Name: Kenny McDonald
Age: 22
Title: Arabian Horse Trainer
Married/Single: Married
Kids: None
City you live in: Scottsdale
A typical day in my life includes…
working with the beautiful Arabian horse. Whether it’s grooming, conditioning or loving on the horses, I tend to be in the barn all day, every day.
I was born…
into the Arabian horse world. I’m a third-generation horseman. My grandfather is a world-renowned Arabian horse breeder and my dad is also an Arabian horse trainer who has traveled the world competing at the highest level.
My favorite thing about Arizona…
the weather. The constant sunny weather is great for working with the horse. A lot of people always ask me if the Arizona summers are too hot for the horses, but the Arabian horse is a desert breed, so our Arizona climate is ideal for them.
I’m listening to…
whatever is playing on the radio. While we are working in the barn, we usually have the radio playing all day.
My family…
is very big. My dad is the youngest of 10 kids and my mom is the oldest of 5 kids. Many of us are involved in the Arabian horse world. My grandparents breed Arabians, and my dad, Aunt Carolyn, Cousin Josh and myself are all trainers.
If I could have dinner with anyone, it would be…
Elon Musk. Elon Musk is one of the most successful businessmen in the world today. His work ethic is insane (some days he sleeps in the Tesla factory). I think it would be very interesting to pick his brain about work habits and building something of significance.
One thing I cannot live without…
anything sweet. I have a huge sweet tooth and there is nothing better than a nice, sweet treat after a long day.
When I was younger, I wanted to be…
a basketball player. I am a huge Phoenix Suns fan. Steve Nash was my idol for many years and my dad would always take me to a Sun’s game for my birthday.
I’m inspired by…
my grandfather. My grandfather has taught me a lot about work ethic and integrity. He celebrated his 86th birthday this year and still works with his horses. This past August he even competed at the Canadian Nationals Arabian Horse Show.
The one person who motivates me is…
also my grandfather. He always pushes me to be my best and has always come to support our whole family at the horse shows.
If I could change anything in the world, it would be…
how long it takes to travel. There are so many beautiful places in the world to see but there is nothing worse than sitting on a plane or in a car for an extended period!
My first job was…
working in the barn for my dad in the summers when I was younger. We would spend our days preparing for horse shows and traveling around to those shows.
My favorite escape…
is a quick trip up to Sedona. My wife and I often take our two dogs to hike and play in the streams. It’s a great way to get away without having to go too far.
I’m currently working on…
preparing 26 show horses to compete at the 2020 Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show this February 13-23 at WestWorld of Scottsdale. There will be over 2,000 Arabian and Half-Arabian horses competing all week long, as well as tons of booths and vendors to enjoy throughout the week. Be sure to check it out!
Always…
take the risk.
Never…
settle.
Favorite Quote…
“The best way to predict the future is to create it.” What we do today decides where we are tomorrow. I use this thought process every day while I work with the horses to do my absolute best and get one step closer to our goal.
Biggest Dream…
dream is to win a championship at the Arabian Horse World Championships in Paris.
My Pet Peeve(s)…
is when somebody complains. There is nothing more unproductive and useless than complaining. It doesn’t get you anywhere and most of the time nobody cares to hear it.
More about Kenny…
Kenny McDonald is a 22-year-old Arabian horse trainer. He went to Cactus Shadows High School in Cave Creek. He has traveled the world showing the Arabian horse and has won a national title in 7 different countries. You can catch him at the Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show, the world’s largest horse show, at WestWorld of Scottsdale, Feb. 13-23.
