The GRIT Spring Training Camp marks the start of the 2026 season, bringing athletes together for a weekend of learning, connection, and high-performance development. Setting the tone for the year, the camp focuses on building athletes and horses for lasting performance, not quick wins, through technical training, mindset development, and integrated athlete support.

AGENDA

Adena Springs North
14875 Bayview Ave, Aurora, ON

April 25, 2026

See agenda of the day

8:15 - 8:30Am

welcome

Welcome! Check in, grab a light breakfast, and settle in before we begin.

8:30 - 9:15Am

Keynote

Developing athletes and horses for lasting performance, not quick wins with guest of honour Kyle Eccelstone.
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Ian Millar

Christilot Boylen

Amy Millar

Kyle Eccelstone

9:15 - 11:30Am

Dressage

This opening session will establish the foundation for the weekend, guiding athletes through key dressage principles including position, connection, and clarity of the aids. Emphasis will be placed on developing a correct, consistent contact and a responsive, rideable horse. Athletes will be encouraged to focus on quality basics and thoughtful execution.
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Christilot Boylen

11:45 - 1:00Pm

Dressage & Jumping

This session will focus on strengthening fundamental dressage principles, including position, connection, and developing a consistent contact. Athletes will build a solid foundation on the flat to support rideability and confidence. The session will then transition to jumping, where athletes will work through grid exercises to develop rhythm, balance, and a consistent approach to fences, reinforcing the connection between flatwork and jumping.
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Christilot Boylen

Ian Millar

Amy Millar

1:00 - 1:45PM

Lunch

Join us for a delicious and nutritious 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.

Healthy Now

1:45 - 3:00PM

Dressage & Jumping

This session will focus on refining dressage principles, including adjustability, collection, and quality of connection to produce a more responsive, rideable horse. The session will then transition to jumping, where athletes will work through progressive grid exercises to develop accuracy, timing, and consistency over more technical questions. Emphasis will be placed on the connection between flatwork and jumping to support long-term, high-performance development.
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Christilot Boylen

Ian Millar

Amy Millar

3:00 - 4:15PM

Dressage & Jumping

This session will focus on refining advanced dressage principles, including adjustability, collection, and quality of connection to develop a highly responsive, rideable horse. Athletes will then transition to jumping, working through progressive and more technical grid exercises to sharpen accuracy, timing, and consistency. Emphasis will be placed on the integration of flatwork and jumping to support lasting performance and high-performance development.
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Christilot Boylen

Ian Millar

Amy Millar

4:15 - 4:30PM

Guided Debrief

Christilot Boylen

Ian Millar

Amy Millar

April 26, 2026

See agenda of the day

8:15 - 8:30Am

Welcome

Welcome! Check in, grab a light breakfast, and settle in before we begin.

8:30 - 11:00AM

DRESSAGE

This second day of training builds on the foundation established on day one, as GRIT dressage riders continue their development under the guidance of Christilot Boylen. Athletes will focus on refining the level and test that will be central to the first half of the 2026 show season, with attention to execution, consistency, and producing scores aligned with performance expectations. Athletes will be challenged to think critically, ride with intention, and apply a mindset of continuous growth.
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Christilot Boylen

11:00 - 12:15PM

Dressage & jumping

Building on the progress from Day 1, this session will challenge athletes to bring greater consistency and confidence to their flatwork, with a focus on position, connection, and a more reliable contact. Riders will be encouraged to take the next step, applying what they’ve learned to create a more responsive, rideable horse. The energy continues into jumping, where grid exercises will build on yesterday’s work to develop rhythm, balance, and a more consistent, confident approach to fences.

Christilot Boylen

Ian Millar

Amy Millar

12:15 - 1:00PM

lunch

Healthy Now

1:00 - 1:45PM

Mental Performance for Coaches & Parents: Supporting the Whole Athlete

This session focuses on how coaches and parents can support athlete mental performance through fostering compassion for oneself, effective communication, and a strong understanding of identity beyond sport. Emphasis will be placed on fostering confidence, guiding goal setting, and creating an environment that prioritizes long-term development and lasting performance, not quick wins. Participants will gain practical tools to better support their athletes both in and out of the ring. You’ll leave with simple, practical tools to support your rider’s confidence, motivation, and resilience so they can keep showing up, learning, and loving the sport through every high and low.
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Paige Mattie

1:45 - 3:00PM

DRESSAGE & Jumping

Building on Day 1, athletes will refine connection, position, and rideability on the flat. The session will then progress to more technical grid work, focusing on adjustability, straightness, and consistency before and after fences.

Christilot Boylen

Ian Millar

Amy Millar

3:00 - 4:15PM

DRESSAGE & Jumping

Building on Day 1, athletes will refine adjustability, collection, and precision on the flat. The session will progress to technical grid work, focusing on accuracy, timing, and consistency through more complex questions. Emphasis will be placed on producing quality, repeatable performance to support lasting success, not quick wins.

Christilot Boylen

Ian Millar

Amy Millar

4:15 - 4:30PM