Would You Attend the Quarter Horse Congress in a Different Location?…
The Quarter Horse Congress has been held in Ohio since 1967.
In an interesting piece by The Columbus Dispatch, Executive Director of OQHA, Dr. Scott Myers, along with other local officials discussed the fact that the single largest breed horse show in the world, the All American Quarter Horse Congress, may have outgrown the Columbus fairgrounds.
Although the current location contract extends through 2015, there have apparently been no negotiations about renewal past that date, at this time.
Click here to read more.
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Here’s what a few of you posted on our Facebook page about this particular link…
Karen Dailous– “I agree that the Congress has outgrown its location, but, if it moves to Texas or OK, it will be almost be impossible for those of us north of the border to attend. It needs to be more central.”
Tina Freeland– “I sure wouldn’t mind if they moved it. I’m in support of the idea of ‘improve it or move it.’ As it is right now, it can be pretty disgusting and miserable. There could definitely be more riding areas, and more longing areas really are necessary. And if the weather is bad, which October in Ohio it’s fairly certain that there is going to be some bad weather, the tents are absolutely miserable. They do flood, and they are freezing cold. And the temporary stalls even in barns that have to be rented are really not that nice. They are very small and most of them are not put together very sturdily and the doors don’t even latch correctly. And even in the permanent barn, the Gilligan, the roof leaks pretty badly and a lot of the permanent stalls are in need of some maintenance. As much money that is spent there to show and as much money that is brought in the area, one would think that some serious improvements could be made. I guess we will just all have to wait and see what the future may hold.”
Emily Kozloski Foebar- It is put on by the Ohio QHA. It should stay in Ohio. The fairgrounds just needs improvement. If it’s not in Ohio in October, it’s just not Congress…”
Laura Owen- “Depends on where. Don’t attend any World Shows cause they’re too far for us east-coasters, thus the appeal of Ohio. As a former Buckeye resident, I’d be very sad to see it leave.”
Patti Hearne Wolf– “Tina brings up a very valid point. That Gilligan barn/garage needs to be CONDEMNED! The roof leaks, the concrete columns are sagging, and I witnessed a chunk of concrete on a stairwell slip and sag. Thank God it was wedged and didn’t fall to the ground; it would have killed someone for sure!”
Linda Ottenhaler Campagnolo– “I live in southern Ontario and am able to drive to Congress, something I wouldn’t be able do if it moved south. I think there are a lot of us in the area that wouldn’t be able to attend. A weekend at Congress would be impossible, time-wise and financially also…so no.”
Kennedy Almas– “I understand that the grounds need some work, but, if it moves any further south, then they will lose the majority of Canadians. It would be just too far for us to travel. I hope it doesn’t move. It will be sad if it does.”
Megan Sutton- “That’s tough… I hope that it stays put and that the venue works with OQHA to improve the grounds and fix any issues. The revenue that the event brings to the city should be a big enough motivator to step things up…”
Lisa Schiestel– “We’re 40 plus driving hours from Ohio and 40 plus driving hours from OKC. Distance isn’t a huge deal. We would go where ever the Congress is.”
Cathy Oliphant- “If the facilities are not improved, it should move. You may lose some Canadian exhibitors, but would gain as many from the south and southwest do not go currently, because of the location.
Kassy Scates– “There are those that must choose- World Show or Congress. Many times, the decision is based upon distance to the venue and associated costs. The Congress is THE show for many east of the Mississippi. Move it to OK or TX and you have removed the option to show at a national/championship level for a large number of exhibitors. I understand needing improved facilities, but the roots of the Congress are in Ohio, and I feel that is where it should stay.”
