1. Tell me about yourself

“I am from Missouri just an hour southeast of Kansas City.  Grew up on my family’s farm, which we still have and where I keep my horses. I am a social worker and work in community mental health. Prior to that I worked for the State of Missouri with the department of developmental disabilities. All very rewarding, but tough. With the horses I know nothing else. My aunt was a horse trainer and passed away 10 years ago and I am still at it at her barn she trained out of.  Never thought in a million years this is how things would have played out.  I was very busy traveling back and forth from the barn to our other home in Kansas City.  My husband Taylor works in the city, which makes for very wild schedules during the week.” 

 

2. How did you and your horse meet?

“I found my current horse online. I was likely the one that ran the views up, but something about her was special.  She is a 2015 roan mare named Only En La Moonlite.  Mark Harrell Equine Marketing had her for sale online.  I saw her and knew I had to have her.  She is beautiful and she is a good girl all the time.” 

3. Tell me about your horse

“Harlow is by Only In The Moonlite out of Investing.  She is a bay roan. She is a big bodied horse and is 16 hands.  Her personality is funny.  She is very sweet and when I got her she had no idea how to eat treats.  She does now!  She is very curious, but that makes her have wonderful expression, but she performs through all of it.” 

 

4. What is your most memorable moment together and why?

“Last May we qualified for the Missouri Quarter Horse Triple Crown Challenge.  We were second in the horsemanship and won the showmanship.  It was her first year doing the all-around.  Prior to buying her she only competed in trail.  I was just so proud she learned so much over the winter and was able to set up when I needed her.  She still has a lot more to go and just keeps getting better and better.” 

 

5. What events do you all compete in?

What is your horse’s favorite event and why?  “What is your favorite event and why? We do the all-around events.  Everything from showmanship, hunt seat to western riding.  My favorite event with her is western riding.  She is just learning, but she has been so fun, and I’ve been able to do it all. Her favorite event would likely be horsemanship or western riding.  She likes to show off her lead changes.” 

6. What is your biggest accomplishment as a team and why?

“As a very new team she has won numerous high points even with being so green and doing all the classes. She always wants to please no matter what I throw at her. There is one thing about her: you can always count on her.” 

7. What piece of advice do you think your horse would give you?

“Likely tell me to not get so tense before a class.  I have gotten better because of her, but after showing so many young horses and never knowing what you might get the nerves still exist.”   
8. What is up next?

“Well we are currently showing at the American Royal Quarter Horse Show.  Then likely one show in December before we wait on her baby by Makin Me Willy Wild (she is not carrying) that is due the middle of January.  I love her so much I decided to finally breed after being in the horse business for 34 years.”  

 

9. What do you enjoy most about the American Roan Horse Association?

“I love the opportunities that it gives with the programs.  It always nice to have awards and programs that pay back.  When I got a roan, I was excited after seeing what the American Roan Horse Association had to offer.  I always tell my friends if they have a roan.  It really paid off with the cruising for cash last year too!”