hunter/jumper Five Questions for Horse Show Announcer Brian Lookabill Brian Lookabill in the DeNemethy Arena booth during the Winter Equestrian Festival Photo by Jan Westmark By Jan Westmark Brian Lookabill’s voice is used to being heard. As an announcer at shows such as the Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, to shows in Kentucky and Tennessee, his voice rings loud and clear throughout the day as he announces horses, riders, and winners of each class. This year at WEF his voice was also heard the night of the Equestrian Idol competition when he sang and ended up in the top four of the competition. Sidelines caught up with Brian, 30, when he was in Wellington to find out about singing, horse shows and moving with his wife Catharine Peterson from Aiken, SC, to Lexington, KY. Sidelines: How did you become a horse show announcer? Brian: I had horses as a kid growing up in Pennsylvania, but my involvement with horse shows was coincidental. About 15 years ago when I was still in high school a friend got me involved in the jump crew at horse shows. It was a great way to travel, make money and meet women. I started announcing full time about 10 years ago and now I am an independent contractor. I can work any horse show, but you develop loyalties to certain managers. I have announced at WEF since 2000 and have been the ring announcer at the DeNemethy Arena at WEF for the past four or five years. Sidelines: Congratulations on your success singing in the Equestrian Idol competition. Is singing something you are passionate about? Brian: I have always loved to sing. My parents are musically inclined, my mom plays the guitar and piano. From the time I was little I sang in church and then also in junior high and high school. I had a band in high school but I gave it up to work at horse shows. This was my first year to sing at the Equestrian Idol competition although I sing the national anthem quite a bit at grand prixs and other places in the country. I like a little bit of every kind of music. We are moving and when we get settled I am thinking about starting a band again. I don’t think I want a music career, but I would like to be involved with a band a few nights a week. Sidelines: Why are you relocating from Aiken to Lexington? Brian: My wife and I are expecting a baby so I want to have a central place where I can come home at night and have dinner with my family. I can work about 10 weeks at the Kentucky Horse Park and another six weeks in Nashville, which isn’t that far. I am also looking forward to being in Lexington because I want to be involved with the World Equestrian Games when they come to the Kentucky Horse Park. Sidelines: What would you change about horse shows and do you have a favorite show to announce? Brian: If I could change something about the horse show world I would make it more accessible and more appealing to more people. In Europe horse shows have a much broader audience. I don’t have a favorite location but I love WEF because of the elite riders and I get to stay in one place for a long time. I also love the Kentucky Horse Park because it is a beautiful location and they have well managed shows. They also have great restaurants in Kentucky. And of course working in Nashville is great for me because of the music. At night I can go see so many different bands. I have been announcing at their shows longer than any others and they have wonderful hospitality. I feel like part of the family at the Brownland Farm. Sidelines: What is the biggest thing you have learned as a horse show announcer? Brian: Since I am a traveling independent contractor I would have to say I have learned a lot about traveling and dealing with people from different backgrounds. It has been an education to learn from others. I didn’t go to college, but one of my personal goals is to go back and get a degree, but through my travels, horse shows and all of the different people I have met, I have gotten a great education. SUBSCRIPTIONS Gigi Harris Toll Free 1-877-966-2289 gigi@sidelinesnews.com Just $29.95 US, $39.95 Canada, $49.95 Foreign for one years subscription We accept VISA, Mastercard, American Express, Discover

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