After two years living under the stresses of a global pandemic, adults and children alike have looked for ways to reengage in activities and in some cases, start new ones. Equestrian Canada (EC) and the eleven provincial and territorial equestrian sport organizations across the country are uniting for an awareness campaign to share their love of horses and the benefits of riding with Canadians in hopes of growing the sport for now and the future.
The equestrian industry faced its own levels of challenges over this time with reduction in competitions, in-person events, and riding schools having had to stop lessons during the peak of the waves. Equestrians already engaged in the community have flocked back in almost pre-pandemic rates, but for a sport already in decline, the industry is still trying to recover. EC as the national federation working together with their provincial and territorial partners believe there is plenty of room for growth.
Long known as special companions, horses offer a unique way to participate in a lifelong activity that has a plethora of benefits to a person’s wellbeing. As part of the campaign called “Ride for Life”, horses are featured with their human counterparts explaining each of the special benefits that the entire experience of interacting with horses brings.