GRIT Fall Training Camp
This high-performance training experience brings together GRIT Team athletes, coaches, and parents, with HP1 coaches, GRIT alumni, and auditors invited to learn, observe, and engage alongside the team.

Camp at a glance
Dates
GRIT Team & HP1 Coaches: October 16-18, 2026
Auditors: October 17-18, 2026
Location
Adena Springs North
14875 Bayview Ave
Aurora, ON
L4G 7A9
Theme
Polished Performance
Experience
• Athlete Training
• Coach Development
• Education
• Networking

camp schedules
14875 Bayview Ave, Aurora, ON
October 16, 2026
Opening
Light breakfast and coffee will be served in the indoor arena!
Physical Testing & Functional Movement Screening
Continue your physical development with a second round of physical testing and functional movement screening in the GRIT Barn (Barn 8). Come prepared to move, bring comfortable exercise wear!
Ring Familiarization
GRIT riders will participate in 40-minute group sessions, with groups staggered throughout the day. Sessions will alternate between dressage and jumping, with the final group schedule and ride times subject to weather and arena conditions.
Lunch
Join us for a delicious lunch provided by Healthy Now, served in the GRIT event tent. This catered meal is designed to fuel your body with wholesome, energizing ingredients to keep you feeling your best throughout the day.
GRIT Alumni Panel
Hear from GRIT alumni about their experiences within the program and the different paths their journeys have taken beyond GRIT. This discussion will give current athletes a firsthand look at the opportunities GRIT can create while exploring how to make the most of your camp experience.
Jog preparation
Prepare your horse for the GRIT Horse Jog with Manning Equine. Learn best practices for horse presentation, turnout, and grooming, while gaining an understanding of what to expect during an FEI-style jog and how to present your horse professionally.
GRIT jog
Athletes will present their horses through an FEI-style jog, gaining practical experience with the process, expectations, and professional presentation required in a high-performance competition environment.
Performance goal setting
Athletes establish clear technical and personal goals for the weekend, identifying areas they want to develop, skills they want to improve, and opportunities they want to make the most of throughout the camp.
GRIT welcome dinner
Kick off the weekend with a private welcome dinner for GRIT athletes, GRIT alumni, and ITTY GRITTY athletes in the GRIT Event Tent. Connect with fellow athletes, alumni, and members of the GRIT community before training begins.
October 17, 2026
Opening
Light breakfast and coffee provided in the indoor arena!
Keynote address
Award-winning Canadian sports broadcaster Scott Russell explores what it means to deliver a polished performance both in and out of the arena. Drawing on his decades of experience covering elite sport, Scott will share perspectives on communication, professionalism, confidence, preparation, and performing under pressure.
Dressage
Hazel McQueen & Ainsley Leach
Dressage
Lauren Pinelli, Hilary Leblanc, Kayla Welsh
Flatwork
→ Jumping
Kennedy Brand, Leora Lomker, Elicia Ratcliff, Avery Tallman
Performance debrief
A guided discussion with the GRIT coaching team, moderated by Ruth Allum, focused on key takeaways, reflections, and athlete, coach, parent, and auditor questions.
Lunch
Join us for a delicious lunch provided by Healthy Now, served in the GRIT event tent. This catered meal is designed to fuel your body with wholesome, energizing ingredients to keep you feeling your best throughout the day.
Flatwork
→ Jumping
Sophie Clauwers, Jesse Nadolny, Keira Smith, Holly Heikkila, Amelia Gatti
Flatwork
→ Jumping
Mary Baker, Avery Clune, Valentina Da Silva Giusti, Abigail Hineman
Performance debrief
A guided discussion with the GRIT coaching team, moderated by Ruth Allum, focused on key takeaways, reflections, and athlete, coach, parent, and auditor questions.
Mental performance
Paige Mattie leads an interactive session focused on confidence, routines, performing under pressure, and preparing mentally for Sunday's competition challenge.
October 18, 2026
Opening
Light breakfast and coffee provided in the indoor arena!
DRESSAGE
Christilot Boylen will guide GRIT dressage riders through a modelled competition experience. Building on the foundational principles of dressage, this session will simulate the competitive environment while focusing on correctness, consistency, and the application of fundamentals under pressure.
Course Walk
Join Ian Millar and Rob for a guided course walk focused on the questions athletes should ask before entering the ring. Explore how to evaluate lines, distances, jump placement, and technical challenges, while developing strategies to navigate the course effectively.
Professional Athlete showcase
Watch elite athletes ride the same courses and tests that GRIT athletes will be asked to complete, providing a first-hand look at how top-level riders approach preparation, warm-up, execution, and performance. The demonstrations will be followed by a Q&A, giving GRIT athletes the opportunity to ask questions and gain insight into the decisions and strategies behind each performance
lunch
Join us for our last lunch of the Fall GRIT Camp, for a chance to relax, connect, and refuel together before the weekend wraps up.
