On Saturday, June 13, Allison Kralovansky, a student at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College (SMWC), was chosen as the 2009 Indiana Quarter Horse Association (IQHA) Queen. The competition, which took place at the Crossroads Arena in Cloverdale, Ind., during the IQHA State Show, consisted of an oral interview, written exam over the American Quarter Horse Association rulebook and a horsemanship class (a test of riding skills).

A 2005 graduate of NorthWood High School and 10 year 4-H member in Elkhart County, Kralovansky is currently studying equine business management with a minor in equine science at SMWC. She plans to graduate in 2010 and continue her education with graduate work in equine reproductive physiology and genetics. While attending SMWC, Kralovansky has served as the Western Equestrian Team Captain, Western Horse Manager, and committee member for the Western Regional Standards and Ethics Committee for the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association’s Zone 9 Region 1.

As a strong competitor at the collegiate level, Kralovansky has been honored as a 4-time Intercollegiate Horse Show Association Nationals qualifier, 2008 AQHA High Point Regional Reserve Champion, 2008 IHSA Western Semi-Final Open Team Reining Champion, 2009 High Point Regional Champion and 2009 4th in the nation in the Intercollegiate AQHA High Point Rider Standings.

A resident of Sheridan, Ind., Kralovansky is the 22-year-old daughter of Al Kralovansky of Sheridan and Chris Kralovansky of Elkhart. In October, she will represent Indiana at the 42nd annual All American Quarter Horse Congress in Columbus, Ohio. The Congress is the largest single-breed horse show in the world and takes place throughout the month of October. She will compete against girls from throughout the United States in a competition similar to that held at the State Show.

The Mari Hulman George School of Equine Studies at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College offers majors in equine studies, equine training and instruction and equine business management; minors in equine science and equine studies; and an associate’s degree in equine studies. Students can also participate in the College’s Equestrian Team. SMWC is proud to be part of the IHSA, and the Equestrian Team competes throughout the year in both Western and English, traveling to about 20 shows per season. SMWC also hosts several horse shows each year and has often been the site for Regional shows.

Students in the equine studies program and on the equestrian teams spend much of their time in the College’s Equine Center, which combines a lovely, historic 20-stall stable with a new, modern complex including a beautiful barn with 31 additional stalls, and many other amenities including a laboratory and classroom wing. The Center also has indoor and outdoor riding arenas.

For more information about the equestrian programs at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College, contact the SMWC Office of Admission by email at smwcadms@smwc.edu or by phone at 812-535-5106 or 1-800-926-SMWC.