MQHA Member Spotlight: Harva Leigh Lambert
Name: Harva Leigh Mathews Lambert
Where are you from: Our family ranch, homesteaded in 1865 by my Great Great Grandfather, in South Central Kansas
How long have you been showing horses? The first horse I ever showed in AQHA was a stud named Hickey, and owned by Otto Bower. Hickey was the sire of our first colts. I was probably 10 or 11.
How long have you been in Missouri? I moved to St. Louis, in 1972, to teach music after graduating from Wichita State University with a Bachelor of Music Degree.
What is your favorite horse show? I had a very good 2019 Fall season. I showed HS Docs Lil Barbie at the AQHA Congress in Ranch Riding, placing 4th. I then showed her at the World Show and was in the Finals. Super excited, still!
What is your favorite event to show in? I love the VRH classes. They are the classes where the type of horse I will use on the ranch excels!
What is your favorite class to watch? Again, any of the VRH classes--cutting, working cow, reining, ranch pleasure, trail
Do you have any superstitions when you show? NO!!!
Who is your all-time favorite horse? And why? I have been very blessed with good horses! My dad had an exceptional eye for good quality animals. I like to think that some of that rubbed off on me. Each one of the horses I have owned or showed has given me experiences and great memories. I showed Gold Kick at the World show the very first year Amateurs were allowed to show. I owned and showed KC Wind, and was shocked to learn that he loved the working hunter classes after having bought him as a pleasure, horsemanship, halter, showmanship horse. At the first show, I met his breeder and found out KC could be driven. (PS -he won that class with the lady who had trained him at that show. She hooked him up, drove him from one building to the arena, smiled and said, "he's ready!") Now I am showing HS Docs Lil Barbie, a palomino mare that has re-taught me so many current trends about riding and showing. This winter, I got to show my stud, Colonel Smartpeppy and was beyond thrilled with the placings I received in the VRH classes in Missouri and Kansas. Down the road, I have KR Sassy N Diamonds, SophisticatedDiamond, Lynx to Starlight and next year the first set of colts out of Colonel Smartpeppy. Life is going to be fun for years to come!!!
If you are not at a horse show, what would we find you doing? Cooking, reading, face timing with my 2 grandsons and/or discussing the stock market and agricultural reports with my husband.
Do you have another job…besides taking care of your horses? I manage the ranch in Kansas
What is your favorite thing about MQHA? Since I was away from it for awhile, it is so much fun seeing old friends!
Favorite hobby besides showing horses? Cooking
Favorite food? To eat--a 2" home grown medium rare steak with sides and a homemade coconut cake for dessert!
Favorite restaurant? Brennan's in Houston, Texas or The Butchery in Memphis, Tennessee
Favorite movie? Dances With Wolves
Favorite quote? Patience is a virtue, Virtue is a grace, Put them both together, Make a pretty face
What is your dream vacation? A luxury train trip a across the continent of Australia, with a stop over at a cattle station
What are you terrible at but love to do anyway? Sports involving quick reactions. I'm old and slow!!!
What is one thing on your bucket list? The trip to Australia.
Tell us something most people don’t know about you? I hope it is my age! I try very hard to keep in shape!
One piece of advice you would like to share with exhibitors who are just getting started? Never ,never, never, be shy about asking for help! But first do your homework so you can ask a specific question and understand a detailed answer!
What is one positive thing that experiencing the COVID-19 pandemic has taught you? Positive from Quarantine!!! Like my mom and dad ALWAYS preached--Be Prepared. Don't throw it away if it is still usable! I keep things way too long, according to my sons! Well, some of those extra staples in the pantry have allowed me to stay at home and be well fed. During the Shelter-in-place, I have gone to the grocery twice, only for milk, eggs and bread! The surgeons gloves that I received as a joke gift years ago, are being used very thankfully. Other than being careful, my life hasn't changed that much. I pretty much stay home, do my work, and go ride. Of course, riding has been limited, but I have always enjoyed being at home!
If there is anything else you would like to share, please tell us! I would like to thank Quintana Garcia of Garcia Performance Horses for taking me on as a client in 2015, and for her exceedingly wonderful talent teaching me how to ride again, while training my horses. She has spent hours above and beyond what she needed to, to get my 4 legged babies to World Championships in ARHA, Color Breed Congress, AQHA Congress placings, VRH World show placings and various local shows. It has been a blessing. My mother and father always helped me. Dean Smith, of Council Grove, Kansas was my first "professional" teacher. And now Quin continues to push me to be better than I ever thought possible!
