Get to know Alysaa...
Meet Alysaa Tacinelli of the New York Southern Tier Quarter Horse Association. Learn more about Alyssa below and why she has chosen to compete for the title of 2015 All American Quarter Horse Congress Queen.
1.) Name and Association Representing:
My name is Alyssa Tacinelli and I am proudly representing New York Southern Tier Quarter Horse Association.
2.) Where are you from? Tell us a little about your hometown.
I’ve lived in the town of LaGrangeville, NY my entire life. It’s a small town located in the heart of the beautiful Hudson Valley. We are about 1 ½ hrs north of NYC and the same distance south of our Capital City, Albany. The landscapes around us are breathtakingly beautiful in all of the 4 seasons.
3.) Why did you choose to compete for the title of 2015 All American Quarter Horse Congress Queen?
My first experience participating at Congress was in 2012 as part of the NYSTQHA NYATT Team. At the awards ceremony, Courtney Sturgill gave her farewell speech. She spoke about her experiences as Congress Queen and the impact it had on her life. Her speech gave me goose bumps and I was inspired and determined to compete in the competition myself someday! I enjoy meeting new people and I look forward to making new friends and learning new things from this experience with a group of people that love the American Quarter Horse as much as I do. For me, it’s also about stepping out of my comfort zone and encouraging others to chase their dreams no matter how big or small they are. I know the time is right to chase mine!
4.) Are you currently in school? Employed?
I’m currently taking classes to complete my Vet Tech degree and working part time as a groom/rider on a beautiful private farm. I’m also a Certified Equine and Canine Massage Therapist and have my own business on the side, called EquiSport Bodywork LLC.
5.) Favorite Horse Memory or Accomplishment?
My most memorable and favorite accomplishment was having a very satisfying final year showing as a youth. I competed at the 2014 Level 1 World Championship Show in Murfreesboro, TN, with my horse Mystery Commander and we were finalists in Rookie Hunt Seat Equitation, Rookie Showmanship and Youth Aged Geldings. At the 2014 Congress we made it into the Novice Youth 14-18 Showmanship finals and we were thrilled. We didn’t make it into the top 15, but it was a culmination of many years of hard work and practice paying off and we were very proud of how we ended up!
6.) Interesting Fact about yourself?
In my free time during the summer when I'm not spending time in the barn, or showing, I love to garden! I enjoy starting all my vegetables from seed and the results have been so abundant and delicious. It is very rewarding!
