MQHA Member Spotlight: Shannon Dudley
Name: Shannon Dudley
Where are you from: Minneapolis, Minnesota
How long have you been showing horses? Since I was a little kid with my Dad (Jim Dudley). Horse showing has always been something we do together, I cherish the time and memories we have together showing. Now that I have my own kids, I love bringing them to the shows when I can. There is something really great about being brought up as a horse show kid, I love that I can pass that own to my kids just like my parents did.
How long have you been in Missouri? I am not in Missouri. I'm from Minneapolis but travel to Missouri to show with my Dad
What is your favorite horse show? Congress
What is your favorite event to show in? I like the VRH classes. I grew up riding the English and Western All-Around so I like the 4 class all-around structure. My favorite class is probably Reining though. I love the class even though it's probably the hardest one to show.
What is your favorite class to watch? Once again probably Reining.
Do you have any superstitions when you show? Yes, I'm not sharing. I'm superstitious about my superstitions.
Who is your all-time favorite horse? And why? I really like my current horse Lady (SHR Flash for Cash) . She is so sweet and really tries hard but Tullula (Tullula can Hula) is probably my favorite horse. I won the congress twice in a row with her and was Reserve High Point Level 1 Amateur at the Congress with her. She has a HUGE personality and I will never sell her.
If you are not at a horse show, what would we find you doing? Chasing my kids around, Calvin 5 and Parker 1. And spending time with my wonderful (none horsey) husband.
Do you have another job…besides taking care of your horses? I work for Caterpillar and do Intellectual Property Strategy and Project Management my background is Materials Engineering.
What is your favorite thing about MQHA? Great people who really work hard to make showing fun for everyone. There is so much more than just showing at the horse show and there are some really terrific members who put their heart and soul into the organization. I can't thank them enough for what they do.
Favorite hobby besides showing horses? Spending time with the family. My husband is not a horse guy so we love doing none horse things with the family as well like camping, grilling and spending time with the neighbors.
Favorite food? Italian
Favorite restaurant? Bar La Grassa in Minneapolis
Favorite quote? Growing up my Dad would constantly tell me "That's an excuse not a reason. Figure out another way" It turned me into a very gritty person and has served me very well in and even more outside of the ring.
What is your dream vacation? Any place where I can spend the whole day exploring and walking followed by a good meal and comfortable bed. I don't like beaches.
What are you terrible at but love to do anyway? Gardening, we just bought a new home and I'm trying to learn to garden. I have no idea what I am doing.
What is one thing on your bucket list? My number 1 Buck list is...... I want to visit every continent in the world. I only have 1 left (Antarctica)
Tell us something most people don’t know about you? I'm always catch riding my horse. With my horse and Trainer/Dad (Jim Dudley) in Missouri I don't get to ride very often and 90% of the time it is at the horse shows. I have been showing horses since I was very little so I rely a lot on muscle memory and years of experience. My Dad does an amazing job training my horse so she is the best she can be when I get to the horse show.
One piece of advice you would like to share with exhibitors who are just getting started? Savor the experience and focus on having your own best ride. The best part of horse showing is the people, the ride and the bond. The placings are secondary.
When it comes to Reining focus on the 70 and staying out of the penalty box first. Once you can consistently run penalty free then you can ask for more from you and your horse, but don't ask more from your horse to make up for your error.
