Cara Stewart has been a life long Kentuckian and horse enthusiast. Born in Campbellsville, Kentucky, her parents raised her on horses in Taylor County where she began riding at the early age of 2. Although Cara and her family primarily showed Quarter Horses participating in registered breed, open and 4-H horse shows, they also owned Saddlebreds, Appaloosas, Palominos, and Paint Horses. In fact, it was through her experience as an exhibitor where she met her "future" husband at the State 4-H Horse Show.

Cara graduated from the University of Kentucky, College of Agriculture in 1998 with a Bachelor's Degree in Agriculture majoring in Agricultural Economics and in 1999 received her Master's of Science Degree in Agricultural Economics focusing on the Economic Impact of Equine Training Facilities in Kentucky. As both an undergraduate and graduate student, Cara worked as an Equine Extension Intern for Youth Activities serving the Kentucky State 4-H Horse Program. As a volunteer Cara is a member and assumed leadership roles in numerous equine organizations including the Kentucky Quarter Horse Association, Kentucky Amateur Quarter Horse Association, Bluegrass Palomino Horse Association, Eastern Ranch Horse Association, and the Palomino Horse Breeders of American.

Cara brings a strong knowledge of association management and development, a deep love of horses, and a great enthusiasm for the ideals of the Kentucky Equine Education Project. Cara resides in Owen County with her husband Gene Ray, son Clayton, three dogs, a cat and a few dozen horses.