AQHA Professional Horseman, Carrie Becker Lynch was raised with horses. She began riding at a young age. Carrie has experience in Western Pleasure, Horsemanship, Hunt Seat, Equitation, Halter, Showmanship, Jumping, Dressage, Team Penning, Reining, Trail, and Barrel Racing. She attended Black Hawk College where she was an accomplished horse show judge. A few of her accomplishments are a 5th individual overall at The All American Quarter Horse Congress, 3rd individual overall at the AQHA World Show, and 1st individual overall at the Middle Tennessee State University Walking Horse Judging Contest. She interned at Richland Ranch for John Boxell, a top Quarter Horse Trainer. Carrie earned associate degrees in Horse Science Technology and Equestrian Science before attending Illinois State University where she obtained her B.S. in Agriculture Industry Management – Animal Science. Later in life, Carrie became a registered nurse. She works in an emergency department, teaches nursing clinicals and works in a functional medicine clinic. Carrie obtained her RN at Heartland Community College and her masters in nursing education at Grand Canyon University. Carrie enjoys both of her rewarding careers.
Reining and ranch riding have become a focus for Carrie and her daughter, Shelby. Both AQHA and NRHA have been valuable associations where they compete. Carrie and Shelby have received many year-end awards. Carrie was Reserve Champion in the Limited Open Reining at The All American Quarter Horse Congress. Her daughter Shelby was awarded with many Congress Championship wins in addition to winning three AQHYA globes. Shelby rides for the University of Georgia where she has earned numerous achievements. The dawgs won the NCEA National Championship in Ocala, Florida in April of 2025! Go Dawgs! Watching her students’ and horses’ progress is awesome and extremely rewarding! Carie has been blessed to ride with master horsemen such as Martin Black, Buck Brannaman, Tim Boyer, Mark Lyon, Paul Dietz, and many more inspirational people.
Carrie and her husband Todd both grew up in rural McLean County. They both have a great love for their community. They have two children, Shelby and Carter. Most often you will find Carrie in the barn or at the nursing establishments where she works, Todd serving as vice president of equipment at a large construction company, Shelby riding and competing with her horses and Carter studying to be a diesel mechanic. They truly enjoy spending time with family and friends.
A note from Carrie: For as long as I can remember my dream has been to work with horses. My passion for horses is as strong today as it was when I was a child. I am thankful for that! I count each horse and rider that I come in contact with as a blessing. I am so thankful that I am able to balance my equestrian career and nursing career where I am able to help others. I am proud of what I do! I am thankful that God has allowed horses and nursing to be a part of my journey through life.
Horsemanship is a way of life for me. I relate my experiences with horses to everything in my life. It is who I am. As a horseman all I want is for the horses I work with to trust me and take direction from me. I want them to believe in me. God wants me to do the same with Him. Things aren't always easy or perfect, but God is always there for me. When my horses aren't where I want them to be, I am still there for them. Seeing things with this mentality has taught me patience, love, consistency, compassion, discipline, obedience, and persistence.
My journey is a blessing, and I can't wait to see where I am headed next!
Proverbs 3:5-6 ESV
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
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