The only achievement that may be even more prestigious than being a Congress Champion is being the Congress Queen. With being interviewed, tested, and judged, these queens are evaluated to the highest degree for this position.
The participants have to complete a horsemanship pattern on a horse other than their own. This tests their ability to show different a horse that they have a strong experience with, and makes them practice more with this horse before the Congress.
Take a look at some first-hand experience of what this competition is like from a few queens themselves.
Taylor Gumz
As a representative of mid-East Kentucky, Taylor Gumz proudly rode Pine Chexed, a horse leased by Susie Roncone. “I love his mindset; he’s always so calm and he’s just a pleaser,” Taylor told us at the Congress.
Horsemanship has been a “growing strength,” as she put it, but she still felt confident about her pattern. Her favorite element of the pattern was the counter canter on the diagonal because it tested if each rider knew their horse well enough to properly perform the maneuver.
Participating in the queen contest has shaped her character significantly. “Running for queen has taught me that I need to learn to present myself and create a network to work with.”
Brooke Harrison
Brooke Harrison is the representative of the Northern Ohio Quarter Horse Association. She had the privilege to show MNZ So Good, owned and also shown by youth rider Shae Keeley.
“Overall, I’m happy with how my pattern went,” said Brooke after her class. “Of course, I could think of many things I would like to change, but I think it was a solid go.”
Brooke has always been talented in horsemanship and all pattern classes in general. As was many, her favorite element was the extended jog at the end of the pattern because of how well her horse performed the maneuver.
“I have greatly benefitted from this entire experience. It has made me a more well-rounded individual because I have overcome challenges that I’ve experienced, specifically, when talking with people I don’t know well,” said Brooke in regards to her entire queen experience.
Jaclyn Bauer
Jaclyn Bauer is the representative for Indiana Quarter Horse Association. She had the honor of showing So Dang Lazy, also know as Leroy, who is owned by the Gunn family.
“He was a special gift to me. His trainers weren’t showing so I had the opportunity to use him,” said Jaclyn. “He’s so so sweet and kind, and very forgiving. He’s the same horse every time.”
Horsemanship has not always been her strength, it wasn’t until recently that she has improved in the event. Her speciality is ultimately in the hunt seat events.
Overall, running for Congress Queen has made a very positive impact on her life.
“I’ve learned that you need to be confident in yourself and always try your best. I have just really enjoyed this whole experience.”
