E-ON INVERARY INTRODUCTION TO HORSEMANSHIP

The application period for Soldier On members wishing to participate in the Introduction to Horsemanship on 16 June 2025 at Inverary ON is now open. The application deadline is 6 June 2025.

AIM AND SCOPE OF EVENT: 
Soldier On, is hosting an Introduction to Horsemanship at DreamCatcher Farm, Inverary On on 16 June 2025.  What is Horsemanship? Horsemanship is the skill of working with horses, encompassing riding, handling, training, and overall care. It involves understanding horse behavior, anatomy, and psychology to build a harmonious relationship between horse and rider. Good horsemanship is about obtaining results with minimal effort, using a combination of balance, seat, hands, and legs. 

The number of Soldier On participants is limited to 10.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: 
Any serving member or veteran of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) from the Eastern Ontario Region within a reasonable driving distance to Inverary ON, 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.

Selected Serving members will require the approval of their Chain of Command to participate.

DRAFT SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:

16 June: ARRIVAL 0845
0900 -0930 - Welcome and intro to the farm/ranch tour 
0930- 1130 - Intro to horses, grooming, and handling
1130-1230 - Wellness
1230 - 1330 - Lunch (Bag Lunch)
1230-1300 - Riding Demo
1300 - 1430 - Tacking up and riding
1430- 1500 – Untacking/ End Event

TRANSPORTATION & MEALS:
Participants are advised that transportation will not be provided by Soldier On for this event. Participants will be required to arrange their own travel to and from the event location, travel and are not eligible for reimbursement for this event. A bag lunch will be provided.

Mental & Physical Requirements:
Participants must weigh under 250 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 (provided) when on a horse at all times. Applicants must be able to tolerate 6 hours of moderate paced activities for 1 day. Due to the busy activity schedule, applicants must have a limited requirement for rest throughout the day. 

Applicants will be joined with other ill/injured members and civilians, and therefore should be able to function in a social environment.