After a few days home from the Tom Powers, I am on the road again on July 4th heading to Conyers, GA. I am 258 days into my reign as the 2014 All American Quarter Horse Congress Queen. It is about a 12 hour drive to Conyers from my home, so I got on the road early in the morning. I had thought I would not get to see any fireworks on July 4th, but as it turned out my timing was perfect. As I was driving into Atlanta, beautiful fireworks went off directly in front of me!
July 5th was an exciting last day of the Stars & Stripes Circuit! Appropriately, I wore my beautiful red Berry Fit queen outfit. I presented many circuit awards for the Stars & Stripes as well as awards to the Halter Grand and Reserve Grand Champions. In the evening, the impressive non pro trail derby took place. I assisted Tammy of All That Show Clothing, set up her delicious candy bar. It consisted of every kind of candy you could think of and it was just what everyone needed- sugar! It was a pleasure watching the non pro trail derby with a fantastic group of horses and exhibitors. Assisting me with the award presentations for the class was the 2015 Georgia Quarter Horse Queen, Miss Brittany Pritchett!
The Big A began on July 6th and I started the day presenting awards to my favorite class, leadline! The riders were thrilled to receive a voucher to get an ice cream cone. I spent much of the rest of the day presenting awards for the various jumping classes. With several arenas going at once, I was back and forth between all of them. I also presented to the NSBA 3 year old non pro western pleasure. July 7th was a great day of trail as well as working hunter and jumping at the Big A! My time in Georgia flew by and I met so many wonderful people. I am so blessed to represent such a special industry and group of people.
My final day at the Big A was July 8th and although it was an off day of showing for the exhibitors, it was a busy day for me! The morning began with a fun dog show! The dog show consisted of a costume contest, dog trail, tricks, and races. The young kids had a blast dressing up with their dogs and getting their dogs to go through the trail obstacles. I had a great time presenting the trophies for each division. Next, the kids participated in the painted pony show. The painted pony show included a halter class, trail class, and barrels. By the looks on the kid’s faces, everyone could tell they were having an absolute blast. Prior to the class, they had spent the morning painting and decorating their stick horse pony. There was a lot of creativity and impressive looking ponies. One little girl was too shy to run the stick horse barrels by herself, so I ran them with her! She put my college cross country days to a test, as she was a fast runner. I will say this was the first time that I have run that fast in a queen skirt! I presented awards for each division and a brand new bike was presented to the overall winner in the three age divisions. I was thrilled that I got to be part of all of the great events that the Big A put on for the kids. The audience definitely had a great time watching!
The excitement of the day continued into the evening with the Huntfield Derby ‘Under the Lights.’ Everyone enjoyed a great dinner and silent auction while watching the derby. The stadium where the Huntfield Derby took place was built for the Olympics and it was absolutely beautiful. I ended the evening presenting awards along with the GQHA Queen, to the outstanding competition. A sincere thank you to the Big A show staff, as well as Dr. Robin Barrow, Big A Chair, and Lisa Lee, GQHA Executive Secretary, for your overwhelming hospitality. It was an honor to be part of the Stars & Stripes and The Big A!
