It is almost Congress time! Time to see friends, eat at the Sweet Shop, and watch some tough competition. For some, it is their favorite show of the year; for others, it is a time for no sleep, cold weather, and waiting in long lines to lunge your horses and fighting the crowds to prepare your horses. There is a buzz and excitement in the air. Most people will agree it is the toughest place to get your horse ready to win a big prize, so GoHorseShow asked some trainers and leading riders what advice they have for anyone coming to show at the Congress. Let’s see what everyone has to say!
Jonathan Nowacki–My advice for anyone showing at the Congress is when you enter that pen, believe that you’re the winner. You must believe in yourself to win at a show of that volume. If you believe in you and your horse, you will ride with confidence and that will come through in your ride.
Jenna Dempze–My best advice for anyone showing at the Congress would be to take one day at a time and try not to be overwhelmed by the all the people and the all horses. It’s important to just focus on you and your horse, don’t worry about what other people are doing; stick to what got you to this level. I also like to remind myself that no matter what the outcome is, I’m grateful be able to pursue this passion, there are so many others that aren’t able to have this opportunity. Also, pack clothes for ALL seasons and drink lots of cranberry juice to avoid the “crud!”
Ali Papendick–First and foremost, never underestimate the Congress weather! Bring every type of clothing from snow gear to summer clothes, seriously! But on the showing side of things, I would have to say to always show for the experience. Just like any show, anything could happen and if you have an all-around horse and something goes wrong in one of your classes, learn from that mistake, put it behind you, and start preparing for you next class. The Congress is one of my favorite horse shows and not just because it is “The Congress” but the experience and memories that I have with friends and family are unforgettable. Some of my best memories are outside of the horse show pin. So no matter what happens, just have fun and definitely walk over to Puppy Alley.
Keaton Crawford--I would say have confidence in yourself and have fun with it! It’s a big show with a ton of talented riders showing. It is nerve racking experience and it is rewarding to just be at this level of showing. It’s a big show but also you must treat it like you are at any other show. Don’t let the nerves get to you and show them that you deserve to be there!
Charley Thiel–Wow! That’s a tough one! I would have to say my strongest piece of advice is dream, dream, dream. Envision every aspect of the class; every trot in, every lope departure, and every back step, all of it. I truly believe if you can dream it, you can do it!
Laurel Champlin–Be prepared. I am always surprised by people who spend all that money to go to the Congress but don’t spend any money in preparation. Making sure your horse is up to date on maintenance such as joint injections is important. Having your horse a little overweight when you leave will help with the stress of hauling and the work that is required at the show. The Congress is my favorite show and being prepared can also allow you to have fun and enjoy the ride.
Katy Krshka–My advice would be to not get too overwhelmed. It is the Congress and it is a big deal for everyone but there is always another horse show. Getting too stressed out just puts you in a bad mood and worrying too much. All you can do is show ride for ride and do your best. Also, get plenty of sleep. We all know how many late nights there is and it catches up pretty fast, sleep whenever you can! But most of all have fun. That’s what it is all about, and there is no better place than the Congress to do this. It’s a one-of-a-kind horse show. Between the trade show, endless food, and arenas going non-stop there is always something to do. Good luck to everyone!
Reid Thomas—Use different color highlighters for each horse marking each class showing on a large schedule board! Know patterns ahead of time and school on other horses; plan meals and rest, and enjoy the experience.
Carli Stewart–This is a tough one. This year will be my first year to attend the Congress since I was in high school. It had always conflicted too much with my school work when I was in college. Besides that, I am hardly an expert. Today, in fact, someone told me that if training horses gets easy, you aren’t learning anything new. So that’s what I’m thinking about right now. As far as advice for the Congress goes, the advice I have received is that it’s a slower pen and it’s going to be cold so prepare my horse accordingly.
Vickie Kent–My advice is be prepared for anything. Rain, sleet, snow, warm enough for short sleeves one day & cold enough for a down jacket the next. You might want to pack some cold & flu medicine & plenty of money for shopping.
Lainie DeBoer--My advice is to take one day at a time and to not get too overwhelmed when you get there. The enormity of the show can engulf a person very quickly. It is stressful from the minute you buy a parking ticket, to finding your stall assignment and negotiating a maze of trailers and campers. There is definitely a buzz in the air and people get caught up in it and actually can burn themselves out between nerves and excitement. Don’t panic if your horse is not perfect right away, sometimes you need to take them out several times and peel away the layers. You have to be aware that they are feeling all that you are too.
Candice Hall–Get some sleep now!!!
Cheryl Hawkins–Bring a lot of warm clothes, practice, practice and practice again, stay focused and believe in your self. Your dreams can come true.
Joni Nelson–Bring lots of clothes, money, comfy shoes and a two week supply of five hour energy drinks!
Carey Nowacek-–I think everyone should go to the Congress like it’s just another horse show. The more you stress the more nervous you will get and your horse will feel it. Be confident in yourself, your trainer, and especially your horse. Keep your chin up and be confident in everything you do, even if it isn’t going as planned.
Brittany Boyd–Rest up before October, because sleep is rare at the Congress! Take opportunities to sleep when they come up. Plan a good schedule so you find time to eat as well – preferably not down heart attack alley!
Other than that, practice practice practice! Come up with a plan to practice in different arenas, different times of day. When you do so, focus on short bursts of “perfect practice” so you and your horse don’t get frustrated and keep your minds sharp. If you do this at home beforehand, practice at shows becomes easier.
