MQHA Member Spotlight: Kathy Hood
Name: Kathy Hood
Where are you from? Born and raised in Southeast KS. My family moved to Uniontown, KS, when I was small. I am the 4th of 5 girls, and we lived one block from the Uniontown School. I was horse crazy from the beginning. My parents bought us a pony when I was 6 and I immediately claimed her as mine. My sisters later informed me she was not mine alone, but they didn't do much with her, so she was mine! My cousin and I rode our ponies all over our small town. Eventually, my dad bought me a bigger pony, Stormy, and then a "big" horse at the Bronson horse sale. His name was Osage Irving Man and he cost $100. He was my first real show horse. I started my showing with the Uniontown Saddle Club and ran barrels, poles, and some roping. I tried horsemanship, but wasn't very good, so that became my goal, but not until the last ten or so years have I been able to show competitively in horsemanship.
How long have you been showing horses? Since the 60's.
What is your favorite horse show? I like them all.
Tell us about your family. My dad was an over the road trucker and my mom was Secretary to the Uniontown school Superintendent. Four sisters, none of which care for horses. I married Kevin Hood in 1980. Kevin & I ran our own training business for 30 years, showing mainly APHA. I worked full time at UPS for 29 years. In 2010, Kevin and I went our separate ways, and I got my amateur cards. We have two amazing daughters, Kally and Katelyn. Kally is married to Kyle Smith and lives and farms in Arkansas City, KS, with their 3 children, Kinsley, Kellen & Kadyn. They have 3 horses that they are learning on. You may know my other daughter Katelyn Connolly. Married to Joe and have a 2 year old daughter, Jennings (yes, that little blonde that you see me running after at the shows). Katelyn runs a successful training business out of Linwood, KS, and she is my trainer!
How did you get hooked on horses? How does anyone get hooked on horses? You either like them or you don't, right?
What is it about horses that makes you want to work with them and compete? There is nothing more rewarding than being a team with your horse. When you ask your horse for something, and they understand what you want and do it! Such a good feeling.
What would you tell your younger self (in relation to showing)? Don't worry about the competition or the judges. Nerves won't get you any ribbons (easier said than done).
What horse(s) and event(s) are you currently showing? The Whiskey Mmade Me (Roxy) (2016 Q mare) by Machine Made x One Hot Krymsum mare. Last year, WP & Horsemanship. This year we started Showmanship and Western Riding! We've attempted trail, but we have a lot to work on. I've owned Roxy two years and she came with a lead change. Unfortunately for her, I did not. I have a lot of improving to do, but she keeps trying for me!
What are your goals? To get better. There is nothing easy about riding horses for me. For years I rode a certain way and today’s cues, and riding is totally different. I understand the new ways, but it is still very difficult to change. And I'm not as young as I used to be, so many body parts don't always communicate and work the way they used to. My main goal is to show a western pleasure class as if it is a pleasure!
Do you have any superstitions when you show? No.
Who is your all-time favorite horse? And why? I have many, but Sockets Angel won the Scarlet Print Award at the APHA World. We basically raised her and led her to her multiple WC wins. And did I mention what a great personality she had. So Sweet!
If you were not at a horse show, what would we find you doing? Babysitting Jennings or mowing.
Do you have another job…besides taking care of your horses? Retired UPS. So, no other job.
What is your favorite thing about MQHA? I love how your shows run. I'm sure there is drama behind the scenes, but I never see it. It's fun to be there. Always some entertaining function going on. And your banquet last year was amazing!
What is your favorite food? KC Joes BBQ Burnt Ends!
What is your favorite quote? " You can do this!"
What is your dream vacation? Road trip with my friend Shari!
What are you terrible at but love to do anyway? Play cards with Joe Connolly!!
What is one thing on your bucket list? Honestly-I've done about everything on my list. Of course, my list was not very long. I'm pretty ok with life.
Tell us something most people don’t know about you? Politics makes me angry. But other than that, I am pretty easy going.
One piece of advice you would like to share with exhibitors who are just getting started? Do your research and find the right mentor/trainer/horse for you. It is a competition, so there will be a lot of pressure and stress, but it is supposed to be fun, take a deep breath. As for your horse, I had a trainer once tell me "they are like boyfriends, if it doesn't work out, get another one!" And yes, horse showing is expensive
