We are excited that leading exhibitors, Jonathan Nowacki, who won the All-Around Novice Youth title at the 2010 Congress aboard RL Sudden Image and Darcy Reeve, who is best known as showing A Certain Vino to multiple Congress and World Champions, will be reporting for GoHorseShow throughout the Congress.
For those who don’t know this duo, they are best friends and quite a pair. Make sure to check out their colorful and entertaining blogs throughout the show. First up is their first report about the Top Ten things every person needs to experience while at the Congress!
Ten Things Every Person needs to experience while at the Congress by Darcy Reeve and Jonathan Nowacki
1) CONGRESS FOOD
The food at the Congress is probably the most talked
about thing among spectator and exhibitors alike. In the heart of the
grounds, there is every kind of fair food you can think of plus so much
more. There is sure to be something for every one’s taste buds. Our
recommendations: Funnel Cakes, Strombolis, Chinese Sweet and Sour
Chicken, Cream Puffs, and Bourbon Chicken.
2) MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT RIDES
Whether you are an exhibitor or a spectator you should participate in the middle of night rides. There is something about the crisp night air and the great horses coming out to practice for their next event that is easier to watch then during the craziness of the day. Plus it’s when everything goes down, lol.
3) SHOPPING AT THE CONGRESS
For those who have never been, the
Congress shopping is legendary. You can buy anything you need in and out
of the show pen, plus much, much more. Jonathan’s must go to place is
Golden West Pads. Darcy’s must go to place is SR Gold.
4) COLUMBUS ATTRACTIONS
The fun doesn’t only happen between the Congress gates. One of our favorite activities while showing at the Congress are the Haunted Houses. Columbus, Ohio is home to some of the scariest and modern haunted houses in the country. They are just a little activity to get us in the Halloween spirit. Also, the show grounds are only a few miles from some amazing shopping and restaurants.
5) PUPPY ALLEY
Whether you are there to buy a dog or just there to look, puppy alley is sure to leave you smiling. There are so many different breeds to see and sometimes it is the the perfect getaway from the stress of a typical Congress day.
6) WATCH THE MASTERS WESTERN PLEASURE AND HUNTER UNDER SADDLE
The Congress Masters Classes are full of talented two year-olds and the nation’s top trainers all competing for Congress’s biggest checks.
7) WATCH THE AMATEUR VERSATILITY
The Amateur Versatility is an amazing class to watch because it really showcases the versatility of American Quarter Horses. It is a fast moving class where exhibitors compete in Western Pleasure, Hunter Under Saddle, Horsemanship and Pole Bending and all tack changes are done in the arena in a short amount of time. It attracts one of the loudest and largest crowds in the three weeks of competition.
8) MCDONALD’S DRIVE THOUGH… ON A GOLF CART
Sometimes that food in the heart of the grounds is just too expensive, too different, or your just too tired of it. Fortunately, there is a McDonald’s virtually on the grounds, or at least close enough for a golf cart to drive there. And why go in when you have a perfectly good set of wheels to take you though the drive though. I guarantee it is the only drive through in America that, for the three weeks in October, sees more golf carts in the drive through than cars.
9) A WALK DOWN THE CENTER ISLE OF THE GILLIGAN BARN
When walking down the center isle of the Gilligan, you don’t see a typical stall front with curtains draped over them. You see rock and brick siding, fountains, TVs, landscaping, and extravagant lights. And behind the stall fronts are living areas with couches, and tables and mini kitchens because let’s face it, many people move in for three weeks without ever passing though the gates again (except for the occasional McDonald’s run on a golf cart) until they are packed up and headed home.
10) THE SMELLS OF CONGRESS
Any Congress regular will tell you the smell of ammonia is the smell of Congress. By the end of the show each barn is almost unbearable because of the smell. But as gross as it is, it is the smell of congress. You know where you are and memories come flooding back to you at the first whiff. Aside from that each arena, and building has a distinct smell that is the same every year and you know where you are when you smell the air.
Finally we have put a small list of things many people experience at the Congress but we would NEVER recommend:
1) The Congress Crud
2) Living off of two hours or less of sleep a night
3) Showing/Riding while it’s raining
4) Snow (We love it but it’s never magical at the Congress)
5) Waiting in line to lunge
6) The worst body aches of your life
7) Waking up to unbearably cold temperatures which then turn unbearably hot only a few hours later
8) Loading, Unloading, and setting up the stalls
9) Being in a hurry on a busy weekend
10) Shrinking wallets
Stay tuned for more reports from this pair throughout the Congress!
