MQHA Member Spotlight: Brooke Faerber
Name: Brooke Faerber
Where are you from? Troy, Mo
How long have you been showing horses? Since I was 8, so 18 years.
What is your favorite horse show? Corporate Challenge. It falls on my birthday every time, so we always do some extra celebrating and partying.
Tell us about your family. I have an older brother, sister, and love being Auntie Brooke to my one-year-old nephew.
How did you get hooked on horses? I grew up just trail riding with my family until I saw the horse show at the Lincoln County Fair. I started showing my trail horse that same year at local fun shows and the rest is history.
What is it about horses that makes you want to work with them and compete? I love the connection and partnership I get to build with my show horses. I am fortunate enough to keep them at home and train them myself. I feel like I get to create an extra special partnership with them this way.
What would you tell your younger self (in relation to showing)? Never forget to always put your horse first. They don’t care about the awards or recognition.
What horse(s) and event(s) are you currently showing? Eye Was Worth It (Josie). We currently show HUS, equitation, showmanship, and horsemanship.
What are your goals? I would like to start showing trail with Josie next year. I have never really shown trail so this will be new to both of us. Competing in equitation at the World Show or Congress has always been a dream of mine too.
Who do you look up to in the industry? Sarah Rosciti. She is such an amazing stallion owner that supports and checks in on me and Josie all the time, along with being an amazing DIY amateur!
Do you have any superstitions when you show? My grandpa came to every single one of my horse shows since the day I started showing until he passed and he was always my good luck charm. I now show with a picture of him in every one of my cowboy hats and hunt cap. Not superstition but he is my good luck charm. I also have a lucky pair of english socks that I refuse to quit wearing at shows too despite the holes from wearing them at every show for the last 10+ years.
Who is your all-time favorite horse? And why? My first show horse, Molly. We got her for free and I started showing fun shows with her when I was 8. She has been there with me through my whole journey and is 27 now, living her best life and teaching the babies manners in the pasture. I wouldn’t be the horsewoman I am without her.
If you are not at a horse show, what would we find you doing? Anything outdoors, in the barn, hanging with my dachshund Paisley, or baking.
Do you have another job…besides taking care of your horses? I am a Respiratory Therapist at St. Luke’s Hospital - St. Louis.
What is your favorite thing about MQHA? The community and fun family atmosphere.
What is your favorite hobby besides showing horses? Hiking, crafting, road trips, antique shopping
What is your favorite food? Italian
What is your favorite restaurant? Anywhere with a blackberry margarita on the menu
What is your favorite movie? The notebook
What is your favorite quote? Do your best and God will do the rest.
What is your dream vacation? Ride a train across America and through the mountains
What are you terrible at but love to do anyway? Singing
What is one thing on your bucket list? Go to Italy
Tell us something most people don’t know about you? I served in the Army
One piece of advice you would like to share with exhibitors who are just getting started? Always remember why you started - the fun of it and the love of the horse! Don’t be afraid of asking for help. Go to the clinics. Watch people ride in the warm up pen. You can learn so much (good and bad) by just watching the warm up pen at shows.
