A Weekend at the All American Quarter Horse Congress

 

By EllaMae Reiff , DTN Content Editor

Copyright (2024) DTN, LLC. Used with permission.

 

COLUMBUS, Ohio (DTN) — There’s nothing quite like the crisp fall air mixed with the unmistakable excitement of the All American Quarter Horse Congress. Held in Columbus, Ohio, this event is the largest single-breed horse show in the world, and this past weekend, I had the pleasure of attending as a spectator.

Each year, more than 200 Congress champions are crowned across various classes and disciplines. This includes classes in western pleasure, showmanship, reining, cutting and more, showcasing the wide range of talents within the Quarter Horse community. Trophies represent the champion in each class, while medals are awarded to reserve champion, top 15 and finalists.

While I’ve never shown at the Congress and it’s been nine years since I last attended, because of other commitments and class schedules, I follow the event closely through the livestream via YouTube each year. Growing up, I spent time trail riding before starting to show at local quarter horse and open shows in 2015. I even worked at a local horse barn during high school and a summer in college.

This year, I soaked in everything that makes the Congress such a unique experience — the food, shopping, classes and that special kind of energy only an event of this magnitude can bring.

COMPETITION MEETS COMMUNITY

From the moment you step onto the grounds, it’s clear that the Congress is more than just a horse show — it’s an event that brings people together. The camaraderie between exhibitors, the thrill of competition and the excitement from spectators create an atmosphere like no other. Whether you’re a seasoned horseman or just a fan of horses, there’s something about the Congress that draws you in.

STROLLING THROUGH THE GILLIGAN

One of my favorite parts of the weekend was taking a walk through the Gilligan, the heart of the Congress stabling area. Known officially as the Gilligan Complex, it’s where many of the large-name trainers and big barns stall during the show.

Walking down the main aisle lined with beautifully designed stall fronts, I couldn’t help but admire the time and creativity put into each barn to make its setup stand out. From elaborate woodwork and custom signage to floral arrangements, the stall fronts are as much of the Congress tradition as the competition itself. It’s always fun to see the unique ways each barn’s space has been personalized, creating a welcoming home away from home for its horses and crew.

SHOPPING HEAVEN

No trip to Congress would be complete without a visit to the trade show. The shopping scene at Congress is nothing short of legendary, and I couldn’t resist indulging in a little retail therapy. The rows of booths offered everything from the latest western fashion trends, including Lainey Wilson flares, to custom saddles, tack and accessories. Even if you’re not showing, it’s always fun to browse through the racks of show shirts. I even picked up some new jeans and jewelry to add to my collection — because let’s be honest, you can never have too many pairs of jeans and jewelry.

And it’s not just clothing. Congress has something for everyone: supplements, feed, trailers, candles and even home decor.

A FOODIE’S DELIGHT

Horse shows and good food seem to go hand in hand, and the Congress is no exception. I started the weekend with a chicken tender basket from one of my favorite vendors, followed by a cup of swirl ice cream from the dairy bar. But the real highlight? The Sweet Shop’s famous cinnamon rolls — warm, gooey and perfectly sweet.

The Sweet Shop’s cinnamon rolls have become a staple for many attendees. After indulging in one of those massive, sticky rolls, you almost feel like you need to take a nap to recover — it’s that good.

What sets the Congress apart from similar events like a state fair is the feeling that you’re a part of something special, both in and out of the arenas. The food here is more than just fuel; it’s a tradition.

Unlike a state fair, where the food can feel rushed at times, there’s a slower pace here. People savor their meals while catching up with friends and family at the picnic tables scattered around. It’s a reminder that the Congress isn’t just about the competition; it’s about community and shared moments, whether over a plate of comfort food or cheering on the next class in the arena.

CLASSES AND SUPER SALE

One of the highlights of the weekend was watching the variety of classes, from the precise 15-18 Showmanship competitors to the Youth Western Pleasure 11 & Under riders. Separately, the Congress Super Sale 2-Year-Old Open Western Pleasure Stakes showcased the promising talent of young horses, offering a glimpse into the future stars of the industry.

The Congress Super Sale was particularly exciting, especially seeing the 2024 undefeated longe liner, Cocochella, sell for $100,000, making her the second-highest sale of the event.

For those unfamiliar, longe line classes evaluate young horses, typically yearlings, to demonstrate their movement, manner, expression and conformation to be competitive under saddle in the future. The class consists of two parts: a conformation inspection followed by a 90-second longeing demonstration where horses are shown at all three gaits (walk, trot, canter) in both directions.

Cocochella was undefeated at the major longe line shows including The Premier, Back to Berrien, NSBA World Show and the All American Quarter Horse Congress. The room erupted in applause and excitement after her sale, emphasizing not just her individual talent, but also the vibrant community spirit of the Congress.

PUPPY ALLEY

Of course, no trip to Congress would be complete without a walk through Puppy Alley. It’s impossible to walk through without stopping to pet a few and imagining bringing one home — I don’t think my parents would’ve been too happy if I brought another dog home. However, there were a couple of pups that made it especially tough to leave without them. A blue merle Aussiedoodle caught my eye with its striking color and playful personality, and a mini blue merle Australian Shepherd was equally hard to resist.

WRAPPING UP THE WEEKEND

As the weekend came to a close, I left Congress with a full heart and a few shopping bags in tow. The experience reminded me why I love the Quarter Horse community so much. It’s not just about the competition, though that’s a big part of it. It’s about the connections we make — the friends, mentors and memories that stick with us long after the medals have been handed out.

For anyone who hasn’t had the chance to experience the All American Quarter Horse Congress, I highly recommend adding it to your calendar. Whether you’re there to show, shop or simply take in the sights and sounds, there’s truly something for everyone.

Until next year, when I’m sure I’ll find myself back in Columbus, enjoying every minute of it all over again.

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Thank you to EllaMae Reiff and Progressive Farmer, powered by DTN, for the share of this fabulous blog!

EllaMae Reiff can be reached at ellamae.reiff@dtn.com