MQHA Trainer Spotlight: Brendon Mehochko
Name: Brendon Mehochko
Where are you from: Nokomis, IL
Best way to contact you: Cell phone 217-619-1546
Training specialty: All Around events.
Are you accepting new customers right now? Yes
How long have you been showing horses? 26 years
How long have you been training horses? 16 years
How long have you been in Missouri? We technically never have lived in Missouri. However I live 10 min from St Louis on the IL side. So the Missouri shows are a must go to.
What is your favorite horse show? The Big A in Conyers, Ga & Venice, FL show in January.
What is your favorite event to show in? The Trail. It’s very challenging. So much that goes into it.
What is your favorite class to watch? Again I would have to say the trail.
Who is your all-time favorite horse? And why? Hummmmm just 1…
- She’s A Choice Zippo is my first pick. She was the very first horse I put a Western Pleasure superior on and would have me winning more often than not.
- Leathals Hot Weapon would have to me my second pick. Super fun horse to show and we where in the Top 10 in the Sr Trail for 3 years in a row at the congress.
- Skipalilasset would be another favorite. He was the first horse I ever hauled for a national year end award. We lead the Nation in the Senior HUS. As well as the Leading the Nation in the Amateur HUS.
- RU Radical is in my favorites as well as he was the first horse to win me a L2 world show trophy in the Trail.
If you are not at a horse show, what would we find you doing? Outside in the yard, at the pool, movies, plays etc.
If you were not a horse trainer…what would you be? Hummm, I ask myself that from time to time. I really am not sure. I like to Plan, organize, and do things on the computer so there’s that.
Favorite food? Everything that is not good for a person lol. Beef, Pasta, and sweets. To pick one thing I could eat every day would probably be a cheeseburger.
Favorite restaurant? Hop House here in O’Fallon, IL
Favorite fun class at a horse show? Egg and Spoon
Favorite movie? How can one pick one favorite movie. So I would have to say Pretty Women, Sister Act, Man from Snowy River, Dirty Dancing, Lion King and ok I will stop now.
What is your dream vacation? To travel overseas.
Tell us something most people don’t know about you? I am a leap year baby. So I am actually only 8 3/4. So you do the math to figure out my other age. Lol.
One piece of advice you would like to share with exhibitors who are just getting started? To watch, learn, ask for advice, and keep trying. We all start somewhere and in reality it’s all a building process. Remember, if your ride is just a little better than the previous then you are a winner. It’s not all about going in the show pen and being first. It’s about learning, growing and having fun to make yourself and your horse better and the best you can be.
If there is anything else you would like to share, please tell us! Don’t ever hesitate to ask for help. No matter what keep it fun. You can learn something from everyone.
