When I woke up, I felt like Ana from Frozen realizing it’s “coronation day” but it’s my first full day as the 2024 All American Quarter Horse Congress Queen! I started my day by reuniting with my horsemanship mount, Moonshine and my best friend Caleigh to visit the official Congress photographer, Shane Rux, for my backdrop photo. Prior to Congress I had looked back at my previous backdrop photos and am so excited to add this beautiful photo displaying my show saddle and crown by Miguel, medallions, and NSBA and Don Bell Trophies! Believe it or not, the next step was to teach me how to drive a golf cart! We all know how large the Ohio State Fairgrounds is and a golf cart is a Congress necessity!
After that I met up with the winner of each contest category and runner ups at Schneiders Saddlery to design and of course add bling to the famous Congress Jacket! Along the way I loved getting to see old and new faces as we continued to celebrate my new role.
Next to Schneider’s is the awards office which would be my home away from home for the remainder of the show. The team was so friendly and welcoming and is led by 2021 Congress Queen, Darcy Taurchan. Before I knew it I was in the ring for my first class and had all the emotions of putting the neck ribbon on my first Congress Champion.
Later that week, I helped present awards at the Youth and Collegiate Horse Judging Breakfast. Being in Voinovich was extra special as I remember being in those seats in 4H and getting to see my friends from Penn State. That group of talented youth and young adults are the future judges of our industry!
When the weekend came around, it was time for my vendor photos and official Congress Queen Photoshoot with Sarah Johnson. I loved being able to have one on one conversations with our sponsors and personally thank them for their generosity.
We loaded up the golf cart with some of my beautiful prizes and multiple outfits. Thank you to Sarah for capturing such stunning pictures during golden hour making my ideas come to life. Thank you to Jaymie Drury and Lexy Ziemak for helping me look my best and many great laughs.
A fun fact about me is that I am a horrible cook. However, I didn’t let this stop me from visiting the Ohio Amateur Association’s annual pancake breakfast fundraiser. The funds benefit Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Ohio. I enjoyed flipping pancakes and honoring a great cause which raised over $3,700!
Each day every medallion and picture I took was special in its own way. From the exhibitor experiencing their first congress to a young girl dreaming of being the next Congress Queen each interaction was unique. I also can’t forget getting to work with our press office team, National Sports Broadcasting, and Gordon Downey from The Equine Chronicle. I am so blessed thanks to the power of social media to be able to look back on these memories for years to come.
I was so excited to participate in the NYATT (National Youth Activities Team Tournament) awards ceremony. Not only did I get my own special introduction but rode in the back of a Coughlin truck tossing prizes into the stands. I love that NYATT recognizes each team representative and their team spirit for each other.
The last Saturday night of the Congress was the anticipated Versatility event. Horse and rider teams would compete in Hunter under saddle, western pleasure, ranch riding, and pole bending. Not only was it so entertaining to see the actual versatility of these horses and their awesome pit crews but the crowd kept the energy up throughout the event!
When the last day came, there was definitely a somber feeling across the grounds. Many were packing up to go to the next show, but also looked back on the memories made in the last month. After I put the neck ribbon on the last champion of the 2024 Congress Champion I felt tears in my eyes for how fast time flew while having the time of my life. I knew this was just the start of an amazing year.
Next up will be attending the Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Tri-State Quarter Horse Association Year-End Banquets!
Much Love,
Madison
