There is no better way to spend your birthday weekend than at a horse show! That is how I celebrated my 26th birthday, at the Virginia Maiden in Lexington, Virginia. The weather could not have been any better to get to enjoy the beautiful outdoor arena. One of the many things I have enjoyed throughout my year as Congress Queen is getting to create great friendship with show staff. From the announcer, scribes, photographers, and show management every time I get to see their smiling faces it’s like a family reunion. The Virginia Maiden has so much history in offering competitive futurity classes to start the show season. Each class from western pleasure, hunter under saddle, and working western rail had a large audience and was truly able to demonstrate the beauty of the American Quarter Horse. Ali Board and John Boxell from A&B Show Management and Cameryn Van Sickle who ran the futurity classes were all so great to work. Fun Fact: John was one of the judges in the 2024 Queens Horsemanship. Many of the classes I presented were maiden, as in never shown, or green, young or inexperienced horses. Therefore, in my beautiful queen outfits made by Berry Fit and CRS Custom Creations, I was very scary to some of the horses getting some comical side eyes. At each show I try to visit all the vendors, especially those that are Congress Queen Contest sponsors. Leanne from D Designs was there and we chatted about any predictions for this season’s fashion trends. We both agreed what matters most is what makes you feel the most confident. Another fun fact is that 2016 Congress Queen Amy Brown, is obsessed with Cheerwine. I stopped at a Cookout on my drive home and thought of her as I enjoyed this soda. From here, I headed to the Level 1 East Championship Show and I can’t wait to tell you about all the fun I had for the week!
Much Love, Madison
