MQHYA Spotlight: Reid Beard

Written by MQHYA Reporter Hannah Inchiostro

THE VERY BEGINNING

Introducing Joplin Missouri's very own cowgirl, Reid Beard. Reid is 16 years old and horses have been apart of her life for as long as she can remember and she has been showing the last 6 years. Her grandpa started her love for riding horses at a very young age. Eventually Reid started showing horses through 4-H and then started showing AQHA shows. Reid has even left her school of 10 years to do online schooling in order to devote more of her time to horses. When Reid is not with her horses however, she enjoys spending time with friends and family One of her favorite memories was exploring Jackson Hole, Wyoming with her older sister Mattie.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Staci Stargun, aka Jen, and Reid have been kicking it into gear since February. Reid says Jen’s heart is the her favorite thing about her. They take care of each other and both give 110 percent every time, and it has transcended into the show pen as well. This year was her first year competing at the congress! And while she was very nervous, her trainer helped her a lot by relaxing allowing for her to show to the best of her ability. Reid’s progress has not gone unnoticed. She was the 2017 High Point Ozark Quarter Horse Association Novice Youth All Around with Too Sparkling Hot, Texas Envy, Shades of Green, and I Be Good Luck, the 2017 Ozark Quarter Horse Association Youth western pleasure champion with Texas Envy, the 2017 Ozark Quarter Horse Association youth showmanship champion with I Be Good Luck, the 2017 High point novice youth western pleasure MQHA with Texas Envy, and 5th place at the 2017 Congress with Huntin the Dream. Reid loves the feeling showing off her and her horses hard work, but could do without waking up so early!

SUPPORT AND FUTURE

While there are many supporters, her mom and sister are at the top of the scale. They are always going to horse shows with Reid no matter the distance and are always available for pep talks. After receiving her agribusiness degree, Reid wants to own her own business. In the next 10 years, along with her agribusiness degree, she looks forward to furthering her career in showing cutting horses.