Step into the exciting world of equestrian sport with the Competitive Stream of our Rider Development Program at Venturing Hills Farm—open to riders of all ages and experience levels! This program is your gateway to developing advanced riding skills, deepening your connection with horses, and discovering the full spectrum of fun and fulfillment that competition can offer.Our progressive approach allows riders to enter the competition world at their own pace, starting with supportive at-home Wednesday night schooling shows “under the lights” and a variety of in-house clinics and schooling events. As you build confidence and skill, you’ll have the opportunity to participate in off-property outings, local and regional schooling shows, and even national and international competitions.

At Venturing Hills Farm, we believe in exploring all aspects of equestrian sport. Whether your passion lies in Dressage, Eventing, Hunters, Showjumping, or riding out with the Ottawa Valley Hunt, our program provides expert coaching and a supportive community to help you pursue your goals. Our holistic foundation emphasizes harmony, connection, communication, love, and play—ensuring you and your horse build a partnership based on trust and mutual respect.Join our Competitive Stream to challenge yourself, make lasting memories, and explore the endless possibilities of equestrian competition alongside the dedicated team and welcoming community at Venturing Hills Farm.

Join Our Competitive Team

Venturing Hills has a wonderful competitive team of all ages. Our passion for horses in a supportive environment, forms friendships that last a lifetime.

Our Intro To Comp program is the perfect gateway to a more structured and disciplined aspect of the equestrian world. It’s the ideal first step to transition from the Recreational riding program to eventually owning and competing your own horse.

At this level, our students typically part lease a pony, which allows them to develop a strong partnership with their equine pal. The athletes benefit from 2 lessons/week with our competition coaches as well as a personalized yearly competition plans that fits their profile and needs. Within the yearly program, we include the preparation and examination of the Equestrian Canada rider level 1 and 2 (refer to the Equestrian Canada Rider Level Page).

During the competition season, the Intro To Comp riders will have the opportunity to participate in Schooling Shows, Development Series, the Ottawa Valley Hunts and Pontiac Association Trail Rides. We also have multiple top level coaches teaching clinics at the farm, which offers our Intro To Comp riders amazing experiences to be coached by high performance professionals.

The planning around competitions and events is a big part of our program. At this level, we encourage our students to develop independence and we mentor them in all aspects of show preparation. This includes but is not limited to, healthy eating for horse and rider, grooming, braiding, studding, organizing/packing equipment, cleaning tack, and registering for competitions.

With limited spots available, we accept new riders for the Intro To Comp program April 1st, September 1st, and January 1st. The spring registration is considered 'early bird registration' for the fall season or following show season as we cannot guarantee they will be ready for the up and coming summer season with so little time.

Intro to comp, pony lease: 1133$ + tax/month

*Transport, entries, memberships and coaching at competitions extra*

Introduction To Competition Program (8-12 years-old)

Venturing Hills Presents:

Our Junior Competitive program is the perfect next step from the Intro to Comp Program. It allows our riders to develop more critical thinking with regards to their own program, safely encourages the development of more independence in the saddle, and truly introduces them to the world of eventing.

At this level, our students typically own or part lease a pony/horse. They will usually ride their horse minimum 3x/week, which includes two lessons with our competition coaches and one additional supervised (by parent ride to give more time in the tack, and practice what they have learned.

The coaches and athletes work together to establish a personalized yearly competition plan that fits the profile and the individual needs of both horse and rider. Within the yearly program, we include the preparation and examination of the Equestrian Canada rider level 3, 4 and 5 (refer to the Equestrian Canada Rider Levels Page).

During the competition season, our Junior Comp student will have the opportunity to participate in Bronze and Schooling competitions as well as an event at the end of the year. We also have multiple top level coaches teaching clinics at the farm, which offers our Junior Comp riders amazing experiences to be coached by high performance professionals.

The planning around competitions and events is still a big part of our program at this level. We encourage our students to develop independence as we guide them through the process of show preparation, turnout, and packing.

Junior Competitive Program, horse lease: 1258$ + tax/month and shared veterinary and farrier costs.

If the rider already owns a horse, the monthly fees are 548$ + taxes.

Transport, entries, memberships and coaching at competitions are extra.

Junior Competitive Rider Program (12-15 years-old)

Venturing Hills Presents:

Our Competitive Rider program is full of opportunities! Our riders have been champions in their divisions across Ontario, champions of their divisions at Gold dressage shows, had top placings at jumper shows, and developed their working relationship with a horse into beautiful partnerships.

At this level, our students typically own or lease a pony/horse. They will usually ride 3-5x/week, including two lessons with our competition coaches that will be scheduled on an ongoing weekly basis. The coaches and athletes work together to establish a personalized weekly, monthly and yearly training plan that fits the profile and needs of both horse and rider. The competition schedule will typically include 6-10 Bronze, Silver and/or Gold level competitions (in all disciplines).

The VHF Competitive Rider will be strongly encouraged and supported to participate in all clinics at the farm, challenge the Equestrian Canada rider level 6, 7 and 8 (refer to the Equestrian Canada Rider Levels Page), and get their First Aid Certification (which we recommended at this point). There is also the incredible opportunity to train in Florida for the winter months in a fun, safe, learning environment surrounded by North America's top riders.

Monthly pricing depends on Lease/Half-lease situation, or If the rider owns their horse.

*Transport, entries, memberships and coaching at competitions are extra.*

VHF National and International Competitive Rider Program (15+ years-old)

Venturing Hills Presents: