COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN
Michael Bragge
Growing up in the suburbs in a non-equestrian family, my only access to horse riding came at weekends and school holidays at my uncle’s riding school in Thomastown. Attending Melbourne 3DE in the early 60s with Uncle Jack and meeting Olympians filled me with a passion that took some years to find expression.
After University I was able move to the country and buy horses. When it came to horsemanship, I had a lot of catching up to do. So I jumped in at the deep end and planned a Pack horse ride from Brisbane to Melbourne. 2,500 km, 34 sets of horse shoes and many experiences later I felt like I was beginning to learn. I joined EFA 1983 and started Eventing, which lead to a need to understand Dressage.
While working fulltime as a Secondary Art Teacher, training one horse at a time has been my limit. I was able a few years ago, to take a skinny chestnut off the track and train him with Sue Chandler’s help, to get through quite decent P St. G tests.
My early passion in sport was Athletics, Football and Cricket. I particularly flourished in the team environment. My involvement in Dressage today seems the perfect coming together of my love for sport and art.
I have been on the committee of the Berwick & District Dressage Club for nearly 30 years and was honored to be named their second Life Member after Ed Rodgers. Through the medium of this progressive club I have been involved in many important innovations in Victorian Dressage.
I have chaired or taken roles on a number of community committees seeking a better deal for horse owners in the Casey/Cardinia area. As a faculty leader I have been part of many committees and appointment panels, over my 40 years with Victorian Education. I served on the Dressage Victoria committee for nearly 10 years.
I feel that with a wealth of committee experience, a sound knowledge of the sport and an unencumbered desire to progress our organisation for all involved, I am well placed to enjoy a productive contribution to the Oakwood Riding School Committee of Management.
COMMITTEE SECRETARY
Sue Stott
Having been involved with the Oakwood Riding School since 1977, Sue joined the Committee of Management for the first time in 1979.
Sue brings extensive industry experience, and of course intimate knowledge of the Oakwood organisation, which supports the Committee in its work and decision making. She is also a very kind natured person, and helps create a welcoming, friendly environment at Oakwood.
What is your history with Oakwood Riding School?
I have agisted many horses at Oakwood over the years, and received many, many lessons on my horses at the 'old' Oakwood. I have also had a few rides on school horses at the 'new' Oakwood.
What is your equestrian background?
I primarily have a showing background. I used to compete at local agricultural shows, and I also competed in the Garryowen at the Melbourne Royal. We owned many horses over the years, but my main horses were Humbert, Planet, Kelly, Leo, Lilly, Vickie and Peppi.
What do you do outside of your work at Oakwood?
I run my farm, which is 70 acres located just outside of Pakenham. I breed cattle and have some horses on agistment.
I love going out with friends, and caring for my beloved cat and dog.
What do you like most about Oakwood?
I gain great enjoyment from working with the Oakwood team, and I like to make sure they are happy and well looked after. I believe the current Committee of Management is a terrific group, and lovely to work with.
What is your vision for the organisation?
I want to see Oakwood grow, to progress. I am particularly interested in encouraging young riders and supporting their development.
COMMITTEE MEMBER
Rhondda Strafford
Rhondda has been involved with Oakwood Riding School for over 30 years now, contributing as a passionate member and a part of the Committee.
What is your history with Oakwood Riding School?
I have had continuous membership since I joined Oakwood
over 30 years ago when it was located at the old venue in
Narre Warren Cranbourne Road and Malcolm Barnes was the
chief instructor. I served on the committee for a number of
years back then and enjoyed the competitions and working
bees as well as the general riding and friendships made through a mutual love of horses.
What is your equestrian background? My involvement with horses goes back more than 50 years when I got my first horse and joined Pony Club. I was involved in a dressage training squad organised through our club, that set me on the right path to understand the basic principles of riding and training horses. I have had hands on experience as a race horse strapper and have trained many off the track thoroughbreds to become successful show horses. I was also registered as an owner /breeder with the Australian Stud book and have bred numerous horses that have gone on to be successful show and/ or race horses. I have judged many horse shows in Australia and overseas including the prestigious Garryowen Trophy. I have had success competing at State and National level Horse shows. I still actively ride and compete nowadays mainly in HRCAV events.
What do you do outside of your work at Oakwood? These days I spend my time being a house wife and Grandmother apart from the time when I am riding. Before I retired I was a Special Education teacher and Welfare co-ordinator.
What do you like most about Oakwood? Oakwood has always been a well -run organisation where all people young and old can learn to ride in a safe environment. Horse owners can become part of a club where they can establish friendships with like -minded people and have access to safe well maintained facilities.
What is your vision for the organisation? I believe that Oakwood has continually re-invented itself as it has moved with the times and worked within any legal or ethical constraints. I believe that it will continue to do so in the future, but the philosophy of Oakwood will always stay the same. A place where everyone has the opportunity to be involved with horses.