The Board of Directors | Equestrian Australia

The Board of Directors

Christie Freeman - Chair	Christie has a corporate background that includes experience in change management, Six Sigma process improvement, marketing and general management. She holds a Bachelor of Arts as well as Graduate Diplomas in Management and Psychology. She understands our sport from participating as a volunteer, administrator, breeder and competitor and has also recently been the chair of Equestrian Victoria. Currently, she is a Jumping competitor with her homebred mare 'Quevida', though she started out in Eventing. Christie was elected to the Board on 30 November 2022 for a term of three years and was re-elected on 15 November 2024 for a term of two years.
Zac Miles	Zac has had extensive experience in governance roles, particularly in membership- based organisations and elected bodies. Zac has been around horses since he was young, having been a competitive showjumper until an accident at the EKKA cut his career short. He continues to be involved in horse care and training, as well as helping to manage equestrian facilities and apparel company EMCEE. Zac is currently serving as Mayor of Hunters Hill and as the Senior Investment Manager of an Australian Financial Services Licence holding property debt fund (WholeCap). He brings a deep understanding of Equestrian Sports and a focus on good governance- improving both the administration and the growth of Equestrian Sports in Australia. Zac was elected to the Board on 30 November 2022 for a term of three years.
Jane Ballantyne	Jane is a Business Executive and Sports Administrator with over 20 years of leadership, management and private consulting experience with leading brands and organisations, specialising in customer led growth. Jane has held senior marketing, communications and commercial positions with Racing Victoria, Australian Grand Prix Corporation, the Australian Football League, Nike and News Corporation. Jane grew up in South-West Victoria, attended Portland Pony Club and competed extensively across show riding and eventing. Jane was appointed to the Board on 24 May 2023 for a term of three years. NB: Jane has taken a leave of absence from the Board effective 2 September 2024.
Chris Bennecke	Chris has a corporate background in interim management, governance, risk management, internal audit, and corporate finance. His qualifications include Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD), Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) and Certification in Risk Management Assurance. He currently holds directorships in a manufacturing and retailing company and a not-for-profit organisation. Chris’ main focus is on organisational strategy, assessment of risks and opportunities, robustness of policies, and financial management. His passion for the equestrian world is based on a 20 year competitive and successful career in Germany, where he grew up (including 5 years in Lower Saxony's squad for show jumping). As a strong advocate of 'clean and fair sports', Chris promotes the health and safety of every creature in any sport. Chris was appointed to the Board on 24 May 2023 for a term of three years and is the current Chair of the Equestrian Australia Coaching Committee.
Stephanie Lyons	Stephanie is responsible for overseeing the investment risk processes at Rest Super. Stephanie holds a Bachelor of Commerce (German), is a Chartered Accountant and a Graduate of Harvard Business School (General Management Program). For more information on Stephanie's experience visit her LinkedIn profile. “I am passionate about equestrian sports, having competed very successfully in eventing both in Ireland and Europe until I was 18. Currently as a very active sailor, having completed two Sydney to Hobart Yacht Races, I understand the planning, preparation, pressure, exhilaration and of course the importance of safety when organising or being a competitor in a highrisk sport. I firmly believe in the importance of a strong organisational culture which ultimately drives success. With a clear focus on values, being an experienced professional and a lover of sport, I can help Equestrian Australia with their transitional program to deliver excellent governance and a risk managed safe sport.” Stephanie was appointed to the Board on 9 October 2023 for a term of three years.
Rhett Oliver	Rhett brings to the Board a wealth of experience in equestrian sports through 30 years as a showjumping competitor and breeder. Rhett lives in Victoria and continues to compete in showjumping. Rhett's wife is a competitive dressage rider and coach, and his three young boys are also beginning to show interest in the horses. Outside of the sport Rhett is the National Head of Property and Development at law firm Colin, Biggers & Paisley. With over 20 years' experience advising some of Australia's largest private and corporate property developers on all aspects of their operations, Rhett brings to the Board a sharp commercial lens and business perspective combined with a deep understanding of risk. Rhett was elected to the Board on 9 October 2023 for a term of three years.
David Shoobridge	David Shoobridge brings a wealth of equine industry experience and expertise to his recent appointment to the board of Equestrian Australia with a background of over 20 years in the equestrian industry as a rider, coach, parent, volunteer and breeder. As a High Performance dressage rider and breeder and Level 2 Dressage coach, David has achieved success at both Grand Prix and grass roots. With the international Grand Prix stallion OO Seven, David reached an FEI World Ranking of 85. Now, partnered with his home-bred stallion Vittorio, he won the Novice Champion 2023 Australian Championships followed by Dressage and Jumping with the Stars 5yo Young Dressage Horse Champion. David is the founder and operator of Salisbury Dressage, a renowned breeding, riding, and training establishment known for its dedication to excellence and high standards. David's passion for horses and commitment to the development of the equestrian community make him a valuable addition to the board, where his insights, ideas and leadership will undoubtedly help drive positive change and growth within the organisation. David was appointed to the Board as the Athlete Appointed Director on 13 May 2024 for a term of three years.
Maggie Hundertmark	Maggie is a Senior Banker with 28 years in senior leadership roles with experience across multiple countries and cultures, such as The Netherlands, Australia, Singapore and The Middle East. She has built a broad range career, having fulfilled senior management roles with multiple large financial institutions across the globe. She is a specialist in implementing change programs proven by a solid track record of successfully implemented organizational restructures and offshoring programs and a completion of a MSc (Hons) in Management Science, major in Strategy & Change Management. For more information on Maggie's experience visit her LinkedIn profile. Outside of work, Maggie is an animal lover and a passionate equestrian rider. She is married to Johan and has three children (2 daughters, 1 son). Maggie was appointed to the Board on 19 May 2024 for a term of three years.
Nicholas Ballard	With a lifetime of experience in the equestrian industry as a competitor, owner, parent, official, and volunteer Nicholas is dedicated to giving back to this vibrant sport. From 2021-2024, Nicholas has proudly served on the Equestrian Queensland (EQ) Board, including as Vice Chair in 2021 and Chair from 2022. This role has allowed Nicholas to build effective and lasting relationships that foster the sustainable growth of our community. Nicholas’s priorities include: - Supporting affiliated clubs and event organisers - Empowering EA-accredited officials - Championing EA-accredited coaches - Developing our athletes Nicholas was appointed to the Board on 15 November 2024 for a term of three years.