MQHA Member Spotlight: Kristen Bye
Name: Kristen Bye
Where are you from? Orange County, CA
How long have you been showing horses? I tried my first open show 10 years ago, but really didn’t show much until about 5 years ago.
What is your favorite horse show? The Missouri Quarter Horse Shows in St. Louis! It has become my home away from home.
Tell us about your family. I come from two incredibly hard-working parents. Both they and my grandmother reside in Yuma, AZ. I have a sister who lives with her family in Boise, ID. My father manages auto dealerships, and my mom is often found on horseback, learning whatever she can. My mom had horses when she was young but gave it up prior to starting a family. She got back into riding about 12 years ago. She is fearless.
I met my husband at my cousin’s wedding the year before I moved to Missouri, when he walked me down the aisle. We have been inseparable ever since. This year is our 15th wedding anniversary! He works at the railroad. I am incredibly grateful that he supports my horse showing journey and keeps things going at home while I am away. My husband’s family is mostly all local to Kansas City. We have 6 nieces and nephews!
How did you get hooked on horses? My passion for horses can be traced back to my uncle. When I was only ten years old, we traveled to Missouri and my uncle saddled up a few horses in the round pen during a family reunion. I never left the pen that day. As I grew, I started to fly to Missouri on my own to help him farm for a few weeks each summer. Some of my favorite memories are being on his farm around the horses. While I’ve always loved animals, he used to say I would pet the hair right off his horses.
What is it about horses that makes you want to work with them and compete? There is nothing better than working in harmony with your horse! Horses keep me active, social, motivated and grounded. Life’s worries disappear on the back of a horse.
What would you tell your younger self (in relation to showing)? Things always seem to happen as they should, have faith and keep going.
What horse(s) and event(s) are you currently showing? I am currently showing Whatabout Inviten Me, Envy, in Showmanship, Equitation, Horsemanship, and we just started trail.
What are your goals? Each year I set new goals. This year was to improve my F&E scores, work on consistency in the pen, learn “style”, learn a new event, and to try a new show that I have not been to yet.
Who do you look up to in the industry? There is not one person in particular. I love to watch the higher level Amateurs ride. There are so many graceful and talented riders in AQHA and there is something to be learned from everyone!
Do you have any superstitions when you show? Not particularly, but I do believe in a positive mindset and practicing gratitude. Being in the right state of mind while showing is imperative.
Who is your all-time favorite horse? And why? I would say the horse I am currently showing. He is the first show broke horse I have ever ridden and he is so cool! He is quirky, sweet, and takes good care of me. I will be forever grateful for the lessons he has taught me.
If you are not at a horse show, what would we find you doing? Working, riding or visiting family.
Do you have another job…besides taking care of your horses? Yes, I support the ultra high net worth by finding long term insurance solutions for their complex needs. I leverage my financial understanding of the marketplace and carrier relationships to create unique solutions.
What is your favorite thing about MQHA? Hands down, the people. Everyone is always so kind and welcoming.
What is your favorite hobby besides showing horses? Is there time for any other hobby?
What is your favorite food? I always love a good steak!
What is your favorite restaurant? I don’t eat out anymore, but when I was in California, my favorite was the Trabuco Canyon Steakhouse. They had trees growing in the middle of the restaurant. They would also cut off your tie, if you wore one there and staple it to the walls.
What is your favorite movie? Anything action packed or scary
What is your favorite quote? “Only those who dare to fail greatly can ever achieve greatly.” Robert F. Kennedy
What is your dream vacation? Anywhere involving a beach and clear waters.
What are you terrible at but love to do anyway? Riding! I have zero natural talent. Thank goodness for Stephanie McAlexander and Anne Shafer. They have been incredibly patient with me. We have put in a ton of time and energy to get to this point.
What is one thing on your bucket list? Attending the American Quarter Horse Congress.
Tell us something most people don’t know about you? My great uncle was a martial arts professional. He was one of the instructors for Steven Seagal and Chuck Norris. I obtained my black belt by the age of 13.
One piece of advice you would like to share with exhibitors who are just getting started. Be patient, seek education from the right sources, and focus on yourself. If you stay focused on self-improvement and controllable factors, you will eventually get where you want to be. At the end of the day, if you and your trainer are happy with your progress, then that is all that matters.
