NCR Horsemanship Camp - 2026 - Merrickville, ON

The application period for Soldier On members wishing to participate in the NCR HORSEMANSHIP CAMP on 20-22 OCTOBER 2026 is now open. The application deadline is OCT 14 2026.

AIM AND SCOPE OF EVENT:

Soldier On will be partnering with Heritage Stables to host a 3-day horsemanship camp on 20-22 October 2026 in Merrickville, ON.  10 ill/injured serving or retired members of the Canadian Armed Forces will spend 3 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. Members will be responsible for their own travel to and from the Merrickville farm daily. Lunch will be provided. 

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: *timing and activities subject to change at discretion of service delivery provider

20 OCTOBER 2026 – Activity
0845-0855 – Participant arrival
0900-0930 – Welcome and intro to the farm/ tour 
0930-1130 – Intro to horses, grooming, and handling
1130-1230 – Lunch
1230-1300 – Riding Demo
1300-1430 – Quick tack up and lunge lesson
1430-1500 – Hay ride Time

21 OCTOBER – 2026 Activity
0845-0855 – Participant arrival
0900-1030 – Horse Grooming and Groundwork
1030-1130 – Fitness for riders
1130-1230 – Lunch
1230-1300 – Horse health and nutrition
1230-1330 – Tack up for lesson
1330-1430 – Lesson 
1430-1500 – Untack Time

22 OCTOBER 2026 – Activity
0845-0855 – Participant arrival
0900-0930 – Tack up
1000-1100 – Lesson 
1100-1130 – Untack
1130-1200 – Feed Chickens/ grab eggs
1200-1300 – Lunch
1300-1400 – Unmounted and Mounted Games
1400-1500 – Horse baths and spoiling them

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. The following meals will be provided during the event: lunch on 20-22 October.