The Organizing Team

This three-day event clinic wouldn't be possible without the vision, commitment and enthusiasm of the amazing Oakhurst Farm organizing team.

Ruth Allum

Ruth is the head coach at Oakhurst Farm. She is also the "brains behind the event clinic". Ruth's commitment is to the total physical and mental preparation of both the rider and the horse in the sport of Eventing. This event clinic is a product of her dedication to that purpose, and it is an example of Ruth's approach to coaching her more than 60 students at Oakhurst Farm.

Having competed herself at the Preliminary level, Ruth combines her real life experiences as an Eventer with formal training as an Equine Canada High Performance Coach in Training. During her 17 years as a coach, Ruth has taken students from the beginning levels of Eventing through to high levels of international competition. Whether her students are competing at the Entry or Advanced level, they still receive the benefit of Ruth's careful attention to detail in riding, conditioning, and building a strong horse and rider team. Ruth's students have reached very high levels of excellence. She has coached horse rider teams to the Provincial Championships, the North American Young Rider Championships, the Canadian Eventing National Talent Squad, and to a place on the Canadian Eventing Team Long List.

Mark Nelson

Focus, determination and hard work are the keys to Mark's success as an Eventer, a trainer and rider of horses, and as part of the Oakhurst management team. Mark has the ability to see the potential in horses that many would consider "problems". Power of Two (Dino) came to Mark after an undistinguished racing career, and with a reputation as a runaway who couldn't jump. Under Mark's guidance, Dino (with his rider Mark) was long listed for the Canadian national event team in 2006.

Mark is also Oakhurst Farm's resident rider and trainer, working with clients' horses to help them to realize their full potential. His ingenuity and creativity can be found inside and outside the barn at Oakhurst Farm, whether it is a specially designed saddle pad, an innovative "stall" to assist with veterinary care, the custom designed Oakhurst horse trailer, or the newest innovation an artistic sign!

Joan Allum

Joan and her late husband Bob Allum opened their beautiful equestrian home to the public in 1994, and, as part of the family owned business, created Eastern Ontario's premiere Eventing facility. Oakhurst Farm's two annual Horse Trials are held up amongst the most well organized events in Ontario. The credit for that goes to Joan. She serves as Secretary for the Oakhurst Farm Summer and Fall Horse Trials, for "Radical Jumper" shows; and is the Secretary to this Event Clinic.

The Team of Volunteers

Oakhurst takes great pride in its family atmosphere. The entire Oakhurst "Family" is behind this event, and it would not be possible without the tremendous efforts of a large group of volunteers. Almost all of the Oakhurst riders and their families contribute time to Oakhurst events, and this three-day event clinic is no exception.