Oakhurst Farm near Ashton Ontario will be once again, hosting Canada’s only long format three-day event and clinic

for training and pre-training level riders in the summer of 2009.   

"Recent changes to event formats mean that many of our riders may never have the chance to
compete in a traditional three day event,” says Ruth Allum, Oakhurst Farm’s coach and the organizer
of the event. “Consequently these riders could lose a very important opportunity to learn about the
importance of true horsemanship. At Oakhurst Farm we are committed to the physical and mental
well-being of our riders and their horses, so we are very pleased to provide the opportunity for up to
34 riders who are at the beginning of their Eventing careers to experience a traditional, long format
event clinic."

A traditional long format event is different than the popular short format events because it includes a
full “endurance day.” The day begins with roads and tracks, where horse and rider teams ride over
distance at a slower measured pace to warm up for the speed portion – steeple chase, where riders
ride at a fast gallop and jump obstacles. That is followed by another slower speed, roads and tracks
to cool down before presentation to a veterinarian to ensure the horse is fit enough to proceed to the
cross-country portion of the endurance day.

“The full endurance day will help these riders learn how to condition their horses, to help prevent
eliminations and injuries when they ride at higher levels,” says Ruth Allum. “Our event clinic format
will ensure that riders receive guidance from top level clinicians at every stage.”

Oakhurst Farm looks forward to hosting competitors, judges, clinicians and the public at the event clinic.

See you in 2009.