Rod McQueen has spent most of his life around Jumping. For many years he was mainly known as a competitor, producing horses and coaching across Australia, building his experience horse by horse and class by class. These days, however, many people also recognise something different. They recognise the voice. From the commentator’s box at shows around the country, Rod has become a familiar presence, guiding spectators through classes and helping bring the competition to life. It is a role he never planned, but one that adds to the sport that has shaped so much of his life.

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Rod often reflects on how naturally the transition happened. After years in the saddle, show organisers began asking him to take the microphone, knowing he understood the sport from the inside and could explain it in a way people would appreciate. What began as the occasional opportunity gradually became something he genuinely enjoyed. “I sometimes stop and think, how did I end up here?” Rod said. “The truth is it all comes back to the horses. They opened the door to everything I’ve done in this sport. I feel very fortunate that show organisers trust me to do it. It’s a privilege to be part of the day and help people follow what’s happening.”

For Rod, commentary is far more than simply announcing the next rider on the start list. He sees the role as helping people understand what is unfolding in the arena and helping them feel part of the competition. Not everyone standing beside the ring understands the structure of a class or what makes a round successful, and Rod believes a commentator can bridge that gap. “A commentator should help people see what’s going on,” Rod said. “Not everyone watching understands the course or the rules, so if you can explain things clearly it helps people enjoy the class a lot more. If someone is new to the sport, a little explanation goes a long way. Once people understand what they’re looking at, they appreciate it so much more.”

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His years as a rider strongly shape the way he approaches the microphone. Having walked courses, ridden jump offs and felt the pressure of entering the arena, Rod carries a deep respect for the riders and horses competing in front of him. That experience reminds him that every round represents a great deal of preparation and effort. “I’ve been the one riding into the arena,” Rod said. “You know the nerves, you know how much work has gone into getting there. So you always try to speak about riders with respect. The riders and horses are the ones doing the hard work. My job is simply to help tell the story of the class.”

That sense of storytelling is what Rod enjoys most about commentating. Watching a class develop from the first rider through to the final combinations allows him to see the rhythm of the competition build. Clear rounds begin to accumulate, the tension grows, and suddenly a jump off or decisive final round emerges. From the commentary box Rod has a vantage point that allows him to follow every moment and share that unfolding narrative with the audience. “You’re watching the whole class develop,” Rod said. “You can see how the competition is building and how each round affects the result.”

Commentating has given Rod another way to remain closely involved in the sport. The atmosphere of a show day, the sound of horses entering the ring and the anticipation of each round are still very much part of his life. Being behind the microphone allows him to stay connected to the people, the horses and the community that have always been central to Jumping. “It keeps you very involved,” Rod said. “You’re following the sport, seeing the horses develop and the riders coming through.”

Rod’s journey also carries a message for younger riders and horse people who may sometimes feel that the only meaningful place in the sport is inside the arena. While competition will always be the centrepiece of Jumping, Rod has seen how many different roles are essential to keeping the sport alive. Course designers, officials, organisers, coaches, grooms, volunteers and commentators all contribute to the success of an event, each bringing their own experience and passion to the day.

“There are so many ways to stay involved,” Rod said. “You don’t have to be the one jumping the fences to still be part of the sport. A good event is about the whole team around it. Everyone contributes something.”

Looking back across his years in Jumping, Rod feels grateful that the sport has continued to offer him new ways to stay involved. The saddle may have been the starting point, but the microphone has allowed him to continue sharing in the excitement of competition and the community that surrounds it. In many ways, the perspective from the commentary tower has only strengthened his appreciation for the sport that first drew him in.

“It’s a wonderful sport to be part of,” Rod said. “If you love horses, there will always be a place for you somewhere in it.”

Listen to the full podcast with Rod McQueen which is available now:

YouTube: https://bit.ly/4s4hFa6

Spotify: https://bit.ly/4tOr73f

Apple Podcasts: https://bit.ly/4ceAFhL