Queen's Page
Dear Fellow CQHA Members and Quarter Horse Enthusiasts,
With the new year upon us, and new show season fast approaching I am excited for things to come, but I am sad to see such an amazing year in my life come to an end. When I was told in July that I would be CQHA queen, I had no idea what to expect! If you have never had the experience to be around the Congress queen contest you should really plan your next congress trip around it. This year 26 amazing and truly dedicated woman from 26 different AQHA affiliates ran for the title of 2006 Congress Queen. Running for Congress Queen is not about beauty, in fact there are three different parts of the contest that determine the winner. There is a written test (that is extremely hard!), an oral interview (that is given by people who are in no way AQHA or this year even equine affiliated), and a horsemanship pattern. The scores are compiled from all three events and the woman with the highest score is crowned Congress Queen. Without the help of my trainer Whitney Lagace who guided me through the horsemanship pattern and found me a fantastic horse to ride, Christen Griffin who made my beautiful outfits, Lisa Mazurka who was great about answering all my questions, everyone on the CQHA board who supported me and made me feel so welcome, and of course my wonderful parents none of this would be possible. All of these people made my Congress queen contest so much easier. Without having to worry about things like "will my horse be okay?" Or "will I have the right kinds of clothes to fit in with these girls?" I could worry strictly about the contest and give it my all. Thank you to you all. The Congress queen contest was the most amazing journey of my life. I met great people and life long friends. It is an experience I will not soon forget.
The greatest part about being CQHA queen so far, was the CQHA Annual Trail Ride held at the Ebony Horsewoman's Equestrian Center. The kids and directors really touched my heart. The trail ride, lunch, and clinic was a great time. We had a fantastic turn out and I enjoyed meeting everyone and answering everyone's questions. I had the greatest time hanging out in the barn with the girls and boys from the Ebony Horsewoman's Equestrian Center. Along with Patricia Kelly, founder of the Ebony Horsewomen, Inc., the kids there made me feel so welcome. And when I saw them again at Equine Affaire it made me feel so special when they all ran up to talk to me. If only they knew how special I thought they were. I cannot wait to visit them again and volunteer my time at the Equestrian Center.
With a new show season right around the corner, I look forward to the year ahead and all of the new adventures that await me. I can't wait to see all of you at the shows and the banquet! Good luck to everyone in 2007!
Yours Truly,
Kristyn Ceruti
2006 CQHA Queen
Kristyn is 19 years old and resides in Meriden, CT. She has been riding horses since she was eight years old. Currently, she owns and shows her five year old mare, A Good Jewel. She works at Fox Ledge Farm in East Haddam, CT.
CQHA is proud to have Kristyn represent our regional affiliate at the All American Congress this year! Please help us in congratulating her with this honor and wishing her the best of luck in October!!
"BE THE NEXT CQHA QUEEN AT THE ALL AMERICAN QUARTER HORSE CONGRESS!"
The Connecticut Quarter Horse Association's annual queen contest is open to young ladies between the ages of 18 and 26 who have never been married or a single parent.
The contest consists of a horsemanship ride, a written test, and an oral interview.
As stated in the contest guidelines, "The CQHA Queen serves as an ambassador on behalf of the association, encouraging membership in the association, making appearances at state and regional Quarter Horse functions, as well as visiting related open show and breed associations to raise awareness of CQHA."
The CQHA Queen also represents the association in the All American Quarter Horse Congress Queen Contest.
For additional information or to obtain an application, please contact queen committee chair Lisa Mazurka 508-317-7918 or mazurka@eclinicalresearchconsulting.com
