NLEA Provincial Officials: Stewards
Are you interested in supporting the equine community and encouraging active participation in sanctioned NLEA shows?
Do you have an interest in local competitions and the NLEA Terra Nova Series rulebook?
Consider becoming a NLEA steward!
Local competitions require the use of NLEA approved officials (judges and stewards) to be considered sanctioned. Competition organizers may choose officials from other provinces, Equestrian Canada (some restrictions apply), Discipline/Breed Specific (judges), and/or NLEA Provincial Officials!
Our goal is to recruit and sustain a local pool of capable NLEA provincial officials to foster local growth and opportunity in our provincial level competitions and to showcase a unique side of competition participation.
The following requirements came into effect April 1st, 2025.
Do you have an interest in local competitions and the NLEA Terra Nova Series rulebook?
Consider becoming a NLEA steward!
Local competitions require the use of NLEA approved officials (judges and stewards) to be considered sanctioned. Competition organizers may choose officials from other provinces, Equestrian Canada (some restrictions apply), Discipline/Breed Specific (judges), and/or NLEA Provincial Officials!
Our goal is to recruit and sustain a local pool of capable NLEA provincial officials to foster local growth and opportunity in our provincial level competitions and to showcase a unique side of competition participation.
The following requirements came into effect April 1st, 2025.
Duties
NLEA stewards interpret and enforce the Terra Nova Series rulebook and ensure fair competition for all riders. Duties may include, but are not restricted to the following:
Qualifications
Interested individuals must have the following qualifications:
and the following requirements:
including the following courses/training:
Application Process
Individuals interested in becoming a NLEA provincial official steward are required to submit the following:
Applications will be considered as they are received. Incomplete applications will be rejected. Selected applicants will receive a NLEA certificate of approval and your name and contact information will be added to a list of approved officials by the NLEA and posted to the website if consent is given.
Approved applicants are not guaranteed stewarding opportunities at any time. Competition organizers/show hosts are solely responsible for requesting services from their selected official(s). Any and all contract negotiation, including fees and payments, are between the interested host party and the official (i.e. the NLEA have no financial obligation for any parties at any time).
The NLEA reserves the right to remove approved officials at any time.
Please email any questions or concerns to vicepresident@equestriannl.ca.
NLEA stewards interpret and enforce the Terra Nova Series rulebook and ensure fair competition for all riders. Duties may include, but are not restricted to the following:
- Act as a liaison between competitors, other officials, competition management and the NLEA Board of Directors where appropriate.
- Reviewing and approving competition packages.
- Investigate and act upon any alleged violations without waiting for a formal protest.
- Monitor the warm-up arena for illegal or unsafe behavior.
- Inspect equipment and deny participation in a class if there are equipment violations.
- Deny participation to any athlete who violates the rules, and/or is deemed to be acting unsafely or acting inhumanely to any horse.
- Investigate horses who appear to be unsound to bring to the judge's attention.
- Stop a class in the event a horse or rider should be considered unsafe.
Qualifications
Interested individuals must have the following qualifications:
- Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the Terra Nova Series Rulebook and supporting documents.
- NLEA Member in Good Standing.
- At least 19 years of age.
- Ample knowledge of equines and prior riding experience.
- Previous competition experience is considered an asset.
- Be available to attend NLEA sanctioned shows upon show host request.
- Good interpersonal communication skills and experience with conflict management and resolution.
- Follow rulebook guidelines regarding conflicts of interest.
- First aid training (human and/or equine) is not mandatory but encouraged.
and the following requirements:
- One (1) letter of recommendation from individuals active within the horse industry
- Completed RNC/RCMP Vulnerable Sector Check (must be updated every 3 years)
including the following courses/training:
- Equine Guelph "Provincial Foundations Officials" course for NLEA
- One (1) NLEA approved Safe Sport course:
- One (1) NLEA approved Concussion Awareness course:
Application Process
Individuals interested in becoming a NLEA provincial official steward are required to submit the following:
- NLEA Steward Application Form (see below)
- Application Fee $20.00 --- FEE WAIVED FOR PREVIOUS APPLICANTS!
- Provide proof of at minimum 5 shadowing/mentoring hours under NLEA approved judge(s) and/or steward(s) at a minimum of 2 NLEA sanctioned competitions within the last 2 years (minimum of 10 hours total).
- All supervising officiants must submit the NLEA Provincial Officials: Mentoring Form before or at the time of your submission.
Applications will be considered as they are received. Incomplete applications will be rejected. Selected applicants will receive a NLEA certificate of approval and your name and contact information will be added to a list of approved officials by the NLEA and posted to the website if consent is given.
Approved applicants are not guaranteed stewarding opportunities at any time. Competition organizers/show hosts are solely responsible for requesting services from their selected official(s). Any and all contract negotiation, including fees and payments, are between the interested host party and the official (i.e. the NLEA have no financial obligation for any parties at any time).
The NLEA reserves the right to remove approved officials at any time.
Please email any questions or concerns to vicepresident@equestriannl.ca.