sanctioning of events

Welcome to the Ride Sanctioning Hub — where great rides officially begin!

Whether you’re planning your very first event or organizing a Championship, sanctioning your ride ensures it is recognized, insured, and supported by the Ontario Competitive Trail Riding Association (OCTRA) and, as applicable (if you will have a Limited Distance and Endurance event), with American Endurance Ride Conference (AERC) or Equestrian Canada (EC). 

If you plan to offer AERC LD or Endurance events, your event must be co-sanctioned with AERC. To begin the process, click here: AERC.

If you plan to offer an EC endurance Bronze event, co-sanctioning with Equestrian Canada (EC) is required. For questions or help completing the 2026-Competition-Application-Form.pdf (not all fields may apply to your event), please contact one or both of the following: endurancecommittee@equestrian.ca and competitions@equestrian.ca 

Let’s make your event happen!

Why Sanction Your Ride?

Sanctioning gives your event:

• Official recognition and listing on the OCTRA event calendar

• Access to experienced veterinarians and lay judges

• Insurance coverage for riders and organizers

• Guidance, promotion, and support from the OCTRA community

Ride Sanction Application

The Ride Sanction Application sets out the key details of your ride, including:

• Ride Team positions (Ride Manager, Secretary, Trail Master, etc.)

• Veterinarians and lay judges

• Disciplines offered (CTR, Endurance, Limited Distance, Set Speed, Training Ride), distances, and ride dates

• Ride Location, ride camp details, and trail details

Link to the Sanctioning Form

In order for your sanctioning application to be reviewed, please fill out the sanctioning form and pay the sanctioning fee (see the clipboard at the bottom of the page to pay the $47 fee). 

Deadline: For regular rides - applications must be received by the Sanctioning Chair at least 90 days prior to your proposed event date. For Championship rides, applications must be submitted12 months before your proposed date. This ensures riders have time to qualify during the current season.

Trail Approval & Safety

To ensure every event meets OCTRA’s standards for safety, fairness, and enjoyment:

• Any new trails must be pre-ridden by an OCTRA member approved by the Board of Directors.

• This verification ensures distances, trail markings, and footing/terrain meet OCTRA’s requirements and that the route provides a positive experience for horses and riders.

• You can still submit your sanctioning application before the pre-ride is complete — however, approval of your event will be conditional upon successful trail verification as part of the sanctioning process.

This approach allows organizers to move forward with event planning while ensuring all trails meet OCTRA’s standards before the event date.

Event Mentorship for New Ride Managers

Is this your first time managing a ride? Don’t go it alone — help is available!
New event managers can request an Event Mentor to assist with planning, logistics, and understanding OCTRA's procedures.

Event Mentors are experienced OCTRA members who can provide guidance from start to finish. To request a mentor, simply contact the Sanctioning Director or the Board of Directors when you begin your sanctioning process.

We’re here to make your first event a success!

Contact the Sanctioning Chair

Questions? Need help with your application or event planning?
Our Sanctioning Chair is here to help.

SANCTIONING CHAIR
Jenn Lake
Email: sanctioning@octra.on.ca