Built on the foundation of GRIT, Ontario Equestrian's athlete development model, the ITTY GRITTY pilot introduces aspiring jumper athletes aged 10–13 to the high performance pathway.
ITTY GRITTY was created to expand Ontario's talent pool by identifying and supporting promising athletes earlier in their development, ensuring more riders have the opportunity to progress through the provincial and national high performance pathway.
Where potential takes shape
Build the rider
- Riding Technique
- Position & Effectiveness
- Horse care
- Goal Setting
- Confidence
Build the athlete
- Strength & Conditioning
- Physical Testing
- Nutrition
- Mental Performance
- Athlete Wellness
Experience high performance
- Training Camps
- Athlete Mentorship
- Sport Science
- Team Coaching
- GRIT Community
Apply for the ITTY GRITTY Program
What to expect
Athletes participate in a balanced combination of virtual education, mentorship, hands on learning and in person experiences designed to complement their daily training environments.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Find answers to common questions about the ITTY GRITTY program.
To be considered for ITTY GRITTY, athletes must meet the following requirements:
1. Be a resident of OntarioBe between the ages of 10 and 13 as of January 1, 2027
2. Be enrolled in a full-time school (or equivalent approved by their school)
3. Possess or be eligible for a valid Canadian passportRide with a coach holding a Licensed Coach Status (Ontario Equestrian will assist ITTY GRITTY coaches with Coach Status)
4. If leasing or riding a sponsored horse, have the owner’s written approval to participate, including for travel to ITTY GRITTY events
As this is a pilot year, Itty Gritty will focus on supporting show jumping athletes. The 2027 program will serve as an opportunity to evaluate and refine the program model, with future expansion into additional disciplines to be considered in subsequent years.
2025-2026 Competition Criteria
-Athletes must be competing at Silver and/or Gold-level competition
-Results are weighted towards the gold circuit
-1.0M - 1.15M: Two placings with a maximum of 4 faults
The ITTY GRITTY program is designed as a two-year athlete development program. Athletes may participate for up to two years, with a new curriculum and annual training plan introduced each year to support continued growth and development. Athlete participation is reviewed on an ongoing basis to ensure the program remains the right fit for both the athlete and the program. If it is determined that the program no longer meets an athlete's developmental needs, they may exit the program before completing the full two years. Participation in ITTY GRITTY does not automatically guarantee progression into the GRIT program. Similarly, athletes who leave the program or are not selected for GRIT are welcome to reapply in future years if appropriate.
Athletes accepted into the program will pay a fee of $1000 annually. Payment plans are available (4 x $250/mn)
Contact our Program Manager, Hilary Gregory, to discuss the ITTY GRITTY program.