Each year for many years past, the Kentucky Walking Horse Association Ladies Auxiliary has sponsored the Miss Kentucky Celebration. Candidates must be ages 15-19 and should be involved in the walking horse industry.

Ashley Shelton was the 2009 Miss Kentucky Celebration and this year, two candidates will be up for running, Ashley Fritsch and Allison Becknell. Ballots will be mailed to the KWHA membership and should be turned in by the specified date. The crowning of Miss Kentucky will be held at the Kentucky Celebration on Friday, July 2, 2010 at the Mercer County Fairgrounds in Harrodsburg, Ky.

2010 Candidates

Ashley Fritsch

My name is Ashley Fritsch; I’m 17 years old and will be a senior at Scott County High School. I’ve shown horses since I was 6 years old and continue to show today. With the help of my Uncle Tommy “Bubba” Vest, my grandpa Tom Vest and my mother Regina Fritsch, they have contributed to my passion for riding horses. These inspiring people have taught me many techniques and given me the ability to become a great rider. Today, I currently show in the Juvenile Country Pleasure and Juvenile 17 & Under Walking Horse classes.

Even though a lot of my time is spent at the horse barn, I’m highly involved in the Scott County FFA. This year I’m currently serving as the president of our chapter and the Bluegrass Region Vice President. For those who don’t know, FFA is the largest youth organization that teaches kids about agriculture and leadership. In the Scott County FFA we do numerous community activities such as the Peanut Butter Drive, Annual Truck and Tractor Pull, and the Thanksgiving Can Food Drive. This year I’m proud to say that the Scott County FFA will be holding their first Tennessee Walking Horse Show in July. FFA has taught me not only leadership skills but has given me the ability to accomplish my goals and dreams.

For the past 13 years, I have been a student at Town & Village School of Dance, participated on the Competition team and have been selected as an assistant teacher for three  years. Local resident of Lexington, Ky., Laura Bell Bundy is a former student of Town & Village School of Dance and currently is an actress, performer and singer. Her fame and success provides those students at Town & Village School of Dance as well as myself a leader and role model to pursue your ambitions.

As a current member of Leesburg Christian Church, our youth minister, Jeffery, has kept me involved with the Leesburg community children. He keeps us occupied in various activities such as the Summer Field Day and campouts. Jeffery has played a major role in helping me decide on my future plans.

After I graduate high school, I plan on attending the University of Kentucky and majoring in animal science and receiving a minor in physical therapy.

Allison Becknell

My name is Allison Leigh Becknell and I am running for 2010 Miss Kentucky Celebration. I have been involved in the walking horse industry my entire life along with my parents, Keith and Donna, and my grandparents, Max and Shirley. I have been successful with many horses in my show ring career including Generator’s Patches, My Lucky Colors, Olympic Black Star, and Dynamic Ritz.

In my debut ride at the National Celebration, I received a third place ribbon with Lucky and we were later titled KWHA Juvenile Horse of the Year. I am currently campaigning Sir Cat in the Juvenile 12-17 division and I am very hopeful we will have a successful year.

I have been a member of the Kentucky Walking Horse Association Juvenile Auxiliary for the past four years. I enjoy meeting and becoming friends with the other juveniles in the group. I am a junior at George Rogers Clark High School in Winchester and I am involved in many activities. They include Beta Club, French Club, Embracing Global Obligations, Spirit Club, and I am a three-year member of Student Advisory. I am also a varsity tennis player for GRC and I have maintained a 4.0 GPA for the past three years.

I attend Mt. Zion Christian Church and I am involved in the youth group. After graduating high school, I plan to further my education and pursue a career as an equine veterinarian. It would be my privilege to be your 2010 Miss Kentucky Celebration.