2024 Continuing Education Funding supported by Acera Insurance

The Alberta Equestrian Federation strives to provide funding, when available, to all members. To fairly determine distribution of any available funds, all requests for funding must be completed and submitted during the application period(s). In all cases, funding approval will be based and aligned with the AEF’s Vision, Mission and Values.


For this funding stream, the AEF will strive to provide funding for:

  • Continuing education for Instructors/Coaches to obtain or maintain professional credentials.
  • Educational courses for any horse owner interested in improving equine health and wellness.
  • Equestrian-related educational opportunities for athletes in an underrepresented group.
  1. People with disabilities
  2. Indigenous people
  3. Newcomers to Canada
  4. 2SLGBTQ+

The AEF will not provide funding for:

  • Competition
  • Future activities/events
  • Personal, social, or promotional activities/items
  • Memberships
  • Sponsorships


Application Requirements

The following are required for an application to be considered:

  • Event, course, or activity must have already been successfully completed;
  • Completed and signed application in full (including budget and the amount being requested);
  • Copies of receipts are mandatory; receipts for, or equal to, the amount of funding requested are required;
  • Submitted application during the application period (after attending your event), and no more than six months after completion of the event, activity, or course.
  • Download the expense file here - fill out and upload it to the Files Upload field located at the end of this application.

Applications are accepted between:

  • January 1 - April 30 of each year
  • June 1 - September 30 of each year

Applications received outside of the dates for each application period will not be considered. Successful applicants will be notified within 30 days after the application period closes.


Criteria

  • Each applicant must be a current AEF member;
  • Each applicant must have been an AEF member in good standing for the previous 2 (two) years;
  • Each applicant is required to complete an application form and may not apply for funding on behalf of another member, or on behalf of AEF employees or elected members of the Board of Directors;
  • Applicants who have not received funding in prior years will be selected over applicants who have received funding in previous years;
  • Applicants who have contributed to the AEF through volunteering or referring new members will be selected over those who have not done so in the past;
  • Applicants who have proven their ability to make excellent use of funds will be selected over those who have not done so in the past.


Sample of expenses that may be considered:

1- Continuing education for Instructors/Coaches to obtain or maintain professional credentials:

  • Applicable: First Aid training, NCCP modules, activities that are worth Professional Development Points.
  • Not applicable: memberships, Sport License, Coach Status fees.

2- Educational courses for any horse owner interested in improving equine health and wellness:

  • Applicable: Equine First Aid, Equine Massage, Equine Nutrition modules.
  • Not applicable: training and clinics.

3- Equestrian-related educational opportunities for athletes in an underrepresented group.

  • Applicable: Clinics, events, coaching sessions, courses.
  • Not applicable: memberships and competition fees.  


IMPORTANT


Please be aware that once you begin completing the application form, there is no option to save your progress and return later. To avoid losing any information, it is advisable to prepare and save your responses in a separate document before entering them on the application page. This will ensure that you do not lose your work if you need to exit before submission.


Applicant Information

Alberta
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Phone

Type of Application

What funding are you applying for?*
Do you identify with:*
Anonymity*


In your application, you have the option to remain anonymous should you choose to do so. We understand that not everyone in the 2SLGBTQI+ community may have disclosed their identity to family or social circles, and we respect your need for privacy.


However, we also recognize the importance of visibility and the powerful impact of sharing your experiences. Knowing that others share similar challenges can be immensely comforting and empowering. We encourage you to consider the potential positive influence your story could have on others in the community who feel isolated or alone.


If you opt for anonymity, be assured that your privacy will be protected, and any personal identifiers in your application or submissions will be kept confidential.

Instructors/Coaches' Continuing Education

  • Essay Topic: Describe how obtaining or maintaining professional credentials in equestrian coaching or instruction will impact your career and contribute to the equestrian community.

You will be required to provide ONE of the following verification methods:

  • Registration of ownership, OR
  • Vaccination Certificate signed by a vet in your name, OR
  • Equestrian Canada Horse Recording(s)/FEI documents/Passport


Please upload one of these documents to the Files Upload field located at the end of this application.


Horse Owners Seeking Educational Courses

  • Essay Topic: Discuss the importance of equine wellness and how specific educational courses (like Equine First Aid or Nutrition) will enhance the care and performance of your horses.

You will be required to provide ONE of the following verification methods:

  • Tax Status, OR
  • Medical Documentation


Please upload one of these documents to the Files Upload field located at the end of this application.


Person with Disabilities

  • Essay Topic: Reflect on the role of equestrian activities in promoting inclusion and personal development, and how funding support would enhance your participation in the sport.

You will be required to provide ONE of the following verification methods:

  • Indian Status Card, OR
  • Inuit Land Claim Organization, OR
  • Signed letter by chief or Band Council


Please upload one of these documents to the Files Upload field located at the end of this application.


Indigenous People

  • Essay Topic: Explore how equestrian activities can contribute to cultural heritage and personal growth within your community, and what funding support would mean to you.

You will be required to provide ONE of the following verification methods:

  • Permanent Residency Card, OR
  • Refugee Status, OR
  • Temporary Residency (Student Permit or Work Permit)

What is a newcomer? An immigrant or refugee who has been in Canada for a short time, usually less than five years is considered a newcomer.


Please upload one of these documents to the Files Upload field located at the end of this application.


Newcomers to Canada

  • Essay Topic: Describe your experience with equestrian sports in your country of origin and how you plan to continue this passion in Canada, including any challenges you anticipate.

2SLGBTQ+ Individuals

  • Essay Topic: Discuss the significance of inclusivity in equestrian sports and how funding could help you contribute to a more welcoming environment for diverse athletes.
  • Please include in your essay, if applicable, any challenges you may have encountered as a member of the 2SLGBTQI+ community and describe how your involvement in equestrian sports or your experiences with horses have helped you overcome these challenges.

Maximum of 250 words.


Alternative Submission Format: Video Essay


Understanding that diverse applicants may express themselves best in various formats, we offer an alternative to the written essay. If you prefer, you may submit a video essay instead of a written submission.


Video essay guidelines:


  • Length: Your video should be no longer than 3 minutes.
  • Content: Please address the same topic that corresponds to your application as outlined for the written essays. Ensure your video clearly discusses how the training you sought funding for will, or has impacted your participation in equestrian activities and your personal or professional development.
  • Submission: Upload your video to the Files Upload field at the end of this form.
  • Write "Video Essay Format" in the box below.


We encourage creativity in your presentation; however, please prioritize clarity and directness in your communication to effectively convey your message within the time limit.


Activity/Event Description

If more than one event or name, please separate them using a slash.


Sample:

First Aid - April 25, 2024 - Calgary / Equine Nutrition - March 15, 2024 - Equine Guelph / etc.

Checklist:

  • Upload all your receipts
  • Upload the AEF Expense file
  • Upload required verification documents (if applicable)
  • Upload your Video Essay (if applicable)
Drag and drop files here or

Write your full name below.