Equestrian Update
We are pleased to announce some exciting updates to the Oxley Equestrian Program for 2025. These changes are designed to provide greater opportunities for our riders, ensure a more inclusive and enriching experience for all participants and reduce costs and administrative requirements. These changes have been made in consultation with our Equestrian team and in response to feedback from the MMG survey last year.
What is changing?
Instead of holding the traditional Equestrian Day, we will be introducing a number of Sunday training days throughout the year. These training days will focus on skill development, team bonding, and preparing our riders for key competitions such as the Berry Interschools Championships.
What Will These Training Days Include?
The training days will be hosted by local equestrian centres and facilitated by highly experienced coaches. Each term, the team will focus on a different discipline to provide a well-rounded experience:
- Horsemanship and Flat Work: Riders will learn groundwork skills, horse movement and riding techniques in group lessons tailored to their ability levels.
- Jumping: Designed to enhance jumping skills through a modified clinic format suitable for all levels.
- Dressage: This clinic will be led by world-class dressage coaches.
Further information on these events will be provided by the Equestrian Team Coordinator, Miss Georgie Ridehalgh, in the coming weeks. Please keep an eye out for these via broadcasts on the Oxley App.
Why the Change?
Feedback from our riders and families in the MMG Survey, highlighted a strong interest in more frequent training opportunities. This new model will:
- provide more consistent and meaningful skill development.
- increase participation in competitions like the Berry Interschools Championships.
- alleviate challenges associated with the Equestrian Day, such as unsuitable horses, limited event options, and horse/rider injuries.
- improve the safety of participation and reduces the risks of injury to riders.
Looking Ahead for Term 1:
- The first exciting activity for 2025 will involve a trail ride with Highlands Equine Trail Adventures on Sunday 23 February.
Students and their horses can participate in a guided trail riding adventure through the beautiful National Park.
There will be two groups: one riding in the morning and one in the afternoon. The morning ride will be for less confident riders/horses who require a slower pace, and the afternoon ride will be for more confident riders and will be at a faster pace. Please note, for safety reasons, each group can have a maximum of 6 riders so once spots are filled, we will be unable to accept more riders.
Please click HERE FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST
For more information about the trail ride or other upcoming events, please be in touch with Miss Georgie Ridehalgh Georgie.ridehalgh@oxley.nsw.edu.au
Please contact Mr Christophe Gauchat- Director of Co-Curricular: christophe.gauchat@oxley.nsw.edu.au if you have any questions about these changes to the Equestrian program.
Thank you for your ongoing support, and we look forward to seeing the Oxley Equestrian team flourish in 2025!
Kind regards
Christophe Gauchat
Director of Co-curricular P-12