GRIT jumping challenge
Jumping athletes will put their weekend of preparation into practice by competing over a full competition course in their assigned training groups. Athletes will apply the technical, tactical, and mental skills developed throughout the weekend while navigating the course and performing under competition conditions.
Awards & closing ceremony
Celebrate athlete achievements with the GRITTy awards, recognize outstanding performances, and conclude the 2026 GRIT Fall Training Camp.
14875 Bayview Ave, Aurora, ON
October 17, 2026
Opening
Light breakfast and coffee provided in the indoor arena!
Keynote address
Award-winning Canadian sports broadcaster Scott Russell explores what it means to deliver a polished performance both in and out of the arena. Drawing on his decades of experience covering elite sport, Scott will share perspectives on communication, professionalism, confidence, preparation, and performing under pressure.
Dressage
Hazel McQueen & Ainsley Leach
Dressage
Lauren Pinelli, Hilary Leblanc, Kayla Welsh
Flatwork
→ Jumping
Kennedy Brand, Leora Lomker, Elicia Ratcliff, Avery Tallman
Performance debrief
A guided discussion with the GRIT coaching team, moderated by Ruth Allum, focused on key takeaways, reflections, and athlete, coach, parent, and auditor questions.
Lunch
Join us for a delicious lunch provided by in the GRIT event tent. This catered meal is designed to fuel your body with wholesome, energizing ingredients to keep you feeling your best throughout the day.
Flatwork
→ Jumping
Sophie Clauwers, Amelia Gatti, Holly Heikkila, Jesse Nadolny, Keira Smith
Flatwork
→ Jumping
Mary Baker, Avery Clune, Valentina Da Silva Giusti, Abigail Hineman
Performance debrief
A guided discussion with the GRIT coaching team, moderated by Ruth Allum, focused on key takeaways, reflections, and athlete, coach, parent, and auditor questions.
October 18, 2026
Opening
Light breakfast and coffee provided in the indoor arena!
grit DRESSAGE Challenge
Christilot Boylen will guide GRIT dressage riders Hazel McQueen, Ainsley Leach, Lauren Pinelli, Kayla Welsh, and Hilary Leblanc through a modelled competition experience. Building on the foundational principles of dressage, this session will simulate the competitive environment while focusing on correctness, consistency, and the application of fundamentals under pressure.
Course Walk
Join Ian Millar and Rob Carey for a guided course walk focused on the questions athletes should ask before entering the ring. Explore how to evaluate lines, distances, jump placement, and technical challenges, while developing strategies to navigate the course effectively.
Professional Athlete showcase
Watch elite athletes ride the same courses and tests that GRIT athletes will be asked to complete, offering a first-hand look at how top-level riders approach preparation, warm-up, execution, and performance. The demonstrations will be followed by a Q&A, providing auditors with the opportunity to hear directly from the riders and explore the decisions, strategies, and preparation behind each performance.
lunch
On the final day, join us for our last lunch of the Fall GRIT Camp, for a chance to relax, connect, and refuel together before the weekend wraps up.
grit jumping challenge
Jumping athletes will put their weekend of preparation into practice by competing over a full competition course in their assigned training groups. Athletes will apply the technical, tactical, and mental skills developed throughout the weekend while navigating the course and performing under competition conditions.
Awards & closing ceremony
Celebrate athlete achievements, recognize outstanding performances, and conclude the 2026 GRIT Fall Training Camp.
14875 Bayview Ave, Aurora, ON
October 16, 2026
Analyze performance
HP1 Coaches will take part in a high‑intensity Analyze Performance classroom session at the Ontario Equestrian office. The group will review core principles, tighten their understanding of expected outcomes, and align their understanding with HP1 standards. A streamlined breakdown of the HP1 Portfolio and Panel Presentation will follow, with clear emphasis on evidence quality and assessment expectations. This session sets the foundation for the weekend: coaches will immediately put these skills into practice in the live learning‑lab environment of GRIT Camp, applying their analysis in real time with athletes and horses over the following two days. Coaches will transport themselves to Adena Springs for the afternoon sessions. Please pack a lunch or pick one up enroute.
GRIT Alumni Panel
Hear from GRIT alumni about their experiences within the program and the different paths their journeys have taken beyond GRIT. This discussion offers auditors a behind-the-scenes look at the impact of the GRIT experience and the opportunities it can create, while exploring how athletes can maximize their time in the program and make the most of every opportunity.
Jog preparation
Explore best practices for horse presentation, turnout, and grooming with Manning Equine, while developing a deeper understanding of FEI-style jog expectations and preparation. Coaches will gain practical knowledge they can apply when preparing and presenting horses in a high-performance competition environment.
