Five Minutes With... Show Announcer - Ralph Dunn

If it's a big show western show, you can bet Ralph Dunn will be there, announcing and supporting the events and horses he loves!  From Summer Sizzler to NPHA Pleasure Celebration, Ralph brings a calming consistency to western showing, his soothing tones are always in the background, advising details of upcoming classes and results from finalised classes, no matter how big the event and how high pressured the competition, Ralph is there.

In addition to his announcing skills, which are valued by competitors and spectators, this year Ralph has started posting results from classes on Facebook, immediately the event is completed, which has proved immensely popular with those who couldn't make it to the shows.

Facebook means everyone across the country can not only keep track of results, but also offer congratulations to winners and placegetters.  This show season Ralph's Facebook page must be one of the most popular out there!  Western enthusiasts who weren't at NPHA were glued to Ralph's page during the big two year old western pleasure class at NPHA, eagerly awaiting the results hot off the computer.  We're surprised there wasn't a global Facebook melt down!

Jo Johnson was lucky enough to spend some time in the announcer's box with Ralph at NPHA and was able to witness his well oiled machine at work - steward radios through placings, Ralph writes them down (being a fast writer is a major requirement of the job claims Ralph), Ralph announces placings from lowest to highest, makes sure competitors and spectators know where they're at for the next class, then quickly uploads the results on Facebook - so everyone really is getting the lowdown on the showdown, as it's happening!

Ralph seems to know every western rider and horse who has ever competed, so we decided to find out more about the man behind the microphone.

 

How did you first become involved with horses?
At 18 months when my mum rescued me from underneath a big draught horse, he was cool though - didn't move a muscle and I was playing with the hair on his legs (feathers).

When did you get into the world of western showing?
Around 1972, before that I used to show hacks, palominos, American Saddlebreds etc.

What do you enjoy most about western breeds shows?
The friendship we all share in this industry, and I guess I am hooked on the way that western horses go, mainly their fabulous temperament. The first time I rode in a western saddle I was hooked! My english show saddle felt like a postage stamp!

What made you decide to be an announcer?
I spent a lot of years training, judging, classifying, stud work, breeding and all the work that goes with it.  I decided to do full time announcing after a back injury forced me to resign from judging (too many football injuries and falls off horses!)

What do you love most about the job?
The beautiful people you are associated with along the journey through life.

In a typical year - what shows would you announce at?
My year usually starts in January at Tonimbuk, Victoria, for Quarter Horse events, then the Victorian Appaloosa State Show in February, plus the Summer Sizzler which is also in February, Australian Halter Showcase (all in Victoria), then on to Tamworth for the Appaloosa Nationals, Quarter Horse Nationals, Paint Nationals, and Miniatures. Then back to Sydney for NSW Quarter Horse State Show, NPHA, and NSW Paint State Show. This year I'm off to Queensland for the first time for the Appaloosa and Quarter Horse State Titles. I'll then have a break until October and go back to Victoria for the State Quarter Horse Titles. I really LOVE my job!

Do you have a favourite show?
I don't really have a favourite show, where ever these beautiful western horses show is my favourite show.

Do you announce at events other than western shows?
I do a number of announcing appointments from agricultural shows to wedding MC and voice over jobs.

I'm sure you've seen many great performances in the show pen - are there any that really stand out?
As far as stand out performance in the show pen go, hmmm after 21 years it's hard to recall, so its best left alone for there are many I could nominate, but I might still leave out just as important ones! (How's that for fence sitting?)

have you got any tips for budding young announcers out there?
The biggest tip I can tell budding announcers is "TIME" be on time, make sure you keep the numbers flowing through the pen everyone appreciates this. Next would be extreme "PATIENCE" and "CALMNESS" never let your voice sound like your anxious or stressed.

what do you enjoy doing when you're not announcing at shows?
When I'm not announcing I like to be in my garden, just chilling and relaxing.

Do you like dogs or cats?

I'm not a cat or dog person, (being on the road so much its not fair to them) I used to show exhibition budgerigars though and have many championships in the trophy cabinet.

 

Thank you so much for your time Ralph and we look forward to welcoming you to Queensland in June!