Trainer Spotlight: Stephanie McAlexander

Where are you from?   I live in Cleveland, MO. 

Best way to contact you?  Best way to contact me is 913-302-0581. Call or text. You can also message me on Facebook. 

Training specialty?  I specialize in youth and amateur all around. 

Are you accepting new customers right now?  I do have a limited number of spots for training. 

How long have you been showing horses?  I have been showing horses since I was 5 years old. 

How long have you been training horses?  I have been training professionally for 21 years. 

How long have you been in Missouri?  I have worked out of Shafer Training Stables for 11 years. 

What is your favorite horse show?  My favorite show is the AQHA World Show. I love the camaraderie between trainers and clients at this show. 

What is your favorite event to show in?  My favorite event is a toss up between hunter under saddle and trail. I think a hunt seat horse with a great trot is beauty in motion. Trail requires a bit of strategy from the rider to pilot each horse to the best spot possible to showcase the horse’s rhythm and precision. 

What is your favorite class to watch?  My favorite class to watch is the working hunter. 

Who is your all-time favorite horse and why?  I’ve been fortunate enough to be around some really nice horses, and it would be difficult to pick just one!

If you are not at a horse show, what would we find you doing?  If I am not at a horse show, I am spending time with my family, and helping my dad.

If you were not a horse trainer...what would you be?  I don’t know what I would be if I were not a horse trainer. I could not see myself doing anything else. 

What is your favorite food?  My favorite food is a steak and baked potato...that is besides chocolate. 

What is your favorite restaurant?  Not sure of a favorite restaurant. There are so many!

What is your favorite fun class at a horse show?  My favorite fun class at a show growing up was a class called through the barrel. You would run your horse down past the barrel, get off and crawl through it. Then get back on your horse and run home. In the mean time everyone would call your horse back. There was a good chance you had to walk back on foot. My old horse, Doc, would always wait for me. Loved him!

What is your favorite movie?  My favorite movie is A Time To Kill. 

What is your dream vacation?  My dream vacation would be to Australia.  

What is something most people don't know about you?  I enjoy going on runs. 

If there is anything else you would like to share, please tell us!  Most people don’t know that I grew up showing 4-H, and I still own the last 2 year old I started for the snaffle bit project. We bought him for $100 as a yearling. He’s now 28 years old and has taught countless people how to ride. He taught me more about patience and perseverance than any other horse.