Extreme Makeover – All American Quarter Horse Congress Edition
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by Erica Greathouse
Thanks to the efforts and contributions of the state of Ohio, the Ohio Quarter Horse Association, and the Ohio Exposition Center, show goers, spectators, and horse enthusiasts will enjoy brand new facilities and upgrades at this year’s Congress. Through this joint effort, attendees can expect more stalls, upgraded buildings, new riding areas, and more space to enjoy the show.
Over 7,500 horses attend The All American Quarter Horse Congress each year, making the Congress the largest single-breed horse show in the world and one of the most anticipated events of the year. Congress is known for its display of the top Quarter Horses in the industry, the big show atmosphere, numerous food and shopping vendors, and the rich tradition rooted in the show that will celebrate its 49th year in Columbus, Ohio this October. The tremendous growth of the Congress since its inaugural event in 1967 has sparked a partnership between the OQHA and the Ohio Exposition Center, and that joint effort has resulted in numerous improvements over the years to support the growth of the show. However, this year, they have taken the improvements to a whole new level. Dr. Scott Myers, the Executive director of OQHA, says, “We have been partners with the Exposition Center on many building projects over the years, including building the covered riding pavilions that have helped to make the facility exhibitor-friendly despite the changing weather conditions. Our successful partnership with the Exposition Center over the years led us to a natural progression to continue to improve the Exposition Center and implement new projects, including new buildings, permanent stalls, and riding arenas that the Congress could utilize.” This initiative has been three years in the making, but some of the improvements to the facility will be ready for this year’s Congress.
The state of Ohio has provided for a whopping $49 million worth of improvements to the Exposition Center. $8.5 million will go toward renovations to the Gilligan Barn, the premier stalling building at the Expo Center, to create new permanent Priefert 10×10 stalls, upgraded electrical systems and ventilation, installation of new lighting, and renovating the roofing. These are improvements Dr. Myers feels confident will enhance the showing and viewing experience for all exhibitors and spectators.
$15 million has been spent to fund a new building that will sit in the footprint of the old Buckeye Pavilion. The 2015 Congress will be the first year that exhibitors will be able to take advantage of the amenities. This new building, which will be known during Congress as the Adequan Building, will have 1,000 new, permanent 10×10 MD Barn Stalls in a 640×300 stalling barn with an attached riding pavilion. Dr. Myers is eager to point out that the new stalling barns and riding pavilions will significantly enhance the exhibitor’s Congress experience. He states, “The new stalls will provide a healthier and safer environment for both exhibitors and their horses. The amenities will include state-of-the-art ventilation, Big Ass© Fans, LED lighting, hot and cold water wash racks, and many more places to longe and prepare horses for competition.” Myers also points out that no horses will be stalled in tents at this year’s show. The increase in permanent stalls has alleviated the need for many of the tents used for stalling during previous years, which will help to create more room for camping and overall competitor comfort. Myers stresses that despite the new renovations and upgraded facilities, Congress fees will not be raised. The goal has been, and always will be, to keep Congress fees affordable for all exhibitors.
Although, cosmetically, the Expo Center is being upgraded, Myers points out that the Congress will always focus on preserving tradition. The fundamentals of the show will never change. These upgrades have been designed to enhance the experience for repeat participants and create a welcoming environment for newcomers. “The Congress has always been about promoting both seasoned and entry level exhibitors to participate, and we believe these new developments will cater to all exhibitors and especially aid in encouraging new exhibitors to participate. We offer the largest number of novice entries out of any horse show in the country, and our goal is to make the environment even more novice-friendly by taking away some of the anguish that can be created by the chaos of trying finding a place to ride and prepare for competition.” According to Myers, the masterminds behind the Congress are also adding and creating new classes to encourage exhibitors to participate. “The 2015 Congress will be the first year we offer classes for equestrians with disabilities. Last year was the first year for the Small Fry division, and it was very successful. We pride ourselves in being friendly to all exhibitors, and we enjoy watching these new divisions grow every year.”
Looking ahead, the 2016 Congress will see even more improvements, as the $26 million, brand new Multipurpose Building will be complete. The Multipurpose Building will sit on the footprint of the DeSalle Building and Railroad Building, which have recently been torn down. The Multipurpose Building will offer open floor space, meeting rooms, breakout rooms, office space, and kitchen areas. It will offer a new space for the administrative and behind-the-scenes work that makes Congress possible, opportunity for new vendors, climate-controlled exhibit space, and a new area to hold judging tournaments.
Although most people don’t need any additional reasons to persuade them to attend one of the premier horse shows of the year, these new renovations are sure to enhance the Congress experience for all involved. For new exhibitors, the extra space and comfort of the new facilities is sure to make Congress one of their favorite events of the year. Heading into its 49th year, the Congress tradition continues to grow and prosper. With the extreme makeover, the old traditions will remain while new facilities and amenities will keep the show modern and cutting edge.
