It was the last day of February when I travelled south to Camden, South Carolina, for the SCQHA and Premier Sires Southern Gold Classic. It was a particularly exciting trip since it was the first time I had returned to a South Carolina show after representing SCQHA at the Congress Queen’s Contest. Not only that, but it was also the day that the new SCQHA Queen would be crowned.
Even though I was only attending for the day, my car was packed full. With me came the SCQHA Queen’s closet, which is a travelling wardrobe that is passed down from Queen to Queen each year. It would definitely be a bittersweet moment to see the wardrobe with a new owner. My corgi, Adley, also joined for the ride, who was packed alongside gifts for the Queen’s contestants and my new Berry Fit outfit that I had recently received from Carolyn Berry.
About a three-hour car ride later, I arrived at the grounds and began my day at the show. I spent time visiting some of the new renovations at the South Carolina Equine Park and visiting with vendors that supported my journey, including Congress Queen sponsor Tammy from All That Show Clothing. Alongside setting up the Queen’s table, I enjoyed a Bojangles breakfast sponsored by AQHA stallion Strutin on the range.
Adley got in on the fun as well, receiving a doggy massage and enjoying some fetch breaks between my queen duties. The weather was nice enough that she could comfortably wait in the car, and Camden is such a dog-friendly place that it made bringing her along easy. About halfway through the day, my mom arrived and joined me. We enjoyed watching the classes together and visiting with exhibitors throughout the day. I also had the honor of presenting special gifts to the leadline exhibitors, as well as awarding several Premier Sires and Premier Magazine added-money classes.
The first horsemanship class of the day was Queen’s Horsemanship, and I was impressed by the talent of both contestants. It was clear how much time and dedication they had put into perfecting their craft. Overall, this was one of the biggest shows I’ve seen at Camden, and they even had to put up temporary stalls to accommodate. Although the show did receive some unfortunate rainy weather, it was still an awesome show that I am so happy that I was a part of.
As the day wound down, it was finally time to crown the new SCQHA Queen. Surrounded by exhibitors and the leftovers from the exhibitor pizza party, I had the honor of crowning Olivia Garvin. Watching her receive the title was incredibly special and also a reflective moment for me. It hasn’t even been a full year since I was awarded the state title myself, and I am so excited to see the legacy continue.
After the crowning, I stayed to help present the final classes that had been moved from Friday to Saturday due to the rain. It made for a late night, arriving home around midnight, but it was absolutely worth it.
Ashlyn Gonzalves
2025 All American Quarter Horse Congress Queen