GRIT horse jog
Experience an FEI-style horse jog and explore the presentation standards, preparation, and expectations involved in a high-performance competition environment. Coaches will gain practical insight into the jog process and how to prepare, educate, and support their athletes and horses through each stage, from preparation and presentation to navigating the jog itself.
Performance goal setting
Explore how to establish clear, meaningful technical and personal performance goals for the weekend. Coaches will gain practical insight into helping athletes identify areas for development, set purposeful goals, and create a clear focus for their training and performance throughout camp.
Welcome Reception & Networking
Current HP1 participants and alumni reconnect over canapés, network with coaches, and officially kick off the weekend.
October 17, 2026
Opening
Light breakfast and coffee provided in the indoor arena!
Keynote address
Award-winning Canadian sports broadcaster Scott Russell explores what it means to deliver a polished performance both in and out of the arena. Drawing on his decades of experience covering elite sport, Scott will share perspectives on communication, professionalism, confidence, preparation, and performing under pressure.
Dressage
Hazel McQueen & Ainsley Leach
Dressage
Lauren Pinelli, Hilary Leblanc, Kayla Welsh
Flatwork
→ Jumping
Kennedy Brand, Leora Lomker, Elicia Ratcliff, Avery Tallman
Performance debrief
A guided discussion with the GRIT coaching team, moderated by Ruth Allum, focused on key takeaways, reflections, and athlete, coach, parent, and audience questions.
Lunch
Join us for a delicious lunch, served in the GRIT event tent. This catered meal is designed to fuel your body with wholesome, energizing ingredients to keep you feeling your best throughout the day.
Flatwork
→ Jumping
Sophie Clauwers, Amelia Gatti, Holly Heikkila, Jesse Nadolny, Keira Smith
Flatwork
→ Jumping
Mary Baker, Avery Clune, Valentina Da Silva Giusti, Abigail Hineman
Performance debrief
A guided discussion with the GRIT coaching team. This session will explore athlete and coach perspectives and provide an opportunity for athletes, coaches, parents, and auditors to ask questions and engage in discussion to round out the camp day.
October 18, 2026
Opening
Light breakfast and coffee provided in the indoor arena!
GRIT DRESSAGE challenge
Christilot Boylen will guide GRIT dressage riders Hazel McQueen, Ainsley Leach, Lauren Pinelli, Kayla Welsh, and Hilary Leblanc through a modelled competition experience. Building on the foundational principles of dressage, this session will simulate the competitive environment while focusing on correctness, consistency, and the application of fundamentals under pressure.
Course Walk
Join Ian Millar and Rob for a guided course walk focused on the questions athletes should ask before entering the ring. Explore how to evaluate lines, distances, jump placement, and technical challenges, while developing strategies to navigate the course effectively.
Professional Athlete showcase
Watch elite athletes ride the same courses and tests that GRIT athletes will be asked to complete, offering a first-hand look at how top-level riders approach preparation, warm-up, execution, and performance. The demonstrations will be followed by a Q&A, providing the opportunity to hear directly from the riders and explore the decisions, strategies, and preparation behind each performance.
lunch
On the final day, join us for our last lunch of the Fall GRIT Camp, for a chance to relax, connect, and refuel together before the weekend wraps up.
GRIT jumping challenge
Jumping athletes will put their weekend of preparation into practice by competing over a full competition course in their assigned training groups. Athletes will apply the technical, tactical, and mental skills developed throughout the weekend while navigating the course and performing under competition conditions.
Awards & closing ceremony
Celebrate athlete achievements, recognize outstanding performances, and conclude the 2026 GRIT Fall Training Camp.

Camp information
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Find answers to common questions about the Fall GRIT Camp.
GRIT athletes, parents, coaches, GRIT alumni, HP1 coaches, and registered auditors may attend designated camp activities. Each group has a specific schedule and access level.
Auditor registration includes access to designated educational sessions, mounted training observations, keynote presentations, and select camp activities, as well as coffee, lunch and refreshments. Auditor registration does not include October 16 programming.
All participants should check the schedule for their designated arrival time and location. Auditors: Please report to the Indoor Arena in Barn 9 to check in and receive your name badge. GRIT Athletes & Horses: Athletes arriving with horses on Thursday should proceed to the designated stabling area in Barn 8 for check-in and barn set-up.
Participants are responsible for bringing all required riding equipment, horse care and grooming supplies, and any required documentation. Please review the Horses & Stabling and What to Bring sections of the Rules and Regulations before arriving.
All participants are expected to follow Ontario Equestrian, GRIT, facility, horse welfare, and safety requirements throughout the weekend. Please review the Rules & Regulations before attending, as some activities, including ring familiarization, are mandatory for designated participants.


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