Our unique, horse centric programs strengthen communities socially and economically by providing opportunities for community engagement, leadership development and improved mental health and wellness in an active living environment that promotes physical literacy for people of all generations and abilities.
We offer a range of programs for all ages and abilities starting at 3 years of age. Our programs start at grassroots and can transition into the competitive stream depending on the rider’s pursuits. We align with our national body, Equestrian Canada and all of our coaches are fully certified and insured.
Through the generous funding from Veterans Affairs Canada, we are excited to offer the SPIRIT program designed to support women Veterans living in the Central & Western Regions of Nova Scotia (Halifax to Digby). This program is run in partnership with Rohan Wood Stables, Clannad Counselling & Consulting Inc., and the Free Spirit Therapeutic Riding Association.
Just outside the small village of Aylesford in Nova Scotia’s Annapolis Valley is Rohan Wood Stables, an innovative family run business founded in 2003 that combines the benefits of recreational and competitive riding with therapeutic riding and equine supported wellness.
RWS has been breeding welsh ponies and warmbloods for over a decade. Our breeding program proudly stands Morton's Jeeves, a section B welsh stallion at stud. Every year a select few brood mares, foals and yearlings are available for sale.
Trailering is available upon request within the Atlantic Region with occasional trailering opportunities each year to Quebec and Ontario. A Sundowner 2 horse, bumper-pull horse trailer is also available to rent for personal use.
Boarding is available in our 25 stall barn which contains 12x12 stalls with a soft stall mat systems. Board includes daily turnout, hay & purina grain with access to the indoor and outdoor riding ring.
Equestrian Canada has developed a Learn To Ride program to ensure the basic concepts of riding are clearly understood before the rider progresses to the next level. The program provides opportunities for riders to progress through written tests, interviews, and under-saddle jump and flat tests. There are 10 levels with rider level 6 being a pre-requisite to becoming a certified instructor. Horses are provided.
Our full time staff have been certified and trained in the U.S. to train young, green horses. Training is available on a monthly basis and prices include full boarding. We specialize in breaking young horses and working with problem horses.
Recognizing the importance of professional development and education, RWS offers a variety of workshops and professional development opportunities in the equine field all of which are open to the community
RWS is pleased to be able to offer a limited number of student placements and practicums throughout the school year focused on mentorship, personal development and education to meet the unique professional pursuits of our student interns. RWS will also help prepare individuals for their EC Instructor Exam and CanTRA Instructor Exam.
Are you new to the horse world? Not sure what program would suit your child? Learn about what to look for when choosing equestrian programming, industry standards and safety and what is the right fit for you and your family or organization.
* Improved self-confidence
* Improved self-assessment Abilities
* Development of patience
* Improved emotional control and self-discipline
* Development of respect and care for animals
* Increased vocabulary, application and recall
* Increased verbal integration and participation
* Improved attention and concentration
* Improved sequencing and planning skills
* Improved judgement and critical thinking skills
* Improved flexibility in thinking
* Improved balance and muscular strength
* Improved coordination, faster reflexes and increased motor planning
* Stretching of tight or spastic muscles
* Increased range of motion of joints
* Improved respiration and circulation
* Stimulated sensory integration
* Improved visual spatial perception
* Improved eye-hand coordination
