I can remember being 6 years old, dragging my grandmother, Bettie, to the Queen’s booth at the All American Quarter Horse Congress. The notion of one day being that beautiful, genuine, well-rounded woman with the crown and sash has stuck with me from that fateful day. I took some time to grow and become the woman I am today, and all the struggles I have faced have lead me to becoming the best version of myself, and the version that I would like to represent as the All American Quarter Horse Congress Queen.
Growing up in the small town of Gallipolis, Ohio, I inherited my passion for the American Quarter Horse from both sides of my family. At 16, I was elected President of the Palomino Youth Association (PHBA-Y), making me the youngest Youth president in PHBA’s history. During my year as president, I worked diligently with youth, amateur, and open exhibitors to promote the growth of the Youth Scholarship Fund and the Challenged Horseman program. Though I was very successful showing as a youth (with five PHBA world titles under my belt), I believe my greatest accomplishment as a youth was my sportsmanship and compassion for my fellow competitors.
I was blessed to receive a scholarship to ride for Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College as the Team Open Horsemanship rider. Through that experience, I not only grew as an equestrian, but I grew and matured as a person. I was honor to receive a Reserve National Championship in the Team Open Horsemanship in May of 2019, as well as two IHSA Semifinals Championships in Reining and Horsemanship (respectively). My favorite memories are not only those that ended in victory, but also those that ended in the embrace of a teammate when didn’t bring home a blue ribbon.
I developed my platform of Don’t Deflect- Detect! Breast Cancer Awareness and Early Detection after the passing of my grandmother, Bettie, in 2015. When she passed from stage 4 breast cancer, I fell hopeless and alone. From that day, I dove into giving back to cancer patients and survivors within my community. I have volunteered at and promoted several Relay for Life activities within my community, and had the opportunity to participate in three Susan G. Komen walks, each allowing me to speak to survives, fighters, and loved ones about Breast Cancer and their journeys. It is imperative that we educate the young people of our country to “Don’t Deflect- Detect!” Becoming the All American Quarter Horse Congress Queen would allow me to spread this concept to a wider audience. I would relish the opportunity to present this discussion to so many new people, both in and out of the horse industry, and the title of Congress Queen would allow me to do just that.