Oakwood Riding School Clyde, Victoria Official Opening - 9th February 2007 Story and Pictures Berni Saunders. Page 1

Approximately 150 friends - both past and present joined to celebrate the opening of the 'new' Oakwood Riding School. It was a chance for the history to be told and to welcome the new era. For many in the crowd, the story represents the reason why they have remained in the 'Oakwood family'. For the new faces, it is learning about the early years and a culture which has been handed down to create a riding centre with an unprecedented commitment to horsemanship and friendship.

The MC for the evening was Kerry Bray (pictured right) - daughter of committee person (and driving force) Leanna Bray. Kerry added glitz and glamour and gave the evening a 'red carpet' ambiance

For those who have not heard the Oakwood Story - I have used the notes of Oakwood President Michael and added my personal recollections to provide some historical background.

Oakwood riding school is fondly regarded by the hundreds of people who have been involved over many decades. The riding school was the primary training establishment for equestrians in Australia for many years and the standard of tuition and horsemanship was second to none. The evening remembered the early days when Miss Kay Irving and her sisters operated a the Waverley Riding School at Huntingdale Road Jordanville. Their vision and passion of created a teaching institution and 'fellowship' for all horse lovers.

The President of The Oakwood Riding School, Michael Hocking told how "Miss K" and her sisters were forced to relocate the school after 17 years at the Jordanville site and they moved to "Oakwood Park" in Dandenong. The riding school gained a loyal following of people keen to learn more about horses and riding. Oakwood Park was highly respected and played host to the 1956 Olympic selection trials.

With the retirement of Miss Kay Irving, the closure of the riding school was imminent. Miss K's dedicated clients held three public meetings which led to the formation of a non-profit organisation committed to establishing a new riding school to provide instruction in all aspects of horsemanship. A most important objective was to create the opportunity for those who did not own a horse, to learn to ride.

Above Pauline Rogers and Sue Chandler stand by the bronze plaque
commemorating the opening of Oakwood Riding School back in 1958. It was displayed at the Cranbourne Road Site and has been moved to the entrance of the new Oakwood Riding School at it's Clyde site. Below is an enlargement.

Enough money was raised to purchase many of the Waverley school horses, plus saddlery and equipment and in December 1957 a new committee voted to purchase an 80 acre dairy property on the corner of Pound Road and Cranbourne Road Narre Warren. It was named Oakwood Riding School to honour of the Irving sisters and in memory of Oakwood Park in Dandenong.

The riding school progressed very well and by1959, one of the first indoor riding halls in Australia had been constructed on the property along with loose boxes, a residence and live-in accommodation. In these early days of Australian Dressage, most competitions were conducted in a 20X40 (meter) size arena and the original Oakwood indoor adopted this standard.

Over the next 40 years, many improvements were undertaken to keep up with the requirements of Oakwood's clientele and the riding school became a centre for outstanding riding instruction with people like Anton Nissan and Malcolm Barnes molding Oakwood's direction and influencing the skills and knowledge of the many people who were part of the 'Oakwood family'.

In the period around the mid 1970's and under Malcolm Barnes' direction, Oakwood Riding School made an enormous contribution to equestrianism by formalising the education of many young people who trained at this 'live-in' riding academy as working pupils. These youngsters (and some not so young) took advantage of the chance to throw themselves into a career with horses and lived in the dormitory and each day would ... ride, ride and ride, plus learn horse husbandry, horse care and the management of a professional European style training barn. This was well before the NCAS system that now helps people get into the industry. I would suggest that Malcolm's training was ground breaking and years ahead of the time! They were wonderful days.

I agisted my horse at Oakwood during this period and experienced - first hand - the contribution that Malcolm Barnes made to the budding interest in equestrian sports - in particular - the Olympic disciplines, along with preparing horses and riders for the show ring. He implemented many innovations and from a personal perspective, much of what I know, I learned from Malcolm and many of his wonderful lessons are still with me to this day. Oakwood was a little like the 'Army' - there were lots of rules and the discipline created respect for people and horses and created an ideal learning environment.

Malcolm is a genuine horse lover and spared nothing to see that the horses came first. All of the agisted horses had their feet cleaned out and oiled every day by the staff as they did the feed rounds. Grooming, selection and care of tack and other equipment was of paramount importance and Malcolm and the Oakwood staff kept a watchful eye on everyone to ensure that no rules were bent or broken. As a rider, you were expected to pay great attention to the development of an independent seat and good riding position - we were told frequently without an independent and secure seat, one could never be a good rider!!!

