MQHA Member Spotlight: Shelley Otness
Where are you from? I have lived in Williamsville, IL for the last 15 years, but I'm originally from a small town 40 miles east of Seattle, Washington.
How long have you been showing horses? Since I was 3 years old.
What is your favorite horse show? AQHA World Show, NSBA World Show and Missouri QH Association shows for local QH shows.
Tell us about your family. My mom and dad live in Duvall, Washington on a small farm. My dad retired from the Seattle Police Dept as Commander of the Mounted Patrol. Both my parents are very involved in AQHA still.
How did you get hooked on horses? My mom showed an American Saddlebred growing up and has always loved horses, so it was a given I was going to have horses too.
What is it about horses that makes you want to work with them and compete? Horses are my passion, I love riding and teaching them and seeing them become fabulous show partners.
What would you tell your younger self (in relation to showing)? Be proud of your accomplishments and trust your abilities.
What horses and events are you currently showing? I'm showing Cool Coastin Machine in Performance Halter, Showmanship, Horsemanship, Western Riding, Western Pleasure, Hunt Seat Equitation, and Hunter Under Saddle.
What are your goals? Win the All Around at the AQHA Select World Show and Win the Nation in Showmanship.
Who do you look up to in the industry? My fellow competitors and trainers that have helped me become the rider I am today.
Do you have any superstitions when you show? Yes, I don't wear anything with the color green.
Who is your all-time favorite horse and why? My retired show horse Jet Roddin Zippo, his grandmother was my Youth horse.
If you were not at a horse show, what would we find you doing? Working, going to Professional Baseball games, a Country Music Concert or a PRCA Rodeo
Do you have another job - besides taking care of your horses? I am an Operations Manager at a Community Bank.
Wat is your favorite thing about MQHA? The quality and number of Select exhibitors at the shows and the people are so nice and friendly.
What is your favorite hobby besides showing horses? Following the Pro Rodeo Circuits.
What is your favorite food? Anything with Bacon in it.
What is your favorite restaurant? Gallaghers Steakhouse in Las Vegas, Nevada, or Anthony's Homeport on Puget Sound in Seattle.
What is your favorite movie? Secretariat
What is your favorite quote? The Horse: Nobility without conceit, friendship without envy, beauty without vanity, a willing servant yet should never be a slave.
What is your dream vacation? An all-inclusive paid trip to Italy to eat Italian Food and drink Red Wine.
What are you terrible at but love to do anyway? Sing
What is one thing on your bucket list? To show at the Florida Gold and Gulf Coast circuits.
Tell us something most people don't know about you? I've been a member of AQHA for 47 years and showed in my first AQHYA world show in Tulsa, OK in 1982.
One piece of advice you would like to share with exhibitors who are just getting started. Study the winners and don't be afraid to ask questions. I still do this to this day.
