The Crowning of the 2025 Quarter Horse Congress Queen
Ashlyn Gonzalves’ Almost Decade-Long Dream Realized at the Perfect Time
By Sarah Welk Baynum
22-year-old Ashlyn Gonzalves gracefully accepted the title of 2025 Quarter Horse Congress Queen, fulfilling a dream that began nearly a decade ago.
“In 2016, during my first Congress, I watched Amy Brown get crowned as Congress Queen,” Gonzalves said. “She had on these big, beautiful earrings, and I remember thinking right then—that’s something I want to do someday.”
But for Gonzalves, the timing of earning the crown couldn’t have been more perfect.
“I’m pre-med and planning to go to medical school, but I really wanted to do this,” Gonzalves said. “So, I decided to take a gap year—and this ended up being the perfect year for it.”
Gonzalves said her background in pre-med studies came in handy when preparing for the rigorous Queen’s competition.
“I actually used my MCAT prep to study for the Queen’s test—it’s a beast,” Gonzalves said. “It takes months of studying, and the interview is just as challenging. Thankfully, our judges this year were so kind and welcoming to both newcomers and seasoned competitors.”
For the horsemanship portion, the pattern was straightforward, and Gonzalves said she was fortunate to have the opportunity to ride a talented mare generously loaned to her for the class.
“The horsemanship felt like any other class,” Gonzalves said. “I borrowed a mare owned by Brad Glazer, and she was amazing. She had just won the EWD Trail at the NSBA World Show, and I knew she’d be a perfect fit for me.”
When asked what she’s most looking forward to during her reign as Congress Queen, Gonzalves said it’s all about the connections she’ll make along the way.
“I’m probably most excited about getting to meet new people,” Gonzalves said. “I loved going to all the shows in South Carolina and talking to everyone—especially meeting the kids. That’s the best part.”
Reflecting on the experience, Gonzalves said competing for Congress Queen was one of the most rewarding moments of her life.
“This contest has been the best week of my life,” Gonzalves said. “You learn so much and meet so many incredible people. Every girl here deserves to be Congress Queen. It was truly an amazing experience, and I encourage any young girl to go for it!”