To this end, Oakwood was very structured around lunging lessons - in fact, new riding pupils were not able to book a lesson without first undertaking a 'lunging course' at which time their skills could be assessed. Only when they were considered capable of riding and influencing a horse correctly, were they able to book for riding lessons. This style of teaching was drilled into Malcolm when he trained overseas and for the people like myself who were fortunate enough to be part of his system, a sound basic education was the result.

Oakwood had an 'all riders welcome' approach for the daily 10 am class given by Malcolm. This was a fantastic opportunity for new and old friends to get together, share a horsey experience and learn something. Malcolm's lessons and the Oakwood culture that he created embraced all of the positive aspects of group interaction - learning by watching, giving a feeling of belonging and peer recognition.

Malcolm was a gifted and innovative instructor (and probably still is!). With a 'no bookings necessary' policy it was impossible to plan the lessons around group sizes. In a 40x20 arena a turn up of 12 or more gave Malcolm something think about. I can still recall some of these lessons when keeping distance became the theme of the day. Riding in severeal groups, 3 or 4 abreast and no less than 1 1/2 horse lengths from the group in front, was a great way to learn control in all three paces.

When the 10 o'clock class students demonstrated a special level of improvement and expertise, they were invited to be part of Malcolm's more advanced class at 11.30 on Saturday's. I can remember when this happened to me and it felt like I had won gold at the Olympics! Everyone worked hard to get this invitation and for me it still stands as a personal riding highlight!

Sadly so much of this way of teaching is lost because we cannot easily create the Oakwood environment with it's non-profit status and many working pupils to help get things done.

As times changed and more competitions were held in a 20X60 meter arena Oakwood extended the indoor arena to meet this requirement and a sand outdoor arena was added to Oakwood's facilities.

These days at Oakwood were wonderfully social and there was a fantastic feeling of camaraderie and goodwill - I cannot remember jealousy and ambition getting in the way of friendship or the desire to learn more and help each other.

It was a very exciting time when Malcolm and his friend Alice Stainton returned from Spain with two magnificent stallions. Alice had purchased the divine milk white Hespano/Arab, Martinette and Malcolm was now the proud owner of the dappled steel grey Hortelano. They were both impressively large and no one had ever seen a more magnificent pair. At this time we knew Hortelano to be a purebred Andalusian. The breed is now known as Pura Raza Española as the Andalusia/n depicts just one breeding region and these beautiful horses come from all over Spain.

This period hallmarked a new experiences for everyone and Malcolm and Alice delighted us all with their stories about the horses from Spain. There were demonstrations, competitions, shows and the opportunity to be part of an exciting time of change. The Oakwood social evenings were very special and we were treated to Malcolm dressed as a Spanish lady and riding sidesaddle with the flair and aplomb that is his personal trademark!

When Malcolm Barnes retired from his duties times changed and Oakwood no longer catered for large numbers of live in students. Respected instructor Sue Chandler operated the centre for a period and at times there was no resident instructor, but visiting instructors were able to conduct classes from Oakwood. This brought some new ideas and diverse interests to the mix, but most people felt that the early years were the best years.

Pictured right is Scarlet Blakely (nee Nordgren) who made a significant contribution to the education of horses and riders. Scarlet immigrated from Sweden and learned much at the famous Flyinge Stud where she was based with one of the Dressage greats - Kyra Kyrklund.

In 2003 a combination of the insurance crisis, severe drought and rising feed costs bought the riding school to it's knees and the doors of Oakwood were closed. However the spirit of camaraderie that drove the group who attended the meetings back in 1957 still flourished and a large numbers of friends of the riding school converged on the Beaconsfield Hotel to consider the ongoing viability of Oakwood. This group pledged that if it was deemed appropriate, they would devise a plan to see the riding school re-opened and able to continue by careful  management and the implementation of sustainable strategies.

From these supporters a Committee was formed and a great deal of work done to see the school re-open. But it was clear that the 36 acres of land that remained from the original 80 acres that the school was sited on, at Narre Warren, was not enough to make a riding school viable and the now aging improvements needed considerable money spent to bring Oakwood up to the commercial standards of today. The decision was made to sell the Cranbourne Road Narre Warren site and re-locate to a larger property. The sale proceeds would provide the capital to purchase a larger land holding, upon which a new facility could be purpose built.

The old site was sold to ABC Learning and the timing of events gave the Oakwood Committee 11 months to find a suitable site, purchase it and construct the new facilities. The planning, budgeting, design and construction was overseen by riding school members and every one who attended the opening of the 'new' Oakwood Riding School agreed that it was an equestrian centre to be very proud of.

