22/ NOVEMBER 2021 THE RIDER Journey to All American Quarter Horse Congress Queen


By Darcy Woods, 2021 Congress Queen


Each year, AQHA affiliates


across the United States and Canada select a horsewoman be- tween the ages of 18 and 25 to represent them at shows through- out the year and in the prestigious All American Quarter Horse Congress Queen Contest. The candidates are tested on their speaking skills, professional and volunteer experience, knowledge of the AQHA rulebook and All American Quarter Horse Con- gress, as well as their horseman-


the Ontario Quarter Horse Asso- ciation as their 2020 and 2021 Queen. Unfortunately, due to the Covid-19 pandemic my opportu- nities to attend shows in Ontario were limited to just three shows across the 2020 and 2021 show seasons. Additionally, the 2020 All American Quarter Horse Congress was cancelled. It was a long wait from January 2020, when I was selected at Ontario Quarter Horse Association Queen, to this October, where I was finally able to compete at the All American Quarter Horse Congress.


and present awards at the Breeder’s Futurity. Presenting with me were Hayley and Jordan, two young girls who had previ- ously won the Virtual Show Se- ries Pandemic Princesses competition. Both girls were total troopers and lasted all day until the final trail award was pre- sented after 10 p.m. Having the opportunity to answer their ques- tions and share experiences with them was incredibly rewarding and truly a highlight of my own journey as Queen! After a long wait, it was fi-


nally time to travel to Columbus to compete in the Queen Contest. With the American border still closed to land travel, I had to fly in order attend as well as do some Covid testing. Thankfully, I had wonderful sponsors whose sup- port helped me greatly on my journey to Congress. After arriv- ing in Ohio, the Queen Contest began on October 6th with a wel- come reception where I was able to meet the other contestants and Congress executives as well as the interview judges. As Queens, we also had the opportunity to address the reception to introduce ourselves and our guest for the evening.


Following the welcome re-


ship. The contest consists of an interview worth fifty percent, a written test on the AQHA Rule- book and Congress and Ohio Quarter Horse facts worth thirty percent, and a horsemanship class worth twenty percent. The candidates combined point total determines final rankings. Candi- dates go through this process twice, once for their affiliate to determine a local representative for Congress and again as part of the Queen Contest at Congress. I was fortunate to represent


My experiences at the three


shows I was able to attend in On- tario were so fulfilling. I was for- tunate to speak to so many of the members learn about them and their American Quarter Horses. At the Area 3 show this year in Lindsay, I was able to present awards for the Novice Show. It was heartwarming to see people back in the show ring and achiev- ing goals they had set for them- selves while having fun with their American Quarter Horse. I was also able to attend


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ception, we change into casual clothes or pajamas and meet to go over the week’s itinerary as well as exchange small gifts with the other contestants. Each con- testant brings a gift that has some significance to them. It can rep- resent their state or province or be their favourite candy, but it is a unique way to learn a little bit more about each candidate. Per- sonally, I included some Cana- dian snacks since I was the only Canadian candidate! These in- cluded ketchup chips, smarties, and maple chocolate. At the con- clusion of the day, we got a good night’s rest before the competi- tion got started. The next morning were the


interviews followed by lunch with the interview judges be- fore going to the fairgrounds to thank the many vendors who support the Contest. We also met and took photos with many young children who were so excited to get to meet the Queens. Friday morning is the test


portion of the competition, fol- lowed by the Heroes on Horse- back classes. It was truly an honour to be a part of this great initiative which matches mili- tary veterans with horses and allows them to ride and com-


pete. That night, all the con- testants went axe throwing which was so much fun. I had not done it before, and it was a great opportunity to get to know the other con- testants even more. On Saturday, the com-


petition was almost over with our horsemanship class in the morning followed by crowning in the evening during the freestyle reining intermission. I think all of us girls were relieved to be finished the competition after the completion of the horsemanship and excited to hear our results at crown- ing. I am so proud to have won both the interview and the written test portion of the Contest and have been named the 2021 All American Quarter Horse Congress Queen! Results aside, I also feel so thankful to have met the other contestants - I truly have made 14 new friends through this experience. Each of us cheered for each other’s suc- cesses as if they were our own and I feel so fortunate to have shared this experience with such an impressive group of young women. After being named Queen,


I was at the Fairgrounds each day speaking with attendees of the show and presenting awards for as many classes as possible. It was an incredible experience to be a small part in the Congress moment for each exhibitor and their equine companion. The hard work and dedication that goes into winning a medallion or bronze could be felt and seen through the emotion of each ex- hibitor as they experienced the culmination of all their hard work. I also had the opportunity to speak with many youth about their aspirations both within the


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horse industry and outside. It was so incredible to have the opportunity to interact with them and share my experiences in my role as Queen. I now have the amazing opportunity to travel to shows across the United States and Canada to represent Congress as Congress Queen and I cannot wait for the year ahead! I truly encourage any


young horsewoman to consider applying to be the next Ontario Quarter Horse Association Queen. The memories I have made through this experience I will cherish forever, and it is so rewarding to give back to the industry through this role.


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