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IaAHA Cowgirl Queen Contest

The IaAHA Cowgirl Queen Contest is held each year during the Iowa Fall Society Horse Extravaganza over Labor Day weekend. Junior and Senior Queen winners go on to represent the association at the Iowa State Fair in the Cowgirl Queen Contest the following August. Contestants must be Iowa residents and current IAHA members, though memberships may be obtained at the time of registration.

Queen Contest Rules & Responsibilities

The Iowa Arabian Horse Association (IAHA) Queen Contest features three divisions: Little Miss Queen, Junior Queen, and Senior Queen.

Age eligibility for all divisions is determined as of January 1 of the year of the contest.

Divisions & Eligibility

Little Miss Queen

  • Ages 5–9

  • Must be a resident of Iowa

Junior Queen (Iowa Junior Cowgirl Queen)

  • Ages 10–15

  • Must be a resident of Iowa

Senior Queen (Iowa Senior Cowgirl Queen)

  • Ages 16–26

  • Must be a resident of Iowa

Judging Criteria

Little Miss Queen: *contestants will perform at the walk and jog trot only.

  • 50% Horsemanship

  • 50% Appearance

 

Junior & Senior Queen Divisions:

50% Horsemanship

  • Seat and hands

  • Ability to maneuver the horse through a designated pattern

  • Rail work at the walk, jog, and lope

50% Appearance

  • Overall attractiveness and appropriateness of western attire

  • Properly fitted, clean clothing and tack

  • A polished and complete overall presentation

Interview Question
Contestants will answer one question related to:

  • Horse care and maintenance

  • Equipment knowledge

  • Past or present involvement with the Arabian Horse Association

Queen Run (Junior & Senior Divisions)

After rail work is completed, contestants will perform the Queen Run:

  • Circle the arena once at a lope or faster, saluting the crowd

  • Stop, back, and turn to face the judges

  • Deliver a final salute to the judges

Awards

Winners in each division will receive:

  • Crown

  • Sash

  • Flowers

  • Belt buckle *buckle will be presented at the Iowa State Fair prior to the Cowgirl Queen Contest.

Titleholder Responsibilities

Little Miss Queen Responsibilities

  1. Present ribbons at at least one Iowa Arabian Horse Association show

  2. Present ribbons at the Iowa State Fair Horse Show

  3. Attend all designated Queen functions and meetings

 

Junior & Senior Queen Responsibilities

  1. Compete in the Iowa State Fair Cowgirl Queen Contest

    • If a Queen is unable to compete due to emergency, the Princess or runner-up may represent the division.

  2. Present ribbons at:

    • One Iowa Arabian Horse Association show

    • The Iowa State Fair Horse Show

  3. Serve three (3) hours at the Iowa Horse Council booth during the Iowa State Fair

  4. Outgoing Queens will crown the new Queen and Princess at the contest

    • Exception: if continuing participation in the Queen class applies

  5. Attend all required Queen functions

  6. Queens are encouraged to ride in the Iowa State Fair parade

  7. Attend a post-contest meeting with the Queen Coordinator to:

    • Complete State Fair entry forms

    • Submit a copy of birth certificate

  8. Represent the Iowa Arabian Horse Association with professionalism.

    • Conduct must be above reproach

    • Wear crown and sash at official functions

    • Dress appropriately and maintain a friendly, positive presence

Term & Eligibility

  • Queens may compete in consecutive years, provided they remain age-eligible.

  • There is no limit to the number of times a contestant may hold a title, as long as age requirements are met.

  • If no contestants enter a division, the previous year’s Queen may continue serving in that role, provided she remains age-eligible.

Iowa Arabian Horse Association

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