MQHA Member Spotlight: Carly Keshner
Name: Carly Keshner
Where are you from: Godfrey, IL
How long have you been showing horses? I have had horses all my life. My first home was at my grandmother’s horse farm, where I learned to ride before I could walk. I got my own horse when I was nine and I started showing when I was around 11, so I have been showing for 9ish years.
What is your favorite horse show? My favorite Horse Show so far is a tie between Gateway Classic and Central Level One Championship.
What is your favorite event to show in? My horse and I do the all around events. I love them all dearly for different reasons, but if I had to pick it would hunt seat equitation.
What is your favorite class to watch? My favorite class to watch is trail. I love learning how all the different beautifully designed patterns unfold in the show pen. Trail has so many obstacles and takes so much skill that it never gets boring to watch.
Do you have any superstitions when you show? I do not honestly believe in superstitions. I know super boring of me… The reason is that I know that no matter what I do all it comes down to is how well I ride and compete with my horse.
Who is your all-time favorite horse? And why? My all time favorite horse is ChocolateOnTheRange, aka Levi. He is out of Struttin on the Range and ClassicChocolateChip. I bought him two days after his three year old birthday and this year he is six. This horse took me to the next level of showing. I bought him as a young sixteen year old girl who used to only do fun shows. Now we are showing very competitively at AQHA Level and we are heading to the NSBA World Show this Summer. Not only is he talented, but he has the kindest soul and the biggest heart. He will forever be my heart horse.
If you are not at a horse show, what would we find you doing? You would find me trying to work, school, horse, life balance. I am a part time intern, full time college student, and I take care of my horses at home twice a day every day. Keeping a show horse at home is a lot of work. Constantly training and taking care of him and the others, but the bond we have is so special I would not trade it for the world. Working in my barn is like therapy and when we do well at horse shows it makes the victory that much sweeter.
Do you have another job…besides taking care of your horses? I am a marketing intern at Cope Plastics.
What is your favorite thing about MQHA? My favorite thing about MQHA is the community. Everyone is so nice and genuinely wants to see everyone succeed. I have made many friends and have had many strangers help me out at horse shows.
Favorite hobby besides showing horses? I enjoy hiking, camping, and kayaking.
Favorite food? Watermelon
Favorite restaurant? I love food and I could never pick just one.
Favorite movie? I have a lot of favorite movies, but Grown Ups is my favorite summer time movie.
Favorite quote? “Steps to happiness: Talk less, listen more. Fear less, love more. Frown less, smile more. Judge less, accept more. Think less, feel more. And love a horse!” -author unknown
What is your dream vacation? A resort in the mountains.
What are you terrible at but love to do anyway? I am the worst singer ever, but I love singing my heart out in the car.
What is one thing on your bucket list? Win a World Championship at the AQHA World Show.
Tell us something most people don’t know about you? I have two middle names, Irene Mae. They stand for my grandmothers on both sides of my family. My family always tells me that I get the love of horses from both sides of my family and I am proud to carry both of their names with me.
One piece of advice you would like to share with exhibitors who are just getting started? Never give up no matter how may times you have been knocked down. There is always room for improvement. Do not compare yourselves to others, just show to do better than your previous ride. Always imagine your ride the way you want it to go. If you think about every little thing that could wrong in the pen, then it will. Always thank your horse when you leave the show pen no matter what happens. They carried you through the ring and they do not care whether you win or lose, they only care about pleasing you.
