The Voice of the New Forest Show
There are many wonderful aspects and traditions of the New Forest Show and this year is no exception. From the immaculately dressed stewards in their bowler hats, to the exceptional standards of all competitors ( including the four legged friends) , the beautifully turned out judges, the gleaming silver trophies – there are many elements of this unique Show that stand the test of time. One of the familiar sounds of the Show is a Welsh melodious voice guiding us all through the days’ events through the tannoy system.
Who is the person behind the voice ? For the last eight years it has been the charismatic Carey Knox whose career with a microphone started when she was just fifteen.
Her father ran a large One Day Show in South Wales and one year, the show jumping commentator was taken ill, so before she knew what was happening, she was in the commentary box. Some years later the show director from The Royal Welsh Show invited Carey to join his team after hearing her commentary. This was followed by an invitation to commentate at the Royal Richmond Show – a huge step for the girl from South Wales. Now Carey is the familiar voice of many County shows and the prestigious The Horse of Year Show and, of course, our own New Forest Show.
With a life times knowledge of horses, ( Carey could ride before she could walk), her equine expertise is exceptional and she can always spot a winner, even if its at the other side of the show ring. When commentating on a class full of energy and speed such a pony club relay, Carey’s excitable enthusiasm and encouragement whips the crowds up into a cacophony of shouts and cheers.
When asked what her favourite class is, Carey replied : ” That’s a tough question as there are too many to mention, but if I had to pick, it would have to be the Driving, and the Hackneys’ just tip the top spot for me! I love their movement and the buzz of the audience getting behind them – the cheering and clapping is electric”
Never one to shy away from a county show challenge, Carey has been seen riding a camel with a radio mic, being driven by a team of horses under the arms of JCB dancing diggers and winched up into a helicopter during a mock battle whilst all the time commentating on the hair raising adventure in the most professional way.
Always elegant, always enthusiastic and always professional, always wearing a stunning hat made by her daughter, Corinne, we are always thrilled to have Carey as part of our team with her distinctive voice guiding us all through the Show