MQHA Member Spotlight: Mackenzie Lakso
Name: Mackenzie Lakso
Where are you from? Washington Missouri
How long have you been showing horses? I started showing horses when I was maybe 4 or 5. I showed lead line with one of my mom’s all around/barrel horses.
What is your favorite horse show? That one is a tough one. I love every show I don’t know if I could pick just one, but anytime I get to show outside definitely must be a top show.
Tell us about your family. My mom and my aunt (Tanya Mullenix) have been showing since they were kids. My grandparents have a beautiful farm where we keep most of our horses. I showed one of my aunt’s horses, Beau Patrick (JR) as a 13 and under kid. Tanya has a horse at home (Star) that we ride, and I showed him a couple times as 13 and under. Now Star is fully retired living his best life in the pasture and JR is home living his best retired life as well. Tanya shows in the all-around still with her horse Bourn Ready (Bam Bam). Growing up with her showing she has really been a huge role model for me.
How did you get hooked on horses? I grew up with them. Horses have been a part of my life since I was a baby.
What is it about horses that makes you want to work with them and compete? They have their own personalities and each and every one of them are different in their own ways.
What would you tell your younger self (in relation to showing)? Keep believing and trusting the process. I’m truly living my younger self’s biggest dreams.
What horse(s) and event(s) are you currently showing? I’m currently showing Dolled Up Dolly (Addie). I show her in the ranch events and showmanship.
What are your goals? I think my biggest goal with Addie is showing at the World show and Congress.
Who do you look up to in the industry? My aunt Tanya and Stacey Roberson
Do you have any superstitions when you show? Numbers. My back number is a big superstition for me. Recently the number has been 16. I saw that number a lot before the Maple Leaf and it being my first show back after my 2-year hiatus was pretty sweet having that number for good luck.
Who is your all-time favorite horse? And why? I don’t think I could pick just one. They all have their quirks and personalities that make them who they are.
If you are not at a horse show, what would we find you doing? On a boat either on the lake or river and probably fishing.
Do you have another job…besides taking care of your horses? I’m a hairstylist.
What is your favorite thing about MQHA? How welcoming everyone is and how much it feels like a family.
What is your favorite hobby besides showing horses? Hunting, fishing, and riding jet skis.
What is your favorite food? Potatoes every kind of way!
What is your favorite restaurant? Mexican
What is your favorite movie? Lion King
What is your favorite quote? My brother used to say it all the time, “you can’t take it with you, being broke is better than having no memories!”
What is your dream vacation? Wyoming or Montana
What is one thing on your bucket list? Travel to another country
Tell us something most people don’t know about you… I’m snacking all the time, food is my best friend!
One piece of advice you would like to share with exhibitors who are just getting started? Put forth your best effort and never give up. It’s a great world. Learn the most you can, there’s so much to learn. Never be afraid to try and try again.