Many people from the early days are still involved in horses and fondly remember the experiences that have confirmed their love of horses, riding and equestrian sports. Carol Simpson (pictured below, left) has a vast collection of early Oakwood memorabilia which she shared with us all for the opening on the 9th February 2007. Unfortunately she could not be present and we certainly missed her smiling face and bubbly personality at this milestone occasion.

It was great to catch up with Michael and Jenny Lee (below right) who have lived next door to Oakwood at it's Cranbourne Road location for 3 decades. Not only have Jenny and Michael raised their family at Narre Warren but they have seen 'first hand' the role that Oakwood Riding School has played in the flourishing Australian equestrian scene. Michael developed his skills at Oakwood and has ridden dressage to Grand Prix level on his stunning dapple grey gelding Kelmscott. He is also an A level Dressage Judge. The Lees were always there to lend a helping hand ... and it is people like them that made Oakwood such a great place.

Above - Pauline Rogers (left) has been the Office Manager and the voice on the other end of the phone for over 25 years. Sue Stott (centre) has been a long time friend of Oakwood as a Committee Member and riding pupil and Sue Chandler has been a riding instructor at Cranbourne Road and now takes over as Chief Instructor at the new Clyde property.

When it came to the formalities, Kerry Bray handed over to the present President of the Oakwood Riding School Committee, Michael Hocking, who started his talk saying that most people who gathered to celebrate this occasion will have experienced great enjoyment from their connection with horses. He felt sure that all would remember their first ride and the friendships that were forged along the way.

"Oakwood has a great community spirit and that is represented by all of those here tonight and some that could not make it. Michael told everyone the history of Oakwood and gave some background about the high and low points that the riding school has experienced over the years.

He explained how the re-development came about and reflected the hard work and commitment of the people who cared enough to want to see Oakwood continue.

Michael spoke for the current committee of Oakwood Riding School when he thanked the volunteers and staff over the past 50 years who have maintained the riding school through 'thick and thin', without you we would not be here today. He finished with a rousing chant - "May Oakwood continue long into the future!"

The Committee of Oakwood from left - Leanna Bray, Michael Hocking, Jill Shannon, Helen Hart and Sue Stott.

Michael handed over to Helen Hart (below left) who told how the present committee came together and implemented their vision for this wonderful facility. Helen shared her experience of being convinced by her long term (and very persuasive) friend Leanna Bray ( below right), to be part of the group to form a committee of people who would do the work needed to keep Oakwood going. Helen commended Leanna for her vision, passion and hard work. She said that her friend had been a key factor in creating the drive and enthusiasm needed to see Oakwood with a future.

Having known Leanna for a number of years, I have also seen her commitment and enthusiasm at work on a number of projects. When I looked around at what this Committee has achieved - it did not surprise me that this 'fearless warrior' had more than a little bit to do with it!

Leanna is a special woman ... and I hope that she gets enormous satisfaction knowing that she has helped to provide the 'light at the end of the tunnel' which guided the 're-building' committee through the difficulties that seemed certain to see Oakwood fade into just a fond memory.

Leanna Bray and Helen Hart congratulate Oakwood's two
life members - Sue Stott and Robyn Hardingham (below)

We were then introduced to a person who needs little introduction to most horsey people.  He is a 'living legend' who has inspired many riders in two of the three Olympic disciplines. Heath Ryan has been honoured and recognised for his fantastic achievements (the most recent being ... named on the short list to ride for Australia at the 2006 World Equestrian Games in Aachen in both Dressage and Eventing)  Heath has been made a Patron of the Oakwood Riding School, as it moves forward to meet the needs of our Olympic hopefuls of the future.

Heath is one of the most generous spirited individuals and is always willing to listen, offer advice, or to help a fellow rider. Not only does he ride many horses each day, Heath also teaches riding, gives clinics and works very hard on his 'pet project' - Auction of the Stars. a venture that he partners with Dirk Dijkstra from the AEA in Victoria and Ann-Maree Lourey from Byalee Stud in NSW.

Heath said, "it is all very well improving our riding, but we must foster the improvement of performance horses in Australia if we are to continue to make progress as an international equestrian nation". "Auction of the Stars has been going for almost a decade and we are now recognised as "the place" to find a real superstar horse. FEI riders such as Mary Hanna, Sue Hearn and Robbie Soster are just some of the people who have bought a pretty flashy youngster at one of our auctions". Heath enthused. "We are having a sale of future stars in March and some of these youngsters are true internationals!"

Heath said "I am enormously proud to be a continuing part of Oakwood for this is the centre which has had a huge impact on equestrian sport in Australia. I recall the early years when riders all over Australia respected the reputation of Oakwood Riding School - it was an institution way ahead of it's time."

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© Cyberhorse 2007 Berni Saunders