Oakhurst Farm currently has 2 coaches responsible for riding lessons, Ruth J. Allum & Helen (Allum) Richardson.
Oakhurst coaches are EC Licenced Coaches – completing mandatory Safe Sport, First Aid and Concussion training, holding valid insurance and completing background screening with Equestrian Canada annually.
Ruth J. Allum
Ruth is the head coach at Oakhurst Farm which specializes in the Equestrian discipline of 3 Day Eventing in Eastern Ontario. As a coach, Ruth’s commitment is to the total physical and mental preparation of both the rider and the horse in the sport of Eventing, and she demonstrates that in her dedication to her more than 50 students at Oakhurst Farm.
Ruth is a Certified EC Competition Development HP 1 – Eventing Coach and an EC NCCP Master Coach Developer – training and evaluating new coaches and coach candidates and training new Coach Evaluators and Learning Facilitators. In 2023, the Coaching Association of Canada named Ruth one of the most influential coach developers in Canada, awarding her the 2023 Community NCCP Coach Developer Award. Nationally, has served as the Chair of the National Eventing Committee as well as the Equestrian Canada National Coaching Technical Committee. She is currently working as the Performance Advisor for Ontario Equestrian’s GRIT Program – GRIT is targeted at podium-bound athletes with successful competition experience, whose goal is to represent Ontario in one of Equestrian Canada’s National Team programs.
During her more than 30 years as a coach Ruth has helped develop over 60 horse & rider teams to the Preliminary (EV110) level and above as well as having coached 8 students to the North American Young Rider Championships and multiple combinations to the Canadian Eventing National Talent Squad as well as to a place on the Canadian Eventing Team Long List. In 2011 Ruth was awarded the Equestrian Canada High Performance Coach of the Year and in 2020 was listed as one of Horse Sports Top 50 Influencers in Equestrian Sport in Canada.
Whether her students are competing at the entry point of the sport or looking to compete internationally, they still receive the benefit of Ruth’s careful attention to detail in riding, conditioning, and building a strong horse and rider team. With a focus on long-term equestrian development, Ruth works with her athletes to ensure they are following a developmentally appropriate plan both to achieve their short-term goals and to allow them to continue towards attaining their lifelong goals and achievement in the sport.
Need to contact Ruth directly?
Send her an email and she’ll get back to you!
Helen (Allum) Richardson
Helen is Oakhurst Farm’s EC NCCP Certified Competition Coach. Helen’s passion for horses started at an early age. Growing up riding in the Ottawa area, she was active in Pony Club, Eventing and Dressage and competed in Hunter, Jumper and Equitation on the “A” circuit. Helen’s eye tends more towards the equitation and position of a rider. She coaches younger students and adults who are discovering their love for horses. With her emphasis on their posture, position and enjoyment of the sport, Helen helps to develop students who can move easily in to Ruth’s competitive program. Helen acts as coach for Ruth’s students when Ruth is traveling, and coaches Oakhurst Show Team students with Ruth during competitions. Helen is a Certified Equine Massage Therapist.
Helen is also a certified EC Rider Level Evaluator (Level 1 to 8) and EC Rider Level Evaluator Mentor (Level 1 to 8). Helen is also certified as an EC NCCP Master Coach Developer – working as a Learning Facilitator and Coach Evaluator, and working with and training new Learning Facilitators and Coach Evaluators. Helen is currently working for Ontario Equestrian as the Manager of Community Development – A facilities program she is designing to help bring equestrian facilities a new standard and community to thrive and grow in for years to come.
Need to contact Helen directly?
Send her an email and she’ll get back to you!
2023 Lesson Fees
Effective May 01, 2023
High Performance Coach – Eventing (Ruth)
Private lesson (45 min) $85 each, plus HST
Semi-Private lesson (45 min) $67.50 each, plus HST
Competition Coach (Helen)
Private lesson (45 min) $75 each, plus HST
Semi-Private lesson (45 min) $60 each, plus HST
LESSONS MUST BE CANCELLED WITH 24 HOURS NOTICE.
PLEASE DO NOT LEAVE MESSAGES ABOUT LESSON CANCELLATIONS AT THE OFFICE NUMBER. EMAIL OR TELEPHONE RUTH OR HELEN.