Carol Turner – New Board Member

5 minutes with Carol Turner who has joined the board to help with hospitality

About Carol:

I spent my childhood in North London, learning to ride at Mill Hill Equestrian Centre and Patchetts Green. I was just a tomboy who loved ponies – never had any great aspirations in the equestrian world but loved pony club, gymkhanas, hunter trials and hunting. I have hung up my boots really – preferring to spend my time on the ground renovating rescue ponies!

Job:

I worked as an Air Stewardess – and married a pilot – we still run an aviation consultant company together. We live in north Bedfordshire – Close to the College EC and Sarah Bullimore’s lovely professional yard – she has the 4 year old son of my ex-eventer mare to produce – hopefully to event next season.

I keep my horses at home and have a lovely helper, Rosie who does them 3 times a week – I do everything myself on the other 4 days – and love every minute. – when friends call when I am in the yard my husband tells them I am doing my housework – it’s true – I take great pride in keeping the yard and its inmates clean tidy – and well fed.

What role do you play on the EHOA Board?

I am new to the board and will be involved with hospitality. My past experience as an air stewardess and my interest in hospitality makes it an obvious starting point for me. My past experience as an air stewardess and my interest in hospitality and catering may come in to play in the future.

Favourite event, and why?

My favourite event to attend has to be Burghley but I love being inolved as a volunteer fence judge/dressage writer at Keysoe, Rockingham, Blenheim, and Whitfield.

Proudest moment in the sport

My proudest moment – watching my home bred Microburst go round the testing 1* cross country course at Tattersalls (having done very well in the dressage ) with Sarah Bullimore – I was overwhelmed with emotion and will never forget it.

If you could look in to the future, what developments would you like to see in the sport/EHOA/BE/FEI in the next 3 years and why?

I feel very strongly that the sport of eventing needs to do more to attract and keep sponsors – particularly owners. If the way to do it is by making the sport more ‘show biz’ I hope those in the driving seat will stay grounded and not stray too far from the roots of eventing.

I would also encourage owners and riders to have agreements in place to avoid misunderstandings. There seems to be a move towards making all sport more honest and transparent and I think the horse world should embrace the idea.

Other hobbies/pastimes?

My hobbies are breeding sheep for unusual wool textures and colours, walking with my constant companion dog Jesse and playing with my two little rescue ponies, a Welsh section B Connie’ and a BSPS Welsh part bred ‘Melody’ they are both 12.2hh. I find it so rewarding watching them grow from terrified, thin, depressed little ponies into amazing characters and a delight to be around.

Secret weapon you couldn’t live without?

A very understanding husband!