MQHA Member Spotlight: Dawn McCoun Hatfield
Name: Dawn McCoun Hatfield
Where are you from? Kansas City, MO
How long have you been showing horses? 50+ years. I started with Saddlebreds, then dressage, then cutting horses, and finally Quarter Horses.
What is your favorite horse show? The American Royal - back when the rodeo & FFA, livestock show & horse shows were all together during the whole month of November.
Tell us about your family. My son used to show in the youth classes, but has grown into a busy college student. My fiancé and I now attend all the AQHA shows we can.
How did you get hooked on horses? I was 4 years old trying to climb up on my Dad's old pony at Grandma's farm in Rich Hill, MO. I've been taking lessons, attending clinics, watching videos and riding ever since.
What is it about horses that makes you want to work with them and compete? I've always felt a connection with horses of any breed and appreciate all styles of riding. I love to strive for a personal best at each show.
What would you tell your younger self (in relation to showing)? Keep doing your best and listen to the coaches and trainers.
What horse(s) and event(s) are you currently showing? I am currently showing my AQHA mare "Sonitas Good Girl" (GG) in all the Walk/Trot Amateur Level 1. I recently purchased a new AQHA mare "Hoo Can Resist" to show in Walk/Trot classes, while "GG" goes to the breeding shed for a 2023 foal.
What are your goals? I constantly strive to breed and raise high quality AQHA foals that go on to be solid show horses for their future owners. I also work to win a World Championship of my own.
Who do you look up to in the industry? All of the riders and handlers who care about their horses and treat them with respect and knowledge and are striving to get the best from each animal.
Do you have any superstitions when you show? No
Who is your all-time favorite horse? And why? I have two = 1) "Sonitas Last Hand" he was my first cutting horse stallion that I stood to the public. He is the grandfather of my current show horse. 2) "Fortunette 1989" (Baby) She was my first Incentive Fund filly that I bred & raised & sold for a very nice sum of money. She was smart, fun, forgiving, and talented. Murray Griggs help bring out the Champion in her.
If you are not at a horse show, what would we find you doing? Sailing on my fiancé’s boat.
Do you have another job…besides taking care of your horses? I am A Dental Hygienist.
What is your favorite thing about MQHA? Good competition, good people, and Great horses!
What is your favorite hobby besides showing horses? Movies, music, food, and travel.
What is your favorite food? Steak. Pasta. Fresh bread.
What is your favorite restaurant? Olive Garden and/or Texas Roadhouse.
What is your favorite movie? Princess Bride. Blazing Saddles.
What is your favorite quote? "No one can make you feel inferior without your consent."-- Eleanor Roosevelt
What is your dream vacation? Some beach. Somewhere.
What are you terrible at but love to do anyway? Showmanship.
What is one thing on your bucket list? Visit Hawaii.
Tell us something most people don’t know about you? I once bought a horse for $400 that later sold for $83,000!!
One piece of advice you would like to share with exhibitors who are just getting started? Watch, listen and learn from the horsemen and horsewomen around you and never give up.
If there is anything else you would like to share? Please tell us! Best of Luck to all for the 2022 Show Season!
