MQHA Member Spotlight: Katie Meyer
Name: Katie Meyer
Where are you from? I grew up on my family's century farm in Howard County, MO and have lived in Columbia, MO for 12 years.
How long have you been showing horses? I grew up riding and showing horses. I did 4-H, hunter jumpers, US Pony Club, and local fun shows. Life got in the way for many years and have just recently gotten back into the show pen so showing as an Amateur, only a year!
What is your favorite horse show? Any MQHA show
Tell us about your family. My parents and sister live on a farm down around Diamond, MO. I have close friends that are pretty much family. I have several adopted nieces and nephews who call me Aunt Katie and I love them dearly. No kids but I do have 2 fur babies: Chili the Corgi and Lily the Ragdoll cat.
How did you get hooked on horses? I was pretty much born to ride horses. My parents showed horses so naturally I got the horse gene.
What is it about horses that makes you want to work with them and compete? Horses are probably the most forgiving creatures out there. They make you think, be patient, and to show up for yourself and them. Competing teaches you so much confidence.
What would you tell your younger self (in relation to showing)? Just get out there and do it. I'm truly living my 13-year-old self's dream.
What horse(s) and event(s) are you currently showing? I'm currently showing in the Ranch events with Remies Smokin, Dun Gotta Spook and PS Give Me Your Time (a huge thank you to the Dudley family for sharing these amazing horses).
What are your goals? I'd love to show at the Congress and maybe the World Show.
Who do you look up to in the industry? Jim, Susie and Shannon Dudley, Steve Meadows, any DIY amateur, my fellow barn mates and competitors.
Do you have any superstitions when you show? I don't really have any superstitions. I look at my pattern a million times, use the warm up pen advice, say a quick prayer and tell myself to stay out of the penalty box. Oh and I have to wear pink lipstick.
Who is your all-time favorite horse? And why? Oh gosh that's a tough one! My family had a grandson out of Wimpy named Ernie who could do anything from dressage (he HATED dressage LOL) to team roping. He was one of those horses you could put anyone on him and he would take care of them. Since getting back to riding as an adult, there's a special place in my heart for all the horses who have gotten me to where I am now.
If you are not at a horse show, what would we find you doing? Working, at the barn, hanging out with friends, getting bossed around by Chili.
Do you have another job…besides taking care of your horses? Full time, I'm a legal assistant for the Boone County Prosecuting Attorney; Part time, I'm a member relations team member for Wilson's Gym in Columbia
What is your favorite thing about MQHA? The welcoming and fun atmosphere! Everyone has been so nice!
What is your favorite hobby besides showing horses? I love to travel, read, and go to concerts, Mizzou women's basketball games, STL Blues games, plants, baking, summertime pool days
What is your favorite food? My mom's lasagna...absolute perfection
What is your favorite restaurant? D. Rowe's in Columbia
What is your favorite movie? Legally Blonde
What is your favorite quote? Theodore Roosevelt's Man in the Arena Speech
What is your dream vacation? Ireland! or anywhere with a beach
What are you terrible at but love to do anyway? DIY projects
What is one thing on your bucket list? Winning a year end all around award
Tell us something most people don’t know about you? I have a Basic Crash Investigation certification from Missouri State Highway Patrol.
One piece of advice you would like to share with exhibitors who are just getting started? Jump in with both feet. Watch videos. Watch other riders show. Do the grunt work. Ask questions. Find a group of people who become your horse show family. Be a positive role model for youth exhibitors.
If there is anything else you would like to share? Please tell us! If you see me and Chili at shows, please come up and say hi! Chili loves making new friends and I love to put names with faces.
