Our People

Nicola Read

I also share a deep-rooted connection to the heavy horse world, thanks to my diverse equestrian background. My love for heavy horses was ignited when my father brought home our first Shire, a moment that marked the beginning of a new lifestyle for our entire family. My passion for Clydesdales blossomed when my father introduced a 2-year-old Clydesdale gelding named Oliver, around the time of my 13th birthday. During my teenage years, my sister and I immersed ourselves in the show circuit, traveling with our Shires and Clydesdales up and down the country.

We also spent a significant amount of time with Mike and Kath Grayson and their Clydesdale horses. This provided a unique opportunity to delve into the finer points of Clydesdale horses and the work they could perform. Our involvement with Mike's horses extended beyond showmanship; we also participated in displays and even rode these magnificent creatures. In later years, I took one of Mike's horses, Gharsun, for training under saddle, a decision that shaped my equestrian journey. Gharsun and I have excelled in various domains, including in-hand, in harness, under saddle, and even in national dressage championships. Gharsun is still with me to this day and plays a vital role in taking Oakwood Clydesdales to the next level.

Tom Nixon

Originally hailing from Dublin, my roots were deeply intertwined with traditional farming where horses played a crucial role in agricultural work. Growing up on the family farm, I honed my horsemanship skills while working alongside my father. As my father retired, I took over the farm's management, further enriching my experience with heavy horses.

My journey extended beyond the family farm, as I ventured to explore working farms across Ireland. Here, I utilized his Shires and Clydesdales for land management, breaking, and training. During this period, I co-founded a Clydesdale Horse Society in Ireland, fostering a community of Clydesdale enthusiasts and encouraging newcomers to embrace these remarkable horses. This local society has since merged with the main Clydesdale Horse Society. Before coming to the UK, I spent 15 years running my own forestry business, using Ardennes horses across Ireland. I decided to shift my focus eight years ago, accepting a position in England working with a herd of Shire horses for carriage work and conservation. In July 2023, I decided to redirect my wealth of experience and expertise to fuel our own vision at Oakwood Clydesdales.