MQHA Member Spotlight: Kristy Ann McKechnie
Name: Kristy McKechnie
Where are you from: I was raised in Merriam, KS which was a new suburb of Kansas City at the time. My interaction with horses was my Breyer collection and the pasture ornament that lived a block away. After receiving my graduate degree I spent some time in Topeka as a Governor's Fellow then headed to southeast Kansas where I've been ever since. I currently reside on a Ranch outside Arcadia, KS.
How long have you been showing horses? I started showing in 2003 with a Halter horse, Starring Cool. When my boys were 3 and 4 we started doing some local open shows and had a lot of fun. In the fall of 2008 I took a coming 2 year old, Luv My Chip, to Jamie Hartman and began the process of learning how to ride and show in Pleasure and Western Riding. I have been very fortunate to own some good horses. Dont Skip Lyn "Baby" kept me grounded and made me earn the wins I achieved riding her at some big shows. She made me confident as a rider. This big mare has now given me 2 Good Terms colts and hopefully will soon be in foal to a colt out of Its A Southern Thing.
What is your favorite horse show? As a little girl growing up in KC, I always enjoyed watching the horses at the American Royal and wanted to participate as an exhibitor. The atmosphere the Royal created in KC with the parade and multiple events was always a big deal. When I finally showed at the AR I was 50 something.
What is your favorite event to show in? Western Pleasure. Nothing can beat a beautiful, effortless looking ride.
What is your favorite class to watch? Western Riding. All my horses have shown in this class and a fluid pattern with beautiful lead changes is the best.
Do you have any superstitions when you show? I don't have any superstitions, however, I used to dance in high school and before the performances I would always take 3 to 4 deep breaths. Deep breathing always calms me and gives me a good start as I enter the show ring.
Who is your all-time favorite horse? And why? If It Aint Southern is my favorite horse that I have shown. I went to see him in Nebraska at a show and when I rode him I knew he was the one. Cam is talented, sweet and so comfortable to ride. He loves his job and will do whatever I ask him to do.
I learned to ride on one of my father-in-law's stallions, Whammy Ball, who was a grandson of Three Bars and had amazing conformation. Cam reminds me of Whammy's disposition and feel when I ride. Zippo Little Buddy and Mustbetheterminator are close seconds. Both of these geldings took care of my boys when they were little and showing. Nothing beats a talented kid safe horse!
If you are not at a horse show, what would we find you doing? I photograph all my sons', Austin (16) and Jackson (15), sporting and school events. I also like to travel, golf, hunt and head to the mountains and ski whenever possible.
Do you have another job…besides taking care of your horses? I retired when my boys were just a couple years old and consider them and the horses my full time job at the moment. I spend a lot of time at Pittsburg High School in the gym, on the football field and in the music room. During the fall semester I participate in a multi-generational chorus. Singing and dancing with my boys and the other students is one of my favorite things to do.
What is your favorite thing about MQHA? The people are all so welcoming and the show venues and prizes offered by MQHA are top notch. I really have enjoyed meeting so many nice folks. I always have fun! I want to say thank you to all of the exhibitors I have met. You all are like family.
Favorite hobby besides showing horses? Photography is a big part of my life, but probably what I love just as much as riding horses is pointing my skis down a mountain!
Favorite food? I love ice cream and gelato. If you offer me some I won't be able to say no.....
Favorite restaurant? Bartos or Chicken Marys are a favorite in southeast Kansas.
Favorite movie? I have so many favorites. Gettysburg was the first one to come to mind, then The Godfather, and of course Debra Winger and Shirley MacLaine in Terms of Endearment. The Blindside is also one of those movies I could watch over and over!
Favorite quote? It is not the critic who counts, not the man who points out how the strong man stumbled, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena; who face is marred by dust sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again; who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions and spends himself in a worthy cause, who at the best, knows in the end the triumph of high achievement; and who at worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat. --Theodore Roosevelt April 23, 1910
What is your dream vacation? I actually just completed my dream vacation with my boys last summer. Rome and Greece. The best time ever!
What are you terrible at but love to do anyway? I love to read. I have at least a dozen books I'm reading but can't seem to finish any of them because I fall asleep so easily. It is so frustrating but I keep trying.
What is one thing on your bucket list? Ski the Japanese Alps...it is right after show and place at The Congress!
Tell us something most people don’t know about you? I had just turned 25 when I was appointed City Administrator in Oswego, Kansas. I was the youngest woman city manager in Kansas.
One piece of advice you would like to share with exhibitors who are just getting started? Have someone video your performance. I am a visual learner and videos have been the best training tool for me as an exhibitor.
If there is anything else you would like to share, please tell us! As a busy Mom and owner of livestock and a horse ranch, it can become hard to show and take care of my family and business. I have been blessed to have Jamie Dowdy and her parents, Cliff and Mary Chris Hartman, help guide me through some difficult times and keep me grounded in doing what is best for me and my family. When you find this connection with a trainer, don't let it go. The Horse Show environment is like a family and it has its ups and downs, but stay with those who truly care about you as a person and your success.
