Get to know Chelsea...
Meet the Ohio Michigan Indiana (OMI) Quarter Horse Association Queen, Chelsea Bollenbacher. Aside from horses, Chelsea's passion is volleyball. She enjoys being an assistant coach and teaching young ladies about the game she loves so much. Learn more about Chelsea below as she prepares to compete for the title of 2015 All American Quarter Horse Congress Queen!
1. Name and Association Representing:
My name is Chelsea Bollenbacher and this year at the All American Quarter Horse congress I will proudly be representing OMIQHA.
2. Where are you from? Tell us a little about your hometown.
Bowling Green, Ohio, Home of Bowling Green State University. I love being from a small town, because everywhere you go, you get to see and talk to someone you know! In the summer months, we get to enjoy quiet nights that normally include fires or just hanging out with family. But as soon as the fall hits, you get to see so many new faces with all the college students moving in. People normally complain that there is never anything to do in Bowling Green, but I wouldn't change it for the world.
3. Why did you choose to compete for the title of 2015 All American Quarter Horse Congress Queen?
I decided to run for Congress Queen this year because it has been a dream of mine for many years. This is the first year I am finally home and able to be around horses and showing again. I was that little girl that would drag my parents to the queen booth at Congress and admire all the pretty ladies hanging from the ceiling. I could only imagine at that time, what it would be like to be able to run one day! Year after year, I couldn't wait to finally be of age to run, but then being in a different state for school and playing volleyball kept getting in the way of being able to run. So, this is the first year I am finally home and able to get back to doing what I love, which is showing and finally representing OMI.
4. Are you currently in school? Employed?
I am currently finishing my bachelor’s degree at BGSU and plan to graduate in the summer of 2016. I am majoring in Hospitality because I love meeting new people and traveling. This field has so many different opportunities that I can explore when I graduate! My dream is to become an Event Coordinator and plan dream weddings for perfect couples! This summer, I actually have a few different jobs. I currently work at our local county fair office during the day and at night, I waitress at Hollywood Casino.
5. Favorite Horse Memory or Accomplishment?
I have so many memories so it is hard to choose just one! A big memory that sticks out to me happened when I was either 11 or 12. A new summer open circuit started, so as a barn, we decided to take part in it since it allowed ponies to show as well. It only lasted a couple summers, but we never missed a show. It was based on a placing system and you had to earn your way to the championship show the last weekend of the summer. I was lucky enough to earn my way in most classes, but I was looking forward to the horsemanship class the most. When the time came, I was the youngest one heading into the pen with ages 12 and older. The nerves set in and I looked at my trainer in a panic. I told her I had to go first or I would have backed out. So, I stepped up to the cone and gave it my all. We waited forever to hear the placings from the two judges. When the time came, I was shocked to hear that the first judge placed me, the youngest, first out of 45 or more!! My jaw dropped and I started to cry. The second judge gave me a third and I was beyond excited for that, too! I ended up winning reserve champion of the circuit, and to this day, I get to pick on the second judge who gave me third because he ended up becoming one of my trainers! As a 12 year old, I worked so hard every week to become the best I could be, and in that moment at the show, I felt that my hard work finally paid off. It was one of the best feelings I have ever had showing horses!
6. Interesting Fact about yourself:
Besides showing horses, my second passion is playing volleyball! I have played over 15 seasons since I was a sophomore in high school. A back injury ended my college career, but this summer I was asked to become an assistant coach to the varsity team. I was beyond thankful for this opportunity because I was not ready to give up the game. I love working with the girls and seeing the same passion for the game that I had. The funny part is that the high school that hired me was actually our rival when I was in high school! It will be interesting to see what happens when I finally get to face my coach when the season starts!
