MQHA Member Spotlight: Laura Kennedy
Name: Laura Kennedy
Where are you from: Godfrey, IL
How long have you been showing horses? I started at 9 until I was around 19, and then took a 21 year break and started again 3 years ago.
What is your favorite horse show? As a spectator, the Congress. As a participant, Gateway, and I still love fair/open shows.
What is your favorite event to show in? Western Pleasure and horsemanship
What is your favorite class to watch? Western Pleasure or a good reiner
Do you have any superstitions when you show? Not really. I did have someone tell me green is bad luck to wear so I find myself a little scared to wear it.
Who is your all-time favorite horse? And why? This is tough. My current horse, Strutin Classyassets aka Norman, is amazing and I love him. He's sassy and has a huge personality. But my favorite would have to be my first horse, Butterscotch Cody. Cody taught me so much... how to get bucked off and get right back on for one :) he was a perfect little palomino and my best friend. He lived to be 34 years old and I owned him since he was 4.
If you are not at a horse show, what would we find you doing? Most Likely working! But if I have spare time, I just enjoy relaxing with my dogs or going to dinner with friends.
Do you have another job…besides taking care of your horses? Yes, I am a production control analyst at Hunter Engineering and work part time at a friend's restaurant.
What is your favorite thing about MQHA? MQHA has been great! The shows are so well run and they have great programs for the exhibitors. Everyone is made to feel welcome and included.
Favorite hobby besides showing horses? I enjoy going to concerts and have season tickets to the Fox Theater. I also used to be heavily involved in dog rescue, but haven't had the extra time for that since getting back into horses.
Favorite food? Does ice cream count?
Favorite restaurant? Gentelins on Broadway in Alton, IL
Favorite movie? I don't watch many movies...I do enjoy the classics though and TV shows like Supernatural and the Blacklist.
Favorite quote? I don't have a favorite, but I try to live my life with this philosophy.
“It is never too late to be what you might have been.” – George Eliot
What is your dream vacation? I really enjoyed Wyoming, Colorado, and South Dakota. I would love to travel to Europe someday.
What are you terrible at but love to do anyway? Depending on the day, showing my horse…lol! Also it’s cliché, but I love singing in the car or at concerts, but I have an awful voice.
What is one thing on your bucket list? Horse related, I want to show at Congress and NSBA World Show. In general, more travel.
Tell us something most people don’t know about you? Animal rescue is very important to me. I have two dogs, both deaf, that I adopted. One is a certified therapy dog. I also have quite a few tattoos and would like to get more someday.
One piece of advice you would like to share with exhibitors who are just getting started? Don't be intimidated by others who have been doing this a long time. We were all beginners at one time and any good horseman will tell you, you are never done learning. Don't be afraid to ask questions and remember, this is supposed to be fun
