By Jordan Parker
Ruth Claus won volunteer of the year at the Equestrian Nova Scotia Awards in November, capping off a year of highlights for the dedicated community member.
As part of the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship (PATH) International, she’s a Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor, Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning Mentor.
Ruth, who now lives in Nova Scotia, grew up on a horse farm in Ontario and rode until her early teens. But it wasn’t until she moved to Florida after she retired that she learned about equine therapy.
“I volunteered down there mucking stalls, grooming and being around the horses. I soon noticed therapy sessions taking place and got so interested,” she recalls.
Ruth was inspired by a young man who was quadriplegic. After six months of riding, she could see the difference this therapy was making in his life.
“I was sold and knew I wanted to do therapeutic work.”
Earlier this year, Ruth worked with Hinchinbrook Farm in Blockhouse, Lunenburg Co., to help bring the Society for Equine-Assisted Services Nova Scotia (SEASNS) to provincial charity status.
“Owner Patricia McGill runs the program and farm and wanted to see the delivery of services continue in the province at the high standards recommended by PATH. SEASNS will now be able to oversee guidelines for equine-assisted services and service providers,” says Ruth.
This will ensure quality control in the practice and Ruth has been elected president of the society.
“I get to go out there, share the knowledge I have, get people involved and get funding for us. It’s so important and I’m so excited about the work I do,” she says.
In August, Ruth also worked with Equestrian Nova Scotia and the University of Guelph to bring the Large Animal Emergency Rescue event to the province, where more than 50 first responders received hands-on training.
“Some of them had never touched a horse before. If they were called to a barn fire, some said they wouldn’t know how to lead the horses out,” says Ruth. “We showed them how to halter horses, get them safely out of ditches, use technical equipment and behaviour and anatomy information to practice horse handling and more.”
As a riding teacher, Ruth was also involved in the Easter Seals Learn to Ride program, held at Halifax Lancers in August and supports the Equestrian Special Olympics program in its goal to expand and compete.
Ruth is looking forward to what 2026 will bring for her work and volunteerism.
