Get to know Sara...
With the Youth World Championships in Oklahoma City just around the corner, this queen describes her dream in 2013 of riding down the "Gateway of Champions."Meet Sara Laughlin representing the Southern Ohio Quarter Horse Association. Get to know this Buckeye better in her interview below!
1.) Name and Association Representing:
Sara Laughlin representing the Southern Ohio Quarter Horse Association.
2.) Where are you from? Tell us a little about your hometown.
I am from Vermilion, Ohio. Vermilion is known as a "small town on a great lake!" As this nickname mentions, Vermilion is home to many marinas where you can boat, jet ski, kayak, fish, and enjoy the water! At home, I live on our family farm with my mom and dad. Growing up, my mom was my coach and taught me all of the fundamentals of riding, showing, and growing as a horsewoman.
3.) Why did you choose to compete for the title of 2015 All American Quarter Horse Congress Queen?
As a youth exhibitor, I enjoyed showing horses and striving to place at The All American Quarter Horse Congress. Competing at the Congress in the National Youth Activity Team Tournament, I would always see the Queen's ceremony take place. Now that I am busy with college and applying to graduate school, running for Queen is a great way to stay involved and take the next step into my showing career. Not only will I get to represent the Southern Ohio Quarter Horse Association, but I will get to meet many established individuals in the industry. I am looking forward to this experience!
4.) Are you currently in school? Employed?
Currently, I will be in my fourth year at The Ohio State University pursuing a Bachelor's in Public Health. I am in the process of applying to graduate school for a Masters in Higher Education Administration & Student Affairs. In addition, I intern at the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities and serve my university as a University Ambassador, where I give prospective students tours of campus.
5.) Favorite Horse Memory or Accomplishment?
My favorite horse memory was showing at the Youth World Show in Oklahoma City. Growing up, it was my favorite part of the summer to watch this event on my computer screen. It was a dream of mine to qualify and be able to ride down "The Gateway of Champions." When I turned 18 and competed in my final year of youth, my parents drove me to Oklahoma City for a once in a lifetime experience. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would make it into the top 20 in the youth western pleasure that year!
6.) Interesting Fact about yourself?
I am a sister of the Alpha Xi Delta women's fraternity - an organization founded on the principles of knowledge, sisterhood, leadership, and service to our national philanthropy Autism Speaks. In addition, I am also a wellness ambassador where I connect students to wellness resources and present outreach events on campus.
