OQHA

Since the second year of the All American Quarter Horse Congress, an accomplished horsewoman has represented the Congress and in turn, the Quarter Horse industry. Candidates for Congress Queen must represent a state, regional or provincial Quarter Horse association and have the signature of their association’s president or vice president on their contest application.

2012 All American Quarter Horse Congress Queen:
Emily Messing

Photo © Jeff Kirkbride Photography

Emily Messing, 20, of Townsend, Massachusetts has had a love of horses her entire life. She competed in her local 4-H horse club as a youth, with her buckskin mare Docs Dry Lilly. During her last year of 4-H, Messing won the High-Point Quarter Horse award at the Massachusetts State Fair.

“I was looking for a way to stay involved with horses after aging out of 4-H,” Messing said. “After winning that award, I thought that Quarter Horse shows might be the next step.”

Messing then attended the All American Quarter Horse Congress in 2010 as a spectator, and watched the Queen’s Contest. She quickly decided that running for Congress Queen would be a perfect way to continue her involvement with horses. After winning, the title of Massachusetts Quarter Horse Association Queen, Messing began to prepare for the Congress Queen’s contest.

“I started training with Michele Carver, showing in all-around events at weekend horse shows,” Messing said. “I also studied the AQHA Handbook every day.”

Despite her busy schedule of preparations for the contest, Messing also attended the University of Massachusetts, Amherst full-time to pursue a degree in Operations Management. She is also involved as the Co-Captain of the Western Equestrian Team, competing in IHSA events, and is a member of several clubs including the Sustainable UMass Action Coalition and the Student Business Union.

This year as All American Quarter Horse Congress Queen, Emily will travel to AQHA shows across the country representing the Congress, including the Dixie National Quarter Horse Show, AQHYA Youth World Show, Tom Powers Triple Challenge Futurity, The Reichert Celebration, as well as several others.

“I am so excited to have this opportunity,” Messing said. “I don’t have as strong of a background and connection to the Quarter Horse industry, so I’ve never had the chance to visit many of these shows. I am so thrilled to be able to meet so many new people, I can’t wait!”

Make sure to check out the Queen’s Blog, where Emily will detail all of her experiences throughout the year!

Important Deadlines

September 1st – Congress Program Ads Due
August 25th – Contestant Applications Due

How to Apply

To apply, send a completed application with original signature from association president or vice president, signed liability release form, check made payable to OQHA in the amount of $275.00, as well as two 8" x 10" and six wallet sized photos to Kelli Diaz, Congress Queen Committee Chair. Entries must be postmarked by August 25th. For more details on how to apply, please read the 2012 Congress Queen Rules.

Contact

For more information, please contact:
Kelli Diaz
Congress Queen Committee Chair
2252 Seminary Rd.
Heath, OH 43056
740-404-7930
CongressQueenTeam@yahoo.com