The theme of this year's All American Quarter Horse Congress was “Where Legends Are Made”, and this year’s Congress was nothing short of legendary!
Arriving at the show a few days before the Queen Contest, I was already filled with excitement as I made my final preparations, studied the 2023 Official Congress Program, and got my hats reshaped. The contest kicked off with a pajama pizza party which was made even more fun by receiving goodies from sponsors, like Durango boots for each contestant, and then a gift exchange between the girls. I listened as the 2022 Congress Queen, Kylie Good, recounted some of her favorite memories of her past year, and I looked forward to the upcoming competition. Over the next few days, my fellow contestants and I completed the scored portions of the contest that included an in-depth test over the AQHA rulebook and Congress facts, a dinner and interview with panel judges, and a horsemanship class. In between those components, we thanked the gracious vendors that sponsored the contest and then had a fun-filled excursion to the bowling alley thanks to Experience Columbus. The last event before the crowning was the Heroes on Horses ceremony, where we presented the flags and awarded decorated veterans after their class. When it came time for the coronation, I was so honored to have represented my home state association of Indiana as I fulfilled my childhood dream of becoming the 2023 All American Quarter Horse Congress Queen.
During the following two weeks after my crowning, I congratulated hundreds of finalists, top ten exhibitors, and Congress Champions. I got to connect with businesses and individuals who sponsored the Queen Contest and express my gratitude. I also met with various special groups including horse judging teams and children from the Discovery Riders Program. From taking photos with little girls, to meeting horse enthusiasts from other continents, or meet-and-greets with western celebrity influencers, every day was filled with wonderful interactions. It was an experience that was truly remarkable!
I cannot thank the Ohio Quarter Horse Association staff enough for all of their hard work in putting on this most spectacular horse show. Jaymie Drury, Jess Elsass, and Brittany Hostetler made competing for and then becoming the Congress Queen the most enjoyable experience, and I greatly appreciate their hard work on the “Queen Team.'' After a year of looking up to Kylie, I was so thankful for the help and guidance she offered as I became Queen and she moved into her new position on the “Queen Team.” As I drove away from the Ohio Expo Center on October 22nd, I felt so incredibly thankful for the family members, horse trainers and all those who helped me achieve my goal, and therefore making it possible for me to have this once-in-a-lifetime experience at the 2023 All American Quarter Horse Congress.
