Equestrian Camp in Merrickville, ON
Soldier On will be partnering with Heritage Stables to host a equestrian camp on June 7-9 in Merrickville, ON. This activity will bring together both serving and retired ill/injured CAF members, allowing participants to connect through peer support and encourage an active lifestyle.
Eight ill/injured serving or retired members of the Canadian Armed Forces will spend three days learning what it takes to care and train to be comfortable riding a horse. This program will assist in the continuation of a healthy lifestyle.
The aim of this activity will be to allow participants to learn more about horses, acquire the confidence to be near and handle a horse safely, and to learn the basics of mounting and riding a horse and the aftercare.
All equipment and lunch will be provided.
This program will include thorough instruction and hands on experience where participants will be introduced to the farm, learn basic horsemanship skills such as grooming and handling, and receive instruction and guidance on riding. Participants will enjoy the company of these beautiful and powerful animals alongside their peers throughout the event.
Assistance throughout the event will be provided courtesy of
Heritage Stables.
June 7
- 9 a.m.: Welcome and intro to the farm/ tour
- 9:30 a.m.: Intro to horses, grooming, and handling
- 11:30 a.m.: Lunch
- 12:30 p.m.: Riding Demo
- 1 p.m.: Quick tack up and lunge lesson
- 2:30 - 3 p.m. Hay ride
June 8
- 9 a.m.: Horse Grooming and Groundwork
- 10:10 a.m.: Fitness for riders
- 11:30 a.m.: Lunch
- 12:30 pm.: Horse health and nutrition, Tack up for lesson
- 1:30 p.m.: Lesson
- 2:30 p.m.: Untack
June 9
- 9 a.m.: Tack up
- 10 a.m.: Lesson
- 11 a.m.: Untack
- 11:30 a.m.: Feed chickens, grab eggs
- noon: Lunch
- 1 p.m.: Unmounted and Mounted Games
- 2 p.m.: Horse baths and spoiling them
The number of Soldier On participants is limited to eight.
Minimum eligibility criteria
Any serving member or veteran of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) from the National Capital Region who acquired a permanent physical or mental health illness or injury while enrolled as a member of the CAF; whether attributable or not to service.
Due to the fact that the event is in the NCR geographical area, travel assistance will not be provided.
Serving Members
Medical clearance may be required by your chain of command.
Mental & Physical Requirements
- Participants must weigh under 200 lbs (as per regulations from the Sport Provider for the horse’s safety) and be able to walk and maneuver in and around horses and mount a horse with little to no assistance.
- Participants must wear an approved helmet when on a horse at all time, and be able to tolerate five to six hours of moderate paced activities for three days in a row.
- Due to the busy activity schedule, applicants must have a limited requirement for rest throughout the day.
- Participants will be joined with other ill/injured members and civilians, and therefore should be able to function in a social environment.
- Participants also acknowledge that there will be no alcohol allowed during the event.