By JANE HOUIN
Ohio correspondent COLUMBUS, Ohio — It’s as predictable as the changing of leaves and the chill that permeates the crisp fall air. The unmistakable signs of fall serve as a signal for Quarter Horse enthusiasts from across the globe to converge in Columbus, Ohio for the world’s largest single-breed horse show.
The All-American Quarter Horse Congress will make it’s yearly run from Oct. 4–26, with the ever-popular trade show opening on Oct. 9 and running for the remaining duration of the show.
During it’s three-week run, more than 8,500 registered American Quarter Horses will make up for than 16,000 show entries, drawing more than 650,000 people to the Columbus area. That means big money to the Ohio economy; it’s estimated that the show brings more than $110 million to the central Ohio economy.
Annually taking place at the 360-acre Ohio Expo Center, attendees are drawn not only to watching shows and the naming of prestigious Congress champions, but also to the shopping and gathering of friends and colleagues. There’s no question that this event is Ohio’s largest annual convention.
Known not only throughout Ohio and the United States, the event is known internationally as one of the oldest and most distinguished shows in the Quarter Horse industry.
Far more than “just a horse show,” the event includes not only AQHA-approved shows and racing events, but also more than seven acres of equine-related commercial exhibits; a youth tournament, horse bowl; competitions in horse bowl, hippology, demonstrations and public speaking; collegiate and 4-H/FFA horse judging contests; educational demonstrations and lectures; a queen contest, the Super Sale horse auction, Million Dollar Stallion Avenue and the Professional Bull Rider tour at Nationwide Arena in downtown Columbus.
Most attendees say that no matter how you describe it, the Congress is a show you have to experience to truly understand. The average attendee is a member of the AQHA and owns an average of 7.6 American Quarter Horses per household, with nearly 70 percent riding Western style and the remaining 30 percent riding English style.
But no matter what their discipline or background, the one thing attendees have in common is that they love the convenience of shopping at this all-inclusive Quarter Horse smorgasbord. And the timing of the fast-approaching Christmas holidays doesn’t hurt the spending habits, either.
A range of products and services are offered at the Congress through commercial exhibitors. Shops are filled with equine artwork, home-décor, western fashion and jewelry. Trucks and trailers are available for purchase along with horse tack, and barn, stable and other horse-related equipment.
The Congress is founded and sponsored by the Ohio Quarter Horse Assoc., with the first congress being held in 1967 as an event to showcase and promote the American Quarter Horse while educating horse owners about the care, training and showing of horses.
The show has continued under OQHA’s sponsorship for more than 40 years and is managed by the OQHA’s elected officers and directors as well as three elected Congress Tri-Chairmen.
Admission is based on a per vehicle fee, regardless of the number of vehicle occupants. One-time admission is $25 per vehicle, with whole-show admission passes selling for $70 per vehicle.
Admission to the Congress Freestyle Reining performance requires an additional ticket, which are sold by mail order beginning in July. Additional tickets are also required for the Congress Two-Year Old Masters Western Pleasure and Hunter Under Saddle, which are also available via mail order.
In addition, the PBR performances require separate admission as well, with cost dependent upon seating location within Nationwide Arena. Those tickets are available through Ticketmaster outlets.
A complete schedule of events, including shows, workshops and demonstrations, can be found online at www.oqha.com/congress |
