Each issue, MSEDA will highlight a member who is active in the organization to give other members a peek into their horse-loving lives. Interested in being featured? Email Sarah at redhorseenterprise@gmail.com
By Sarah E Coleman
A passionate proponent of equestrian endeavors, Megan Carr can be seen throughout the state at events and dressage shows of every caliber. Heavily involved in multiple state and regional associations, Carr gives back in every way she can to the horses and the people who love them. Read on to find out how she fits it all in!
MSEDA: Where are you from?
Megan Carr: I was born in Chicago but raised in Lexington, Ky.
MSEDA: What brought you here?
MC: My father got a job offer up here when we were living in South Florida in 1988. The horses moved up here before we did!
MSEDA: When did you begin riding?
MC: In the womb! My mother was a dressage rider. I also took my first “formal” lesson when I was 4 with Julie Congleton, who at the time was at Midway College. It was on a really cool HUGE grey horse named Wexford. He as so cool.
Mom (Laura) and Sister (Katie), Benjamin aka No Worries and I at Training Championships, Greater Dayton. 5th place. 1998
MSEDA: How long have you been competing?
MC: Although I have not competed much in recent years, I showed a lot when I was younger. I started in leadline, then moved to Pony Club and then competed several horses at Training Level and one in JYOP.
MSEDA: How long have you been a MSEDA member?
MC: My family and I have been members of MSEDA since we moved here in the early 90s.
MSEDA: You have a very active role in the eventing community here in Kentucky -- can you tell me a bit about it?
MC: I am a Licensed MSEDA Dressage and Eventing Judge. I officiate at about 12-20 shows each year. I am also a MSEDA board member, on the Education committee and chair of the Rules and Bylaws committee. I also serve on the board of Louisville Dressage Association, am the state rep for the Western Dressage Association of America and run the vet box at the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event. I try to volunteer at local shows when I am not officiating. I am also excited to start Part 1 of the USDF L judges program late this year and hope to finish it early next year.
MSEDA: How did you become interested in these roles?
MC: I know this sounds cheesy, but I really just have a huge passion for this sport. It has given both myself and my family many amazing memories (and a few memories by father calls “a good learning experience!”). While I am too busy to compete (and having physical issues), I tried to think up ways that I could keep in the eventing/dressage community without being a rider, so I started the MSEDA judges program in 2008 and finished in 2010. Judging expanded my knowledge of the sport and also expanded my opportunities, including a role on the board of Kentucky Dressage Association (membership chair) and roles with MSEDA, Louisville Dressage Society, Rolex Kentucky and WDAA.
MSEDA: What is your favorite event? Why?
MC: Although it is a lot of hard work, I would have to say Rolex Kentucky. I started out roping the galloping lanes when I was 5 and have volunteered there ever since. I have worked with awards, in control with Nigel and Allie Casserley, and have been running the vet box since 2011. Over the years, I have gathered a great core crew of amazing volunteers to help everything run as smoothly as possible!
PC Lisa Dean/L to R: Tammy Makela, Jeri Matheny, Laura Corsentino, Emily Macauley, myself, Stephanie Roethke and Shannon Riley.
MSEDA: When did you get your first horse?
MC: I got my first pony, Hokey Pokey, for my sixth birthday. She was a little brat, but really taught me how to ride and the value of patience J
MSEDA: What horses do you own now?
MC: I currently only have one horse, Jonathan, who also goes by With Ease. He is retired and living with Cyndi, Nicholas and Michael Greathouse, who have become family through our shared love of this special horse.
MSEDA: How did you get Jonathan?
MC: Jonathan was a Christmas present from a family friend, Kathy Anderson, DVM. I had leased his brother, Benjamin (aka No Worries) from her after he had gone to DeBroke Prelim Championships with Amanda Warrington. Benjamin and I competed through Training level eventing and were placed 11th with USCTA in the Jr Training Division. We retired Benjamin early and Kathy gave me Jonathan for Christmas my junior year of high school. Jonathan and I went up to Prelim and qualified for the CCI* (long format back in 2003) and got invited to DeBroke Championships (AEC’s predecessor). We also focused a lot on dressage and were schooling 4th level.
MSEDA: What are Jonathan’s favorite treats?
MC: McDonald’s French fries, doughnuts and potato chips. He really is a junk food junkie, but he’s only allowed to have them on special occasions!
MSEDA: What do you do full time? Do you enjoy it?
MC: I work at a structural engineering firm in Louisville, Ky. I have been here since I graduated from University of Louisville. I really do enjoy my job and luckily it allows me to be as active as I am in the horse community, also.
MSEDA: How did you get into this job?
MC: I met my boss’s wife while we both were riding at Stone Place Stables in Prospect, Ky. She fell in love with my Jonathan and ended up half leasing him from me while I was busy with school. We have been best friends ever since. It is amazing how many great people this have come into my life because of this special horse.
MSEDA: What is your goal this year?
MC: My goal is to finish the USDF “L” Program Part 1 in 2017 and to learn as much as I can from it. I am really excited to get the opportunity to do this awesome program, which is the USDF Learner Judges program that covers all aspects dressage.
MSEDA: Describe your horse in 10 words. Horse of a lifetime. Although we may have never made it to Rolex, this horse was the first one that I was able to work with for an extended period of time (I leased a lot before landing him), train myself from the ground up, and then he, in turn, has taught more than half a dozen kids the ropes of eventing and dressage. His brother (No Worries) really taught me to ride, and now, he is honoring his brother by doing the same.
MSEDA: What other animals do you own?
MC: I have one dog. She is a 10-year-old red and white female Basenji named Urbi (Or-bee). She is still full of spunk and on occasions, attends horse shows with me.
