Spees Crowned 2024 Auglaize Co. Equine Queen
WAPAKONETA- In a dazzling ceremony that celebrated grace, poise, and a shared passion for equine excellence, Zara Spees was officially crowned the 2024 Auglaize County Equine Queen on Sunday evening at the Auglaize County Fairgrounds.
The event, held at the fairground’s horse arena, drew a lively crowd of local residents, fairgoers, and equine enthusiasts who gathered to witness a tradition that highlights both the beauty of horses and the remarkable young women who champion them.
Spees, an incoming senior at St. Marys Memorial High School, was selected from a competitive field of candidates, each of whom demonstrated exceptional skill and knowledge in equestrian sports. As part of the selection process, contestants participated in a series of attentive interviews, horsemanship evaluations, and an impromptu question. Spees is the daughter of Rob and Jen Spees from St. Marys. Her hobbies include riding horses, reading, swimming, crocheting, swim instructor, and volunteering for the Special Olympics. She is a member of MHS FFA, Book Club, Swim and Dive Team, Drama Club, Prom Committee, Band, National Honor Society, and is President of the Stars and Stripes 4-H Club
Following her victory gallop, Spees said that she was extremely excited to have gotten the opportunity to do what she has done. “I am so very grateful for everyone who has gotten me to this point, and to my first trainer, Karen Bower. She has helped me through my years of riding and I wouldn't be here without her,” Spees stated. “I'd also like to thank my parents for allowing me to ride and being so supportive of my hobbies, and I'm just so grateful to be here,” added Spees. In her essay, Spees said the reason she wanted to become the Equine Queen was because she wants to “strive to become a good role model and share a mission to help others when the opportunity arises. Serving the community as Equine Queen will help me to help others within our 4-H program. I would be especially excited about speaking to younger members and meeting members from our surrounding areas. Although the initial idea of applying for Equine Queen was decidedly outside of my comfort zone, I've come to realize that doing things outside of my comfort zone is one of the main ways to learn and grow as a person.” She received a $1,000 scholarship, along with an assortment of gifts that were donated.
Cecelia Nagel was crowned the 2024 Auglaize County Equine Princess and received an assortment of goodies. “I love horses more than anyone,” Nagel said in her essay. “If I have any free time, you can find me in the barn. I love riding, grooming, and bathing the horses. Cleaning stalls is a job that must be done too. All I have ever wanted for horses is the best. I want to promote horses so I can explain how much I love them. I know that not everyone can buy a horse, but Auglaize County has lots of opportunities with horses.” Nagel is the daughter of Mike and Shelly Nagel of Wapakoneta. She will be in 5th grade and her hobbies are riding horses, volleyball, swimming and youth group. She is a member of the National Reining Horse Association and the Fryburg Happy Farmers 4-H Club.
Brooke Craft was named the 2024 Auglaize County Equine Princess Runner-Up. Craft is the daughter of Brad and Shannon Craft of St Marys. She will be in 9th grade at New Bremen Schools. Brooke's activities besides horses include CD church group, choir, cheer and is a member of the New Knoxville livestock boosters.
Makala Wick, who was the 2022 Auglaize County Equine Princess, was named the 2024 Auglaize County Equine Queen 2nd Runner-Up. She is the daughter of Matthew and Pam Wick from Botkins. Wick will be in the 11th grade at Botkins Schools. Her hobbies include riding horses, camping, and swimming. She is a member of FFA, Interscholastic Equestrian Association, Youth Equestrian Development Association, and is a member of the Buckeye Beavers 4-H Club.
The 2024 Auglaize County Equine Queen 1st Runner-Up went to Danielle Lininger. Lininger is the daughter of Jason and Amanda Lininger of St. Marys. She will be in 11th grade at New Knoxville Schools. Danielle's hobbies include riding horses, reading, traveling, camping & swimming. She is a member of the Spanish Club. Pep Club, Gate Keepers Club, FFA, and the New Knoxville Livestock Boosters. Lininger was the 2019 Auglaize County Equine Princess.
Additionally, Morgan Rempfer and Renee Sweigart were each given $250 scholarships from the Auglaize County Ohio Horseman's Council, while Brooke Craft, Camron Dammeyer, Anna Hagen, Kayleigh Hickman, Harley Mertz, Cecilia Nagel, Audrey Reineke, Gunnar Smith, Delanni Wilker, Cora Rable, and Reese Rable were recognized for being State Fair Qualifiers.
