NCR HORSES & MAKERS CAMP

The application period for Soldier On members wishing to participate in the NCR HORSES & MAKERS CAMP on 28-30 OCTOBER 2025 is now open. The application deadline is 5 OCT 2025.

AIM AND SCOPE OF EVENT: 
Soldier On is proud to partner with Heritage Stables, Pick Plant Prune, and Cup of Intention to host Horses & Makers, a 3-day overnight retreat. This immersive experience offers participants the opportunity to:   
🐎 Learn to care for and ride horses in a supportive environment
🌸 Explore creativity through a flower arranging and cut-flower garden planning workshop
🕯️ Craft calm with an aromatherapy candle-making and candle holder painting session   
Details:

• 📍 Location: Merrickville, ON
• 📅 Dates: October 28–30, 2025
• 🛏️ Group accommodations (double occupancy) provided
• 🍽️ Meals during the event included
• 🚗 Participants are responsible for their own travel to and from event locations.
• No prior experience with horses or crafting is required—just a willingness to try something new and connect with others.

AIM AND SCOPE OF EVENT: 
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 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.

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

Language of Instruction: English

DRAFT SCHEDULE OF EVENTS: *subject to change

28 October 2025

1. • 0900-1430: Arrival at camp. Equestrian activities at Heritage Stables
   • 1445-1600: Airbnb check-in and shower/change
   • 1600-1800: Flower arranging and cut flower garden planning workshop at Maple & Rose Airbnb
   • 1830: Dinner in town (nearby – 10 minute walk)

29 October 2025

1. • 0900-1500: Equestrian activities at Heritage Stables
   • 15:15-16:00: Shower/change
   • 1600-1800: Aromatherapy candle-making and candle holder painting workshop at Maple & Rose Airbnb
   • 1830: Dinner in town (nearby – 10 minute walk)

30 October 2025

1. • 0830: Airbnb check-out
   • 0900-1500: Equestrian activities at Heritage Stables
   • 1500: Depart for home

TRANSPORTATION & MEALS:
Participants are advised that transprtation will not be provided by Soldier On for this event. Participants will be required to arrange their own travel to and from the event locations. The following meals will be provided during the event: Breakfast on 29th and 30th. Lunch on 28th, 29th, and 30th. Dinner on 28th and 29th.

Mental and Physical Limitations:

• ALL
• 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.
•  
• HORSES
• 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 5-6 hours of moderate paced activities for 3 days in a row.
•  
• MAKERS
• Participants should have sufficient hand/arm mobility for crafting activities (e.g., arranging flowers, pouring wax, painting)
• Participants should be prepared to be in highly scented environments for extended periods of time (ex: horse barn and farm, fragrant florals, aromatherapy oils)