21st - Australian Bush Poet - Carol Heuchan

Carol Heuchan lives in the Hunter Valley, New South Wales. She has taught riding, competed intensively with her show horses, served on many panels and committees, judged throughout Australia and internationally. Competitors on the NSW show scene will know Carol and her voice very well, because among her many talents, Carol is an accomplished announcer who broadcasts at many shows, including Sydney Royal.

When asked what she enjoys most about broadcasting, Carol is all smiles, "Aha! Broadcasting. The best thing about it is everybody loves you – not just the winners. And you get paid! Seriously though, having been a sole competitor without any support, I know how stressful it is behind the scenes, trying to get ready and not knowing what’s happening in the ring. When competitors see me on show morning and say 'Oh, thank goodness it’s you,' that’s nice.

The other side, commentating at Sydney Royal, is a chance to fulfil a lifelong ideal. I have always felt that events could be more popular if explained in laymen’s terms. Sharing my passion and making hacking more ‘user friendly’, I hope will give interest to a wider field and this can only enhance the sport’s future."

Her first book "Horseplay" led Carol to the world of Bush Poetry and success followed success. Carol appeared on TV (ABC Channel 2) in the first episode of a six part series called "Bush Slam"hosted by H.G. Nelson. The ABC has a book of the series.

In 2004, Carol won the richest prize in poetry history - a Case JX55 Tractor valued at $34,000.00! Four top selling books to date, three award winning CD's and five Australian Bush Laureate awards are to her credit, including 'Performer of the Year'. At the Australian Bush Poetry Championships in March 2007, she won in all categories.

Carol was inspired to write bush poetry from a young age, "As a kid, when I stayed at riding schools, a bloke called Reg Thompson used to play the guitar, sing the old cowboy songs and make up lyrics about our gang and I just loved it. But I was too busy with horses from then on to write or perform. I always saw the funny side of the horse world though and that’s what I eventually wrote about. The horse books started this new career and it has been a roller coaster ride in all sorts of directions I never could have imagined."

 

Carol's latest book, "Hold Yer Horses!" is out now and proves Carol is bigger and better than ever!  "Hold Yer Horses!" is a compilation of the best of Carol’s horse poetry, yarns and cartoons, with forewords by Heath Ryan (Olympic Equestrian) “…wicked sense of humour… This is beautiful. This is Australia.” and James Blundell (International Country Music Star)“…towing laughter by the trailer load”

 

CLICK HERE to read about Carol's other books and to order your copy of "Hold Yer Horses!"  Why not buy copies for all your horsey friends, who we are sure would truly appreciate Carol's sense of humour and insight into life with horses?
 

Carol is pictured (right) on one of her favourite horses, Carrobity Copyright, a beautiful mare she bred by Willowcroft Explorer. Copyright won at many Royals and still holds a special place in Carol's heart.

 

In addition to her horsey pursuits, judging, broadcasting and writing, Carol travels extensively to a variety of functions and is acknowledged as an enteraining guest speaker.  A gifted, natural speaker, Carol makes fascinating listening and encompasses all ages and audiences from niche to corporate functions. Carol is that rare guest speaker who doesn't just tell you about what she's done, she actually does it, right there and then! Unique entertainment of an extraordinary standard.

 

CLICK HERE to contact Carol about broadcasting or guest speaking engagements or visit Carol's website www.carolpoet.com.au to find out more about this fascinating, multi-talented author and horsewoman!