MQHA Member Spotlight: Cara Harmon (Walker)
Name: Cara Harmon (Walker)
Where are you from: I grew up in Columbia, MO and now live in Hartsburg, MO. (They are only about 15 minutes apart.)
How long have you been showing horses? Since I was very young. I first showed in leadline when I was two-years-old. I started showing 4H when I was eight and showed in my first quarter horse show when I was ten. I have always been fortunate to have the unwavering support of my parents. My Mom always made sure I had a nice horse and show clothes for my level of riding at the time. I worked through many stages and levels of showing. Eventually, earning two Reserve World Championships, multiple Congress Championships, and numerous top placings. I have trained with Kendra Weis since I first started showing - and still love riding with her!
How long have you been in Missouri? I have lived in Missouri my entire life.
What is your favorite horse show? Probably the Congress because of all of the shopping and good food. It is also fun to have multiple arenas showing at the same time. Lots to watch! My youth friends and I always enjoyed driving the golf cart around the show grounds for hours - where else can you drive-thru McDonald's in a golf cart?!
What is your favorite event to show in? Trail
What is your favorite class to watch? Western Riding
Do you have any superstitions when you show? Not really.
Who is your all-time favorite horse? And why? My youth show horse, Come As You Are (Party). He is by Invitation Only and Private Pleasures. I got him when he was six and I was 14. He taught me how to be a showman. He was always so honest in the show pen and worked hard every ride. I hauled heavily showing the all-around and he always had his ears up and loved getting on the trailer. He also has the kindest personality. I showed him for seven years, earning nearly 1,300 points. He is now 24 and enjoying a well-earned retirement at my parents' house!
If you are not at a horse show, what would we find you doing? Camping with my husband (Derek) and daughter (Brinley).
Do you have another job…besides taking care of your horses? I am the Vice President of Communications and Member Services for the Missouri REALTORS Association. I direct their marketing/communications efforts and spend a lot of time at REALTOR events. I am also the Youth Advisor (volunteer role) for the Missouri Quarter Horse Youth Association. These two 'jobs' keep me quite busy, but are both a lot of fun!
What is your favorite thing about MQHA? It's an organization that will give you back as much as you put into it. People I have met through my involvement with MQHA are some of my closest, life-long friends. When I went to college, I took about a ten-year 'break' from showing and being involved with MQHA. Thankfully a few people got me back involved in 2015. When I became involved again, it was like I never missed a thing. You will not find a group of more encouraging and supportive friends that are like family. I think this is hard for some to see because it's easy to just see it as a quarter horse 'showing' organization. MQHA is SO much more than showing AQHA. I didn't even have a show horse again, until this past year but found great value and joy in my involvement.
Favorite hobby besides showing horses? Gardening, cooking/baking, fishing, and traveling. Mostly, spending time with family!
Favorite food? It's a toss-up between Italian and seafood.
Favorite restaurant? This is tough because I love trying new food and restaurants. My local (Columbia) favorite is CC's City Broiler.
Favorite movie? Sweet Home Alabama (My college roommates and I watched this movie probably once a week.)
Favorite quote? Success is no accident. It is hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice and most of all, love of what you are doing or learning to do. - Pele
What is your dream vacation? Someplace where there are mountains and a cabin with a huge porch!
What are you terrible at but love to do anyway? Golf. I took lessons in high school and got pretty decent. I am terrible now, but still enjoy playing. I need lessons again!
What is one thing on your bucket list? Have great seats for finals night at the NFR or for the Kentucky Derby.
Tell us something most people don’t know about you? I love to mow. This is probably why my husband married me, because he hates mowing. I also love raising baby chicks (egg laying hens). I currently have 23 laying hens.
One piece of advice you would like to share with exhibitors who are just getting started? Work hard and take lessons/advice from anyone who is willing to help you. You can ALWAYS improve your game. There are so many people in this industry who have a lot of expertise and are so willing to teach.
If there is anything else you would like to share, please tell us! I spent my first few years being back involved with MQHA focused on my MQHYA Youth Advisor role. Each show I I went to, I missed showing more and more. I bought a two, almost three-year-old in January 2020. She was very green and had never been shown. She has been the most fun and rewarding project. After less than two years of light showing, she has impressed me with multiple circuit championships in the trail, horsemanship, and hunt seat equitation. She earned her Amateur ROM (as a three-year-old) at the beginning of this year. I am hopeful my daughter will share my passion for horses and want to show her in a few years!
