MQHA Member Spotlight: Lana Markway
Name: Lana Markway
Where are you from? Clinton, MO
How long have you been showing horses? I started doing leadline at paint shows at 18 months old. So about 33 years.
What is your favorite horse show? For the past several years I’ve been able to do the American Royal Quarter Horse Show. I love it and it’s 15 mins from our house in Kansas City. I love being able to stay at home.
Tell us about your family. My family has always been in the horse business. My grandfather had horses and my aunt, Suzetta Busby, was a horse trainer. My mother also showed, but when I was about 10, she stopped to focus on me and my showing. Currently, I am the only one that shows. My husband isn’t a horse person, but is a helping hand most weekends when he can come. Up until this year we had mainly shown paints.
How did you get hooked on horses? I don’t know if I had an option to not be hooked. I had a pony before I was born waiting for me.
What is it about horses that makes you want to work with them and compete? I just love horses! I love to compete and a good challenge. It might be the only thing I have any natural talent at.
What would you tell your younger self (in relation to showing)? Keep working toward your goals. I’ve had a lot of horses, some really challenging ones and some that just didn’t make it. Never in a million years would I have thought my show career would have taken so many twists and turns. Be patient, it will all come together.
What horse(s) and event(s) are you currently showing? I’m currently showing Only En La Moonlite (Harlow) and she does the all around.
What are your goals? Eventually, I would like to travel a little more/further to horse shows, but at this time work gets in the way. Harlow is still green in patterns, so we’ve stayed close this year and have worked on getting seasoned in all events.
Who do you look up to in the industry? Sara Simons
Do you have any superstitions when you show? Not really a superstition, but I have a thing with fly spray. It has to go in a certain order and be sprayed a certain way prior to showmanship. I at times have 6 different types to pick from in my arena bag.
Who is your all-time favorite horse? And why? That will always remain Dynamic Discovery. One of the best all-around horses that was before his time. I was able to take his last ride and he has a special place on the farm thanks to my aunt.
If you are not at a horse show, what would we find you doing? I am at the barn and with my dogs.
Do you have another job…besides taking care of your horses? I am a social worker for a community mental health organization. Since I’ve graduated college, I’ve been doing social work and showing horses. Since being able to work from home 3 years ago it gives me a lot more time to practice.
What is your favorite thing about MQHA? MQHA has been so welcoming! I just started showing with MQHA in 2021 and the experience has been wonderful. Also, the prizes and different things that are put on at the shows are fun and exciting.
What is your favorite hobby besides showing horses? Not really a hobby, but if there is a good concert in the city we are usually there.
What is your favorite food? I love a good salad, but I’m a sucker for a salad bar.
What is your favorite restaurant? Waldo Pizza in KC is one of my favorites.
What is your favorite quote? It’s got to get worse before it can get better.
What is your dream vacation? I’d rather be at a horse show. I don’t vacation well.
What are you terrible at but love to do anyway? Golfing isn’t my strong suit.
What is one thing on your bucket list? There are definitely a few bigger shows I want to hit!
Tell us something most people don’t know about you? Most wouldn’t know that I feel off in lead-line at my first paint world show. I was 18 months old, and my hat flew off (you trotted back then) and spooked the horse. I didn’t have enough hair to pin it on.
One piece of advice you would like to share with exhibitors who are just getting started. You’ve definitely got to put in the time and never get up.
