Ottawa, ON, August 1 2025 — Equestrian Canada’s Eventing High Performance Advisory Group (HPAG) is excited to announce an exciting new a coast-to-coast clinic series for all levels. Powered by Canada’s National Team Program eventing athletes and the Eventing High Performance Advisory Group, this unique clinic series brings top-tier talent to local arenas, connecting riders, coaches and fans through a shared passion for the sport.
Designed to educate, inspire and unite Canadian eventing enthusiasts, these clinics provide hands-on learning from elite NTP athletes, while directly supporting the growth of eventing at all stages — from grassroots to high performance. The clinics will be offered at EV60 through EV110 and aim to strengthen development at all competitive levels; foster meaningful athlete-coach engagement and inspire and prepare Canada’s future high-performance athletes.
“We’re incredibly excited to see the clinic series take off,” says Emily Gilbert, chair of Equestrian Canada’s Eventing HPAG. “A core element of our High Performance growth strategy in Canada is expanding outreach, education, and development in the communities that are passionate about Eventing and have long supported our athletes.”
Rebecca Howard, Chef d’Équipe and Team Technical Advisor adds: “Through sharing knowledge, international experiences and perspectives this clinic series offers a unique opportunity for our current high-performance athletes to travel throughout Canada and inspire and perhaps identify next generation horse and rider combinations for the Canadian Eventing High Performance Program.”
Each stop on the tour helps raise funds for high-performance and domestic eventing initiatives. A portion of the funds will to a Venue Development Fund that will launch this fall to provide additional support to Eventing Venues across Canada, ensuring the continued success and accessibility of our sport nationwide at every level.
Where the Funds will Go
- 50% → High Performance Programs (athlete support & development)
- 25% → Venue Development Fund (infrastructure & access)
- 25% → Domestic Eventing (competitions & national opportunities)
Each clinic will include:
- Two days of coaching with national-level athletes with each group limited to four riders.
- Day One – Show Jumping
- Day Two – Cross Country
- Morning coffee, daily lunch and a nutritional talk, courtesy of Equestrian Canada’s official nutrition partner, Mad Barn as well as an open Q & A with the National Team Program athlete.
- Cost: $290.00 per horse & rider (limited stabling will be available at an additional cost TBC
TO REGISTER IN AN UPCOMING CLINIC CLICK HERE
Amanda Leadbetter, president of Horse Trials Nova Scotia (HTNS) says Nova Scotia is excited to be part of this new initiative. “The East coast may be smaller in size and numbers, but we make up for it in drive and determination! We look forward to sharing that with the High Performance team.”
Canadian Olympian and NTP ‘A Squad’ athlete, Karl Slezak, is one of the clinicians who will be donating his time at the end of August for a clinic at the Caledon Hunt Club. “I really appreciate the opportunity to give back to the sport in such a hands-on way,” he commented. Huge thanks must go to the organizers and this beautiful Ontario venue for getting behind the initiative and donating their venue as well. Coming back to the Caledon Hunt Club – where I taught Caledon Pony Club each Tuesday night ‘back in the day’ makes the experience even more special. I’m looking forward to a great clinic and connecting with riders in the community.”
New clinics and dates are still being added as we get them confirmed!
Current clinics include:
- August 29/30: Karl Slezak at Caledon Hunt Club (Caledon, ON)
- September 27/28: Dana Cooke at Red Ridge Farm & Hobby Horse Farm (Valley Area, NS) (one day at Red Ridge & one day at Hobby Horse)
- September 27/28: Lindsay Traisnel at Alhambra Stables (Red Deer, AB)
- September 30/October 1: Mike Winter at Wesley Clover Parks (Ottawa, ON) *tentative*
- October 18/19: Colleen Loach at Equilibre Horse Trials (Dudswell, QC)
- December 6/7: Jessica Phoenix at Phoenix Equestrian (Cannington, ON)
TO REGISTER IN AN UPCOMING CLINIC CLICK HERE
Call to Venues: Join the Movement!
We’re inviting eventing venues across the country to partner for 2025, 2026 and beyond. You’ll be directly supporting Canadian equestrian sport by offering access to your show jumping and cross-country facilities—and optionally hosting an NTP athlete for their time at your venue.
Interested? Send your available dates and join this coast-to-coast movement to grow eventing in Canada.
If you have any questions, please reach out to eventinghpag@gmail.com
Whether you’re aiming for your next competition or simply looking to deepen your skills, Eventing Across the Nation Clinics will deliver top-level instruction and foster unforgettable community spirit — all in support of Canada’s eventing future.