Chatting American Quarter Horses With Dr. Ben Carson and Michelle Bachman!
Chatting with Dr. Ben Carson! Photo courtesy of Tatum Richey.
Our intrepid, little Texas Quarter Horse Youth Association Reporter Tatum Richey is at it again! This time, she took a trip to Washington, D.C. to find out more about our nation’s capital and to spread her love of the American Quarter Horse with our nation’s elected officials.
From a private tour of The White House to conversations with leaders like TX Attorney General Ken Paxton, US House of Representative from Texas John Abney, former Presidential candidate Dr. Ben Carson, and Michelle Bachman, Tatum had an incredible time! And, she’d like to share it with our EquineChronicle.com readers.
Stay tuned for more of Tatum’s travels! Did Tatum talk to Trump? You’ll just have to wait and see…
EC Blog by: Texas Quarter Horse Youth Association Reporter Tatum Richey
Me and Michelle Bachman. Photo courtesy of Tatum Richey.
While in Washington, D.C., I discovered so many equestrian fans. Not as many participate in daily activities like we do, but they have a great appreciation for the American Quarter Horse Association. I’ve got to give a big thank you to the Honorable United States House of Representatives member John Abney from Texas for giving my family and I a personal guided tour of The White House. It was something I’ll never forget. He also promised to keep up with the Texas Quarter Horse Youth Association members at the World Show. TQHYA members, I highly recommend getting your parents to take you to Washington to get the full flavor of where our American Quarter Horse stems from.
While in Washington, I had the opportunity to visit with Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton. As head of the Department of Law, the Attorney General is both the “People’s Lawyer” and the state’s chief legal officer. As dozens of others in the room discussed politics, he and I discussed horses. Shocker, I know! He grew up having a great appreciation for horses. His sister showed horses. He was genuinely interested in hearing about the kids in Texas and our sport.
Ken Paxton giving the “W” sign of support for the AQHA Youth World Show. Photo courtesy of Tatum Richey.
While Mr. Paxton is known for his principled and uncompromising devotion to America’s founding values, and as a man who has demonstrated enormous political courage throughout his service to Texas, I discovered he is also an AQHA fan. He asked that I keep him updated on our journey to the World Show. He is rooting for all of us.
We also had the chance to join hands in a small circle with him to pray for our nation. It made me TQHYA-proud to see how our beloved breed is appreciated all across our state and nation.
During my trip, I met so many amazing people and learned so much about our history. But, getting to visit with Dr. Ben Carson was a highlight for me. I was the only person he had time to meet with one-on-one before taking off to another engagement, and you’ll never believe what we chatted about… that’s right, horses and the AQHA Youth World Show!
Had to get through four security stations before entering The White House, including being sniffed by some very large dogs. Photo courtesy of Tatum Richey.
He was truly fascinated by it all. Also, former Presidential Candidate Michelle Bachman was incredibly interested about our sport and she too loves horses. They both wished us all much luck in August.
It’s surprising how many people all over this country have love for horses. It made me so proud to be an equestrian and to be in a sport that so many people are fascinated by and respect. You all should be proud too.
People from all across this country will be keeping up with us come August. No pressure!
Trails,
Tatum
Photo courtesy of Tatum Richey.
In the famous Green Room of The White House. Photo courtesy of Tatum Richey.
On the front steps of The White House. Photo courtesy of Tatum Richey.
Photo courtesy of Tatum Richey.
I’m so used to the flags being very big here in Texas. The one that flies over The White House is very small. Photo courtesy of Tatum Richey.
So many balls and receptions took place in this beautiful room. You probably remember the photos of John Travolta dancing with Lady Diana. Photo courtesy of Tatum Richey.
A beautiful Remington in The White House. Photo courtesy of Tatum Richey.
