) purchases the correct license. Then you have 2 options. Option #1 is to contact EC and request a “permanent or full” upgrade to your license for the remainder of the season. They will charge you the difference between a Bronze license and a Silver license and mail you your new card. Option #2..you can go to the event that you are doing Training at and purchase a “one day” upgrade for $15.00 (this is non refundable by EC if you then decide to purchase the permanent higher level license and no EC points will count)