Above: Brad Frankum and Oaks Calypso at the 2023 Magic Millions Showjumping.

Professor Brad Frankum has a rich history in Australian Jumping and a commitment that spans decades. Brad has not only excelled as a competitor but has also played a pivotal role in the governance and development of equestrian activities in Australia.

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Brad’s journey in equestrian sports began in his childhood. Growing up near Orangeville in NSW, Brad was immersed in the equestrian world from a young age. “We had horses from when we were very young children,” he recalls, reminiscing about his early days of Pony Club. However, the road wasn’t always easy. “I was battling away with a home-bred horse, mad keen on Jumping, but my first pony really wasn’t,” he laughed.

His breakthrough came when he was 12 years old, thanks to the generosity of a family friend who offered him a pony jumper named Kelly, an older horse who would become a significant part of his life. “Kelly was probably the reason I’m still jumping” Brad reflects. He had great success on Kelly and was named the ‘Most Successful Boy Rider’ in Jumping Competitions at the Sydney Royal Show for two consecutive years in 1980 and 1981.

Above: Brad Frankum and Kelly at Paddington RAS in 1982.

Despite the ups and downs of competition, Brad has maintained a steadfast commitment to riding throughout his life, even while balancing his extensive medical career. “I was away at university in Newcastle, and my mum kept the horse in work for me,” he explained. During his university holidays, he took advantage of opportunities to work with established trainers, honing his skills and gaining invaluable experience.

His commitment to the sport remained unwavering even after various life changes, including marriage and the birth of two children. “My wife said to me, ‘You need to get some better horses, if you are going to compete at a higher level!’” he shared. This encouragement led him to acquire two exceptional World Cup horses in the late 1990s: Pelican’s Rest Cougar and Pelican’s Rest Macarthur Park.

Above: Brad Frankum with Pelican’s Rest Cougar Paddington RAS 1982.

Above: Brad Frankum with Pelican’s Rest Cougar, Sydney Royal.

Brad’s competitive journey includes many highlights, but one particularly stands out: “When I won the New Zealand Horse of the Year on Cougar and also the Norwood Gold Cup in 2002, that was a great achievement,” he said. He recalls that year fondly, mentioning that he was shortlisted for the World Championships and qualified for the World Cup Final, although an injury to his horse prevented him from attending.

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Now jumping back at World Cup level with his locally bred horse Oaks Calypso, Brad is really enjoying the time he gets to spend riding. Balancing a demanding Medical career as a full time Clinical Immunologist and Allergy Specialist with his passion for Jumping has not been without its challenges. “I ride early in the morning, and that’s the only time I get during the week,” Brad explained. This limited schedule has taught him to be strategic with his time, planning his competition calendar months in advance to accommodate his medical commitments and block out his calendar to facilitate his attendance at shows.

Above: Brad Frankum and Oaks Calypso in the winners circle at the 2023 Magic Millions Showjumping

Reflecting on his journey, Brad acknowledges the sacrifices he made for his medical career while simultaneously nurturing his passion for horses. “I don’t regret it at all. I think it’s important work,” he stated. However, he also wonders how his equestrian pursuits might have evolved differently had he devoted more time to them. “You always wonder if you could have done your horse thing a bit differently,” he mused.

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As a testament to his unwavering dedication, Brad remains actively involved in the equestrian community beyond just competition. Brad served as the Chair on the board of Equestrian NSW for a number of years and is the newly elected chair of the the Equestrian Australia Jumping Committee (EAJC). Brad encourages others to contribute to the sport, emphasising the importance of volunteerism in governance and organisational roles. “It’s a really important way to contribute,” he states.

Above: Brad Frankum and Oaks Calypso at the 2024 NSW State Championships.

Professor Brad Frankum’s story is one of perseverance, passion, and commitment to both medicine and equestrian sports. As he continues to ride and compete, his legacy is not just in the accolades he has achieved but in the inspiration he offers to future generations of equestrians. Whether he’s in the saddle or serving his community, Brad exemplifies the spirit of dedication that defines the sport of Jumping in Australia.

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