In conjunction with Oakhurst Horse Trials, July 24/25, 2021, Oakhurst Farm is excited to announce the addition of FEI 1* & 2** levels to their summer horse trials. Oakhurst Farm, owned by Ruth Allum and Mark Nelson, has been running EC sanctioned Horse Trials for over 25 years, including divisions from Pre-Entry to Intermediate/Preliminary. The addition of FEI-sanctioned levels is a carefully considered effort by the Oakhurst HT Organizing Committee to promote broader awareness and experience for the eventing community around Canada’s Nations Capital region.
“Over the past few years, growth has been seen in this region of athletes developing and moving up the EC-sanctioned levels. After the identification by the EC Eventing Committee of the gap between the Training and Preliminary levels resulted in the addition of the EV 1.05m or Modified division, more local athletes are progressing to the National levels,” said owner Mark Nelson. “Providing the opportunity to expose and introduce competitors to International competition is the next step in developing our local athletes. As an athlete who competed to the Advanced level of the sport, taking the step from national to International competition can seem daunting. Providing an opportunity for young athletes to gain experience at higher levels on a familiar competition site will help to continue the positive growth of our athletes.”
The Oakhurst Farm family have been coaching and preparing competitive athletes for the equestrian Olympic discipline of Eventing, and hosting development and competitive opportunities in Canada’s National Capital region since 1992. As chair of the EC Eventing Committee, owner and head coach Ruth Allum’s passion for athlete development focuses on encouraging growth through exposure and opportunities for grassroots eventing competitors. “Providing an FEI competition opportunity at Oakhurst Horse Trials in July 2021 will give our competitors the exposure to build the confidence and skills to progress along the athlete development pathway towards National Team opportunities. Our athletes, volunteers and officials will be encouraged to gain skills and learn from the FEI levels of competition – exposing them to opportunities for advancement in the critical officials and volunteer roles within our sport.”