Team Member Crowned: Kentucky Quarter Horse Association Queen

Congratulation Cecilla Purtee! Ceci is on her way to compete in the All-American Quarter Horse Congress Queens Contest on October 17th and 18th. She will compete against other recognized Quarter Horse Association Queens to gain the title of 2009 All-American Quarter Horse Congress Queen. All contestants will be judged on an oral interview, written test, and horsemanship. A letter from the Queen:

My name is Ceci Purtee and I am the 2009 Kentucky Quarter Horse Association Queen. I have been an avid horse enthusiast from the womb. I grew up loving horses and was given the chance to ride as a youth for my county 4-H group when I was 8 years old. During these years I bought my first horse, a Quarter Horse. I fell in love with the breed and became a member of youth teams to compete at Congress in the NYATT competition. Within 4-H I became Ohio State Fair Senior Individual and Champion in 2004. I also won the prestigious award of Showman of Showmen at my county fair in 2006.

I have owned two quarter horses and plan on owning many more in the future. A few years ago I graduated as Salutatorian of Portsmouth High School. I am now a junior at the University of Cincinnati working toward a bachelor degree in neurobiology. I plan to become a Neurosurgical Radiologic Interventionist once I have finished. I am currently employed by the University of Cincinnati Hospital in the Department of Neurosurgery Clinical Trials, and also work as a Resident Advisor for the University Park Apartments. I love to sing and am a vocal soloist. I have held lead roles in school musicals and have performed in the Southern Ohio Light Opera. In addition, I often love to sing at my church.

I am on the UC Equestrian Team and have learned more about horses than I even thought possible. I have become involved in the "foal watching" process at my coach's barn where I was able to experience multiple extraordinary births as well as the whole cycle of Quarter Horse reproduction. I grew up as a city girl and therefore had a deep appreciation for the individuals who embraced my interest in horses. It has been their generosity and time invested that has taught me lessons beyond the skill of riding a horse. Thanks to all who are helping me reach my ultimate goal of becoming the 2009 Congress Queen!