When I first decided to run for TSQHA Queen it was because my passion for horses has grown so deep, and it continues to grow. I had participated in a quarter horse queen contest before and loved every minute of it, so I decided to run again. I competed against a wonderful person, Ms. Emily Smetanick. Emily was a wonderful competitor, and I am sure she would make an even more wonderful queen one day. Fortunately for me, I was crowned the very first TSQHA Queen. The contest consisted of a written exam, and oral interview, and a horsemanship class. After being crowned, I knew that I would have my hands full with law school and trying to study for Congress.  I was so excited to head to the 2008 All American Quarter Horse Congress to represent Tri-State in the queen competition. I competed against almost thirty girls in the same basic categories of a written exam, oral interview, and a horsemanship class.  Of course we did have some fun activities to get away from the seriousness of the competition, like a cocktail party and the fashion show! I met a lot of wonderful girls in the week that I competed, and would not change a thing about the experience. I studied really hard for the test, practiced really hard with my horse, and yes… talked to myself in order to get a better handle on the oral interview. I did everything that I could to prepare for the Congress, and I came out 5^th overall! I am very excited to have done so well, and represented Tri-State to the fullest of my ability.

There are a lot of people that made my dream come true. I would first like to thank Tri-State for giving me the opportunity to represent such a wonderful organization. I cannot truly express to you how much you have given me, and how I will never be able to repay you. I hope that you continue the queen competition, because I am sure you will get a lot of lovely ladies to represent your fine organization. Also, Ms. Karen Sampey, you were a dream come true. You helped me out every little step of the way, and I cannot truly tell you how much you have given me. Your friendship means the world to me, and you were such a great queen mother that you will always have a special place in my heart. Also, my mom and dad who have supported me through every step of every journey I have ever taken. They continue to be my backbone, and I am truly thankful to have such wonderful people in my life. I love you very much for keeping me so strong.  To Rudy and Laurel Byler, thank you so much for getting my horse ready and standing by me no matter how many times I looked sick, or told you that I couldn’t do it. You kept faith in me and I truly appreciate it. To my friends, family, and supporters, I will never forget what you have done for me; you have all truly given me the gift of life. Without your support I would not be where I am now, so from the bottom of my heart, thank you.