A Queen to All

By Calli Montague

A true queen inspires loyalty and love in those around her and that is exactly what The Queens Pistol does. The Queens Pistol, also known as “Reyna,” is the 2024 AQHA-PATH Intl. Equine-Assisted Services Horse of the Year Award winner, determined through a selection process by AQHA and PATH Intl. This award highlights the American Quarter Horses who, no matter their background, have found their forever home in the world of equine-assisted services. Reyna received $10,000, a trophy and banner and was recognized in late March at the 2025 AQHA Convention.

Reyna is a 2002 gray American Quarter Horse mare by Playgun and out of SR Highland Queen by Doc’s Oak. Reyna began her life in cutting, reining and Versatility Ranch Horse training and eventually moved on to competition in those fields. But later, after a family friend of her then-owners was struck with tragedy, Reyna made her way to Windrush Farm Therapeutic Equitation Inc. in North Andover, Massachusetts, where Reyna shows off the true attributes of the “queen” she is. 

Here is Reyna’s story:

It is in her registered name what she was destined to be: a queen to all who know her. Reyna sparks great joy and companionship in everyone who gets to experience her at Windrush Farm. The poster horse for the farm, if she could wear a crown and sit on a thrown, she would do so. But rather than rule over a kingdom, Reyna has spent the last several years being the gentle vessel that riders gain their confidence and peace from in a world of chaos. 

The mare was born and raised in central Texas and, from yearling to age 11, was in training with some big names in the cutting and reining industries. That time spent in training led to an attribute that makes her a prime resource for equine-assisted services: a solid foundation of good movement and western training. From there, in 2011, Reyna was purchased by a trainer that would go on to qualify her for the AQHA Versatility Ranch Horse World Championships in the open division. 

In 2012, Reyna was purchased by Jay and Cathy Clements of Balance Ranch. Under Cathy’s guidance, Reyna excelled in the show pen, earning victories in cattle events and Versatility Ranch Horse classes.

But a few years later, Reyna’s journey took on a deeper meaning.

Tragedy struck close to the Clements when Jay’s dear friends lost their daughter, Megan, to a terminal illness. Megan had spent much of her time at Windrush Farm, a therapeutic riding center. In her memory, Jay donated two horses – Reyna and "Opie" – to the center as a tribute to Megan.

Both horses have proved to be wonderful additions to Windrush Farm, but Reyna has risen to the occasion as befits the 2024 AQHA-PATH Intl. EAS Horse of the Year. Her sweet and quiet disposition, along with her training and foundation, make her a prime partner for those who need her most. She is sensible, sensitive, a good mover and well-trained, making her a huge asset in an equine-assisted therapy facility.  

Equine-assisted service can look very different for each person who experiences it. Like a true queen, Reyna adapts to each situation she is needed in. Whether that be being groomed by patients at a children’s hospital, altering her speed for each rider she encounters, or posing patiently for a photo with her rider, she can always be counted on. She is also the perfect size for all ages to enjoy, standing at 15.2 hands.

A poem written by one of Reyna’s riders, who is vision impaired, tells it like this:

“… with graceful turns and every stride,
we trotted on, filled with pride.
Her spirit bright, her purpose clear,
a favorite on the farm, so dear …”

It is no secret that Reyna leaves her mark on every person that walks the barn aisle at Windrush Farm. Her ability to establish a strong connection with everyone she encounters coupled with her patience and gentleness make her the queen of hearts. They say some people have horse sense and that may be true. But there’s no doubt that, with horses like her, horses know people, too.