SHF Long-Term Equestrian Development

What is LTED?

The LTED model is a blueprint for building the best sport system possible. It respects the developmental needs of all equestrians, addressing those who are able-bodied and those who have a disability. It also addresses both early and late developers.

Who benefits from LTED?

• Beneficial to all levels of athletes, from high performance to recreational.
• Recognizes the essential roles played by parents, coaches, sponsors, breeders, officials, competition organizers, stable owners, horse owners, administrators, sport scientists, and other stakeholders.
• The model is based on stages of development rather than age or years of experience, allowing anyone to join the pathway at any time, regardless of age, ability or experience.
• Allows athletes, coaches, parents and stakeholders to work together toward a common pathway and goal.
• Encourages equestrians to stay involved throughout their lives.
• Designed to address and overcome the current shortcomings of equestrian sport - and the resulting consequences and impact.

Who was LTED developed for?

• Shows athletes the different programs available to them as they develop and learn.
• Provides an educational tool to help become familiar with the stages of development and support coaches who act in the best interest of the developing athlete.
• Validates best practices and orients coaches to what is appropriate for skill building at each stage of athlete development, and what competitions are appropriate for each stage of development.
• By understanding the optimum development of athletes in equestrian sport, officials are in a better position to suggest equipment and rule changes that are stage-of-development appropriate.
• Helps guide developmentally appropriate competition structure and rules, enabling athletes to progress optimally. 

5 Developmental Pathways of LTED

COACH – Check out the Coaching tab at www.saskhorse.ca where you will find information on:

• Coach Certification
• How to Become a Certified Coach
• Maintaining Certification
• Find a Certified Coach
• Coaching Symposium

This tab also has links to a variety of Coaching programs.

OFFICIALS – Check out the Competitions tab at www.saskhorse.ca where you will find information on:

• Find an Official
• Become an Official

ATHLETES – SHF offers a vast array of support to our athletes, from those who enjoy recreational events to those who strive for FEI competition. Check the following tabs on www.saskhorse.ca for information on:

• Memberships - Grants & funding
• Competitions – Event Calendar, Year End Awards, Heritage Circuit & Provincial Finals, Prairie Cup & High Performance Symposium
• Welfare – Horse Care, Ask The Vet, Biosecurity, Health & Welfare Recognition Award
• Programs – Equine Assisted Learning, Scholarship, The Horse Portal
• Recreation – Trail Information, Miles in Motion
• Industry – Industry Reports, Breeder Profiles

COMPETITIONS – Check out the Competitions tab at www.saskhorse.ca where you will find information on:

• Competitions – Event Calendar, Year End Awards, Heritage Circuit & Provincial Finals, Prairie Cup & High Performance Symposium

HORSE - Check out the following tabs at www.saskhorse.ca where you will find information on:

• Welfare - Horse Care, Ask The Vet, Biosecurity, Health & Welfare Recognition Award
• Industry – Industry Reports, Breeder Profiles

Further information on the National LTED program can be found at Equestrian Canada.