MQHA Queen

The Michigan Quarter Horse Association is pleased to announce our 2026 MQHA Queen, Miss Emelia Perez.

Meet our new queen!

My name is Emelia Perez, and I am a 20-year-old from Allegan, Michigan. I graduated from Allegan High School in 2024 with a 3.9 GPA. During high school, I participated in an early college program that allowed me to also earn my Associate’s Degree in General Science from Lake Michigan College. I currently attend Grand Valley State University, where I am majoring in Exercise Science with an emphasis in Physical Activity and Healthcare. After completing my undergraduate degree, I plan to pursue a graduate program in Occupational Therapy, with the goal of working at a hippotherapy clinic where equine-assisted therapy can help individuals improve their physical, cognitive, and emotional abilities.
Since childhood, I have been deeply involved in agriculture and working with animals. I began showing at the Kent County Youth Fair at the age of six, starting with rabbits. Over the years, I have been involved in showing rabbits, cavies, feeder calves, goats, and horses. In 2017, my parents took a leap and purchased my first horse, an older Paint horse, which sparked my growing passion for horses and the equine industry. He taught me how to ride and introduced me to the world of showing. In 2019, my parents purchased my first Quarter Horse, and we began competing on local circuits, working toward weekend high-point awards while building lasting friendships and connections within the industry.
In 2021, I attended my first Michigan Quarter Horse Association show, the Summer Series in Midland. I will never forget the feeling of entering that arena for the first time. Since then, I have attended as many MQHA shows as possible, working toward year-end high-point awards while continuing to grow as both a rider and competitor.
My involvement in agriculture has also allowed me to take on leadership roles within my community. I currently serve as a 4-H leader and as a Junior Superintendent for the Rabbit and
Cavy department at the Kent County Youth Fair, where I enjoy mentoring younger exhibitors and helping them develop confidence and responsibility in the show rings.
Beyond the show arena, I have been fortunate to develop leadership experience through my academic and campus involvement. While attending Lake Michigan College, I served as Vice President of Project 1808 club and worked as an Early College mentor, supporting students as they navigated the challenges of college coursework while still in high school. At Grand Valley State University, I currently serve as a Resident Assistant, where I help build an inclusive and supportive community for residents. I am also actively involved in student leadership as both a director and president on the executive board of the Voices for Justice student organization.
After graduating from both high school and Lake Michigan College, I had to make the difficult decision to sell my horse, How Ya Figuer, also known as Chubby. Although it has been challenging not having a horse of my own, I am incredibly grateful for supportive friends and a trainer who continue to invite me to ride and remain involved at the barn. Not having my own horse has also opened the door to new opportunities. I have been able to spend more time at shows working and learning behind the scenes, gaining experience with judges, show management, class setup, and even learning the different disciplines.
Over the past year, these experiences have pushed me outside of my comfort zone, strengthened my confidence, and allowed me to build meaningful connections with even more people in the equine industry. Although I do not currently own a horse, I know it is only a matter of time before I find myself back in the arena competitively. Until then, I will continue to learn, grow, and give back to the industry that has given me so much. It would be an honor to represent the Michigan Quarter Horse Association and serve as a positive ambassador for the equine community.

Did you know…

Michigan has had more queens go on to win the Congress Queen Competition than any other state!

Thank you for all of the sponsors who help make the MQHA Queen Contest a continued success.

»Queen Sponsors

Interested in becoming our Next MQHA Queen?

We are looking for young ladies between the ages of 19-26 years old to represent the MQHA in 2027.

Complete Rules Queen Application Code of Conduct/Dress Code

Interested in becoming our Next MQHA Princess?

The MQHA crowned Princess Tennley Kelts and Junior Princess Avery Stoub at the Harbor Classic show in July, 2025.

The MQHA Princess Contest is held annually at the Harbor Classic. The Princess division is for girls ages 9-13, and the Junior Princess is for girls 4-8 years old. The Princess contest includes a Horsemanship pattern using a stick horse. If you have a stick horse, it is recommended that you bring it, but there will be a stick horse available if you do not have one. This will be graded on the correctness and execution of the pattern. The candidates will also be interviewed by a panel of three judges. These questions will be age appropriate, and the girls will be graded on the answers to the questions, their ability to communicate their thoughts and their attire.

Princess Application Princess Contest Flyer