Meet The Team - Courtney Buchanan

COURTNEY BUCHANAN

Title: Communications & Marketing Co-Ordinator

Role/Duties: Planning and running events, running the social media platforms, marketing, communications, website

How long have you worked at HRNZ? 6 and a half years

Are you involved in racing outside of work? If so how? I was brought up with my Dad training horses and now my sister and him are in partnership. It’s a family set up with Mum and I helping to drive the horses and look after them and we have own a property where we can breed some of our own as well.

What are your hobbies? Riding and showing my retired standardbred (she has just been badly hurt so her days of showing might be over but hopefully I can still ride her in the future) , harness racing, playing hockey, and being with friends and family.

Favourite horse from past or present? Enth Degree - my wee standy. She wasn't very fast on the track though - qualified just under time and spent more time trying to run off the track than run on the track!

What was your first paying job? Selling pies and drinks at the Hororata Workouts with my sister - whatever money we made, we got to keep!

Favourite holiday destination? Camping in Reefton at Xmas time - The Coast racing circuit is something everyone should do at some stage!

What do you like most about your job? I am super lucky to work in an industry I love and am passionate about. Being able to promote and be a part of the big days (and smaller days) is something pretty special!

What is something that not many people know about you? I broke both my arms with horses when I was younger and completely lost my confidence to the point I wouldn't even lead one. Only in the past 7 or 8 years have I gotten back into the horses and now ride and drive - even though sometimes I am still a bit nervous!