Photo: Facebook - Communities For Veterans, The Ride Across Canada Foundation

Canadian Forces veteran Paul Nicholls saddled up for an epic trail ride to raise awareness of the troubles military veterans face when they return to civilian life.

Nicholls left the grounds of the British Columbia legislature on horseback in a bid to ride 11,000 kilometres across Canada by November.

The former soldier from Quesnel, B.C., who served during the Balkan conflict in the 1990s says he wants to make as many stops as he and fellow military riders can to help Canadians and military veterans learn to understand each other.

Nicholls says he believes when he and his posse ride into towns their presence will create discussion and awareness about military service and the issues veterans face when they return home after serving their country in conflict zones.

Prior to mounting his brown mare, Zoe, an emotional Nicholls spoke of the issues facing soldiers, including post-traumatic stress disorder, suicide and family strife and break up.

Nicholls says he expects to be joined throughout his journey by as many 700 veterans as he makes several stops in each province.