Winter Score O - Hobby Horse Farm, Coldbrook NS

Organizers: Jim Blanchard (Event Director), Jim Blanchard (Course Planner)

INFORMATION BELOW CURRENT AS OF [2026-01-14] - Please check back for more details.

AVOC and ONS will be hosting a Score O event on Saturday 28 February, 2026 (with storm date of March 1) at Hobby Horse Farm off Spittal Road in Coldbrook. Course distances will relate to the route each participant takes to each of the control sites.

Being in late February there may be enough snow for participants to wear snowshoes. We will notify participants if snowshoes can be reasonably used by 6 pm Friday 27 February.

Map: Original Hobby Horse Farm map (no contours to speak of, created from Open Street Map)

Terrain is a mix of softwood ( coniferous) with large Hemlocks and pine with very runnable forest in these sections. There are a number of trails in a network throughout the main section of the map. There are also areas of thicker green coniferous as well as areas of hardwood in the Southern upper section.

Refreshments: In an effort to reduce waste, please bring your own water. There will be hot chocolate for each participant if so desired. Bringing your own mug would be helpful. No other refreshments will be provided so bring your own snacks.

Registration

Prior to participating in an event, all participants must have completed the one time Orienteering NS registration form and the Orienteering Canada waiver as part of registration process. You will be asked to create a login if this is your first time using the software.

Once membership and waiver are completed, register for the event by completing the process at the registration site linked here and above.

Register here for Winter Score O

Please ensure you register via this link by 10pm on Thursday, February 26, 2026 to guarantee a map. Last minute registration can be done on site, but we typically only have a few extra maps; because we didn’t know you were coming. Pre-registration allows the on-site details to move more quickly for all participants.

On-site check-in will take place from 10:45 on February 28th (or 11:45 on March 1 if a storm date is enacted). Please ensure you have completed membership/waiver in advance (see above).

VOLUNTEERS would be appreciated for a few tasks associated with the event (e.g. registration). Please click link below to sign up.

Volunteer

Beginner Instruction – can be offered. Please let us know if you are interested, and arrive at 11:00 am to register. Instruction will take place at 11:15 am on February 28th (1215 pm if event is storm-delayed to March 1st).

Event Schedule**:

10:45 am - Registration Opens

11:45 am - Safety Brief/ Registration Closes

12:00 noon - Mass Start

Course closure time - TBA at registration

Start and Finish will be nearby the registration table.

A Storm Notice will be posted here no later than 6pm on Friday, February 27th if required. If a storm delay is required, the event will be rescheduled to Sunday, March 1st, with the following schedule:

11:45 am - Registration Opens

12:45 am - Safety Brief/ Registration Closes

1:00 pm - Mass Start

Course closure time - TBA at registration

Course: There will be one course, a Score course where participants gather/visit as many controls as possible in a specified period of time. The time limit and penalty for over time will be specified at the registration site but time allowed on course will be at least 60 minutes.

Entry Fees:

Adults: $10; Youth 18 and under $2, Families/households registering 3 or more participants at the same time may use a coupon code during the registration proc to receive a 25% discount.

Timing sticks are not needed. This event will be using the ‘old’ system of punch cards (we have lots) so you will punch in at each control location and timing will be also the old system using a stop watch!! This gives the event a feeling of a training event and is aimed at giving participants fun in the woods. You of course are most welcome to use your own watch and time yourself and this time may be given to recorder at the finish.

How to Pay:

In advance (preferred):

• By credit card as part of the registration process linked above
• Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) to the following email: nsorienteering@gmail.com
  • If you choose this method, complete the online registration process. At checkout, please enter the following coupon code: PAY_EFT_2026 so that you appear on our registration list.

In person:

• In cash; a payment container will be available. Please bring correct change.
  • If you choose this method, complete the online registration process. At checkout, please enter the following coupon code: PAY_CASH_2026 so that you appear on our registration list.

Note: all of the above is restated in the registration process.

Parking:

Parking is first come first served basis in at the registration site but once full, you will need to part on the right side of the road on Spittal Road near the entrance to the farm driveway.

Washrooms:

There are no washroom facilities at the event site. Please plan accordingly.

Questions:

Contact Jim at jlblanc at eastlink dot ca

Note: Individuals may participate in the gender category of their choosing that is congruent with how they authentically live outside of the sport. No further disclosure or documentation is required.

Location