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Equestrian NSW Board

Judy Fasher - Chair A long serving member on the ENSW Board, Judy returned to us in 2012 after taking one year off - a requirement of directors who serve six years. Judy is a passionate and committed volunteer in equestrian sport chairing the interschool committee, running the twilight jumping evenings at SIEC and serving on the Eventing NSW committee for many years. She is a competitor, coach and coach educator and has vast experience in media management, high perfomance and sports administration.

Michael Benson - Vice Chair - Michael has been key to the financial management of Equestrian NSW for over 15 years. First appointed to the board in 1994, he stepped down as Chairman and director due to rotational requirements in 2008 but was re-appointed to the board in February 2010. Michael has a keen interest in developing the sport across all disciplines and has a great depth of knowledge in governance, finances and the growth of the sport in NSW. Michael is an accountant. As well as his ENSW board experience Michael has held key roles on the committee of Dressage NSW.

Alex Townsend - Board member since Oct 2007. Alex comes from a PR/media background. She is director of The Animal Company and is the owner and manager of Wallaby Hill Farm. Alex actively competes at two star level eventing and is an NCAS Level 1 instructor. Alex also sits on the Eventing NSW committee, Berrima Horse Trials Committee and Wallaby Hill Horse Trials Committee.

Dr Derek Major - Board member since Aug 2007. Initially seconded to board as veterinarian adviser during EI, Derek is now an elected member of the board. He is a partner in Agnes Banks Equine Clinic and is a competitor in eventing and jumping as well as a breeder of performance horses. Derek is a Chartered Member of the Australian Veterinary Association, former board member of the AVA and past president of Equine Veterinarians Australia. He is currently the Australian FEI Contact Veterinarian.

Ray Balcomb - Board member since Dec 2008. Ray is a long term head of logistics, part time groom and half sponsor of eventing daughter! He is a great believer in the sport with a keen interest in supporting riders to compete overseas and live in Australia. Ray has 30 years of experience in the signage, sports sponsorship and media sales industries.

Linda Beneke - Linda has a long equestrian background having held an Unrestricted Trainer and Driver Harness Racing licence for 15yrs, driving in NSW, QLD, SA and New Zealand. She is now a full time groom and float driver to her 2 children, Brandon and Renee. Linda is a Level 1 Showjump Judge and is actively involved in event management having helped on many committees including Sydney Showjump Club, Sydney @ SIEC Eventing, Hawkesbury Equestrian Centre, ENSW Interschool and also Area 1 Pony Club. She currently works for herself in event management.

Kelly Paton, co-opted director - Kelly returns to the board in 2012 after a short break. She has been a member of the ENSW Board since 2008 and is an enthusiastic owner and supporter of upper level dressage horses. She has a professional background in education and brings to the board expertise in the areas of governance, education and training and stakeholder engagement.

David Lawrence, on leave of absence - Board member since 2002, Chairman 2004-2008. David stepped down from the board for a year in 2008 and was re-elected in December 2009. David is an accredited course designer and has an ongoing involvement in jumping. During EI David was heavily involved in the management of the crisis and was at the forefront of negotiations with the federal and state governments regarding funding for events and industry relief packages.

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