Five Minutes With 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 and 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.

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. Carol’s latest book "Hold yer Horses"is out now.

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 travels extensively to a variety of functions and is acknowledged as one of the foremost writers and performers in Australia.

Horsezone managed to tie Carol down for five minutes and find out a little more about this multi-talented horsewoman...

How did you become involved with horses?
I was raised (in the city) with my cousin who was a year or so older and able to do absolutely everything better than I could. For my 5^th birthday, Mum asked whether I wanted a party or a horse ride. Animal mad, I of course opted for the ride and an instructor was booked to take us around Centennial Park. About half way, the instructor said to my cousin “Why don’t you sit up like your little sister?” …I was hooked!
...and showing?
Over the years, I have ‘had a go’ at most horse sports but the beauty of a true show horse is irresistible.

Your best horse ever?
I’m in a turmoil here as most people would probably say it would be Kooralyn Shawner, initially a scruffy pony (with no brakes) I took over when a lay-bye fell through and she was abandoned. She probably still holds the record for more individual wins at a Royal than any horse ever (Canberra Royal - seven firsts, two Champions and two Reserves). However, closest to my heart is Carrobity Copyright, the beautiful brown mare I bred by Willowcroft Explorer. She won at many Royals and was the quietest (read laziest) horse on this earth. I put her down just last year and miss her dreadfully. But what is meant by ‘best’? All my horses stole my heart and have special places in my memory.

What is your favourite event to judge?
At one stage I think I was on about thirteen panels, so I’ve probably judged everything and everywhere under the sun (including overseas) but show horses – the top ponies, galloways and hacks – are what give me goose pimples.
I’m currently looking forward to judging Werribee (Australian Show Horse and Rider Championships) this year.

What do you enjoy most about broadcasting/announcing at shows?
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.

Who inspired you to write horse and bush poetry?
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.

Plans for the future?
Just to keep shrugging off the war wounds (old horse injuries) so I can keep doing what I’m doing!