Stable Hand
Brooke Townsend
Brooke is one of our valued stable hands here at Oakwood. She developed her knowledge, experience and passion for horse care after growing up at Oakwood and being trained by our Level 3 EA Instructor and Coach Educator, Sue Chandler!
When did you start working at Oakwood?
I started working at Oakwood in 2011 and was there until 2016. I fell pregnant with twins shortly after and adjusted to mum life! I have returned to Oakwood September 2022 and am absolutely loving in, seeing new faces and old. I can honestly say I am having a blast!
What do you like most about Oakwood?
I'm always learning new things. I love seeing the progress of the students come through. But most of all I love the schoolies. Each and every one of them has a special place in my heart.
What is your equestrian background?
I have always had horses. I started off pleasure riding and then started working my way through the grades at pony club on a few different noble steeds. I remember taking one of my TB's who lasted a whole 3 rallies and on the third was "kicked out" and asked not to come back due to being so cheeky! I have worked with many different horses such as polocrosse, showing, racing, breaking, RDA but Oakwood has always been my favourite.
What about your own horses?
I have had many horses. My most recent is a horse I purchased at the sales as a colt. He is a buckskin TB x Clydie x SH. He was unhandled so over the last few years I've enjoyed breaking him in and turning him into my best friend.
What do you do outside of your work at Oakwood?
Spending time with my many fur babies at home. I have a few retired horses, 3 massive dogs and of course watching my two beautiful girls grow (who luckily for me don't yet have the "pony bug"!).
Who is your favourite school horse and why?
I can't pick just one! My top 5 would have to be: Benson, Jay, Achilles, Alfie and quite recently I have developed a bit of a crush on Dave.
My favourite part of the day is feeding the golden oldies, Benson & Jay who are always waiting for me at the gate at feed time.
Stable Hand
Hannah Taft
A wealth of knowledge and experience is what Hannah brings to the Oakwood team! Having worked on large stud farms caring for over 60 horses a day including prized Warmblood stallions, Hannah is an exceptional team member to have on board!
How long have you worked for Oakwood?
I have worked for Oakwood since October 2020
What does a typical day look like for you at Oakwood
Riding School?
Feeding out, rugging and making sure all the agistees horses and schoolies are happy and healthy!
What about your horses?
I have a six year old paint horse named Joker, I have owned him for three years and I am currently bringing him back into work after a long break.
What do you do outside of your work at Oakwood?
Outside of Oakwood I am mum to my gorgeous son Deacon, as well as a part time student at Federation University.
What do you like most about Oakwood?
I love the professional yet friendly and supportive environment.
Stable Hand
Sheridan Guy
Sheridan is a passionate team member who also had lessons at Oakwood many years ago, developing vital equine experience and knowledge. She endeavours to commence her Coaching Traineeship with us next year!
How long have you worked for Oakwood?
What does a typical day look like for you at Oakwood Riding School?
What about your horses?
What do you do outside of your work at Oakwood?
What do you like most about Oakwood?
Stable Hand
Courtney Jacobson
A long term Oakwood student who has spent countless hours volunteering her time on weekends to care for horses and prepare them for lessons, Courtney knows all the ins and outs of the ORS operations and has fast become a highly valued team member
How long have you worked for Oakwood?
What does a typical day look like for you at Oakwood
Riding School?
What about your horses?
Phoenix!
What do you do outside of your work at Oakwood?
What do you like most about Oakwood?
Stable Hand
Samantha Woolcock
A wealth of knowledge and experience is what Samantha brings to the Oakwood team! Having worked in large horse racing stables and riding schools, Sam is no stranger to the hard work and unique needs involved in caring for so many individual horses.
How long have you worked for Oakwood?
What does a typical day look like for you at Oakwood
Riding School?
What about your horses?
What do you do outside of your work at Oakwood?
What do you like most about Oakwood?