Even though you’ll see this year’s Indiana State Fair Queen Pilar Bravo throughout the fairgrounds wearing a crown and sash, don’t be surprised if you also see her in a cowboy hat and boots. That’s because of her passion for showing horses.
As an avid equestrian and 4-H alumni, Pilar is especially excited to experience the State Fair from a different perspective this year, having completed her 4-H membership last summer. During her time in 4-H, Pilar achieved numerous titles, including an impressive 3x Reserve World Champion, along with multiple class wins and Grand Champion awards in various events at the Indiana State Fair.
“It’s something that started really early in my roots,” says Pilar. “Both of my parents had horses growing up, so it was something that I grew up into. It’s something that shaped me into the person that I am today.”
She tells Hoosier Ag Today that she is looking forward to attending the horse shows at this year’s Indiana State Fair.
“I’m really excited for the draft show and the hitches. I’m really excited about that one because my sister is showing my horse. She just took first place, which I’m really proud of her. It’s a little bit different being on the other side of things and not showing my horse this year, but I’m really happy to support my sister.”
Pilar says that she and her family once had six horses, but decided to pair that number down.
“I have Harvey—and I have a new baby coming here soon after the State Fair. I got his name picked out. He’ll be P.S. Call Me With Details, and then his barn name I’ll have to figure it out. I’m thinking about Deets—like, ‘Send me the Deets’,” she says.
Pilar is a graduate of Perry Meridian High School in Indianapolis. She was also the Marion County 4-H Fair Queen in 2024, as well as a ten-year member of Indiana 4-H.
“I grew up as a Hamilton County 4-H’er for nine years because that’s where my mom and my grandmother did county fairs, so that’s where that’s where I started.”
She tells Hoosier Ag Today that she just finished her freshman year at Marian University in Indianapolis.
“I’m majoring in Business Management and double minoring and Sociology in Spanish. Afterwards, I plan to go to law school for Corporate Law,” she says.
Pilar has been focusing much of her time this summer serving an ambassador for this year’s Indiana State Fair traveling to many different county fairs to attend their respective county fair queen pageants and invite folks from across the state to the 168th Indiana State Fair.
“I went to 51 counties as Miss Indiana State Fair, but I counted it up—I think I visited around 80 out of the 92 counties, so my goal is to hit all 92 by the time I pass on my crown just because I think it’ll be something cool to say,” she says.
In addition to the horse and livestock shows, Pilar says you’ll find something fun for everyone in your family at this year’s Indiana State Fair.
“It’s just one big family. They have something. It’s truly unique, and it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” she says.
The Indiana State Fair runs now through Sunday, August 17. The fair is closed on Mondays.
For discount deals and daily ways to save, visit IndianaStateFair.com.
