OQHA

The All American Quarter Horse Congress Queen serves as an ambassador of the show, welcoming spectators and exhibitors alike. In fact, the Congress Queen does so much during the show that she becomes one of the most memorable faces each year. The Queen’s reign, however, does not end after the Congress is over. She makes appearances at many national events, including the AQHA Convention, AQHA World Shows and other major horse shows throughout the entire year. For every event the Congress Queen attends, she writes a journal entry, which she shares here. 

February 12, 2013 - Dixie National

On February 12th, I made my way to Jackson, Mississippi for the Dixie National Quarter Horse Show. I can honestly say it was one of the best trips I have ever taken! I was thoroughly impressed by the Southern hospitality and I would like to thank Tommy Andrus and all the show staff for making me feel so welcome.

The show was very successful with more than 2,200 entries; I presented awards and especially enjoyed watching the youth classes and participating in the Stick Horse Rodeo. I also got to visit with several of the vendors that come to the Congress; it is always nice to see them. On Wednesday night we went to the Dixie National Rodeo and I met Miss Rodeo Mississippi and also Lecile Harris, one of the most famous rodeo clowns in American history. At 73 years old, he still had the crowd in an uproar with his jokes and I was honored to meet such a great legend in the rodeo world.

Traveling to Jackson was also a bit of a culinary adventure for me. I experienced several foods that we don't have up North, including chicken fried steak, turnip greens and even frog legs! I really enjoyed going out to dinner with the judges and AQHA Executive Committee member Mr. George Phillips and his wife, Nicole. Again, the hospitality was incredible and what an honor to meet so many distinguished members of the AQHA community! On Friday night the Freestyle Reining was held in the Coliseum. There was very good turnout and tough competition and some great costumes! I love this event because it gets the crowd involved and you don't have to know a whole lot about Reining to enjoy it. The week ended with Barrels and Poles and presenting the all-around winners, and even though my flight home got cancelled, I made it home safely with a new appreciation for all things Southern!

February 9, 2013: New York State QHA Banquet

On February 9th I braved the aftermath of winter storm Nemo and traveled to Cobleskill, New York for the New York State Quarter Horse Association Banquet. Despite the three feet of snow we received in Massachusetts, I made it there in one piece and enjoyed a great evening. One of the benefits of living in New England is that all the states are in close proximity, and you can show for year-end awards with several different affiliates without having to haul very far! It was a real pleasure to meet the members of a fellow Northeastern club; NYSQHA has a very active youth group and they host several well-attended shows each year.
   Congratulations to all the award winners on a great show season! The club is also starting their own Queen and Junior Queen program, and I gave a speech about my experiences and all the doors that opened for me when I decided to run for MassQHA Queen and then Congress Queen. I would truly recommend the program to any young lady who wants to get more involved in the AQHA industry.
   And it is a busy week for me as I leave on February 12th for the Dixie National Quarter Horse Show in Jackson, Mississippi! I am really looking forward to some warmer weather - stay tuned for the next blog!

January 19, 2013: Massachuesetts QHA Banquet

On January 19th I attended the Massachusetts QHA Awards Banquet in Tyngsboro, MA. It was a great night! The food was fantastic and the awards committee had fabulous prizes for all the award winners. I made a speech about my road to the Congress Queen title and all the incredible experiences I have had along the way. Running for Massachusetts Queen really has made me much more involved in the AQHA and MassQHA community, and I am proud to say that I am now a member of the MassQHA Board of Directors as Corresponding Secretary! I am so thankful for all the opportunities I have received and all those yet to come.

Last night we also crowned the 2013 MassQHA Royal Court, congratulations to our Junior Princess, Princess, Junior Queen and especially the 2013 MassQHA Queen, Kayleigh McDonnell. I know she will do a great job representing Massachusetts Quarter Horse this year! It is wonderful to see the increased interest in the Queen program from some New England Affiliates. I will be attending the New York State QHA Banquet on February 9th, so until then, God Bless!

November 8-11, 2012: Equine Affaire

I had my first official appearance as the 2012 All American Quarter Horse Congress Queen at the Equine Affaire held in Springfield, Massachusetts. This expo draws people from all over New England and has clinics and demonstrations for all breeds and disciplines.

It was nice to see old and new friends and meet some prospective new AQHA members over the weekend, and the support I have received from the New England Quarter Horse community has been just incredible! I had the pleasure of visiting with many of the vendors that were at the Congress, and thanking them again for their support of the Congress Queen Contest. I also did a video interview with the Equine Journal which will soon be featured on their website.  My next Queen appearance will be at the Massachusetts Quarter Horse Association awards banquet in January.