With the world’s largest horse show, The All-American Quarter Horse
Congress, just around the corner, GoHorseShow wanted to find out what trainers and exhibitors can’t live without during this month-long marathon show. For anyone who has had the amazing opportunity to experience the carnival like atmosphere at the Congress, knows that the weather is usually unpredictable, midnight rides inevitable and the fun never ending. We had some entertaining and enlightening
answers from some of our exhibitors. Check them out below!
Dakota Diamond Griffith (pictured right)–It may sound silly, but I could not be away from my five dogs at Congress. At the end of the day when I’m cold and tired, there is nothing better than going back to the motorhome with one of my favorite confections from the Sweet Shop and snuggling with them. It really helps me get through the long days and cold nights. If I could take only one piece of equipment to Congress, it would definitely be my longe line. P.S. Did I forget my iPhone, golf cart and make-up bag?!
Parris Rice–I would definitely say a warm coat. Plus, having a golf cart is always nice. The most important thing to have at Congress is your horse though. I don’t think I could survive any horse show without mine. Of course, I couldn’t show if I didn’t have him there.
Arianne Pait–My own pillow! Sleep is so precious, and I can’t waste any time dealing with pillow problems. Also, my bicycle–I find they are the fastest way to move around the show grounds. Lastly, I must visit Max and Ermas’ for some Shrimp Pasta!
Lisa Krohn–I won’t be able to survive judging the Congress without my laptop to stay connected to work and to Skype with my son. I also must have comfortable boots and hats, my phone to play Words with Friends during down times, healthy snacks, and a warm overcoat for chilly days!
Gerri Leigh Pratt–My Hotspot, Starbucks instant decaf coffee, cigarettes (too expensive to buy there!) soft flats, and warm coats.
Keaton Crawford–At the Congress, I can’t live without my good luck charm (a cross necklace that came from my aunt), sweat tea, the heater in the tack room (it’s hard to get me to leave my spot by the heater), and most of all my hoodies! They are perfect to put under world show or Congress jackets and you’re always prepared with a hood in case it’s raining or snowing or anything. Oh.. And my scarves! I love bringing a bunch of scarves to the Congress because they keep me super warm and they always add a little style to the sometimes not so flattering horse show attire!
Katie May–Things that I could not survive without at Congress would have to be a big thick jacket, money, a golf cart, McDonald’s coffee, my cell phone, and NyQuil. The big thick jacket because everyone knows at Congress you are going to have freezing cold weather. Money because I could never to go a show and not go shopping at all my favorite vendors like Phil Harris and Good Ride. A golf cart to keep me from walking to McDonald’s and those crazy midnight golf cart rides. McDonald’s coffee to keep me up for those 24 hour days and late night rides. My cell phone to be used as something to help me get a hold of my friends or even to use as my alarm clock. And of course NyQuil because no one can leave Congress without getting the Congress Crud!
Candice Hall–My MACHINE MADE pink sparkly mug– full of coffee!!
Whitney Vicars–My Bible, Lots of Dr. Pepper (for my husband, Craig), my dog Lola (I never go anywhere without her), a big, comfy couch (because we sleep at the stalls more than at the hotel), coffee, and lots of it!, my Congress coat, a golf cart, my “Travis” bracelet, my equine partner Gunner, Family, good friends and good horses!
Jan Shepherd Pittman–Flannel PJ’s, my dog, phone and charger, Nespresso Cappuccino Machine, UGGS; iPad, GPS, copies of my showmanship pattern; Imp’s treats (can’t tell Charlene), a good book (someone recommended Fifty Shades of Grey?) and meds for sore muscles.
Eric Mendrysa–My Congress survival kit includes: my camera, my daily COFFEE, and my lucky socks. I wore them when I ran out of clean socks at a show and ended up winning my class. Since that win, these obnoxiously colored neon socks have brought me luck time and time again in the show pen…I want to add a Congress bronze to their resume!
Candy Parrish–I can’t survive at the Congress without Sour Patch Kids candy and Coffee!!!!
Griffin Knight–My mom–she is basically my right hand. I am helpless without her! Craig (Bruce too), 5 hour energy shots, scarf and gloves, sofa in the tack stall, golf cart, Mucinex, chapstick, SLEEP and OF COURSE my noble white steed, Buster!
Sandra Morgan–All four seasons worth of clothing and an under eye depuffer!
Rachel Kolb–I would have to say the one thing I can’t survive without at the Congress is sweets! My pockets are always full of candy and wrappers from the trade shows and stalls. I don’t know how I would survive without my prolonged sugar buzz with all the late nights and early mornings.
Joni Nelson–I can’t live without long underwear, snow hats, 5 Hour energy drinks, and good help at the Congress.
Missy Thyfault–I don’t always get to have my motorhome at the shows so having that
there is my salvation. Having some healthy food and my Flintstone
vitamins so I don’t get too run down and get the always looming Congress
crud! I can’t survive without Rufus, my Basset Hound, because he is
always happy with me no matter how my Congress is going! He is portable,
unconditional love. Golf cart, alcohol for stress relief, a large
assortment of warm clothes. I need at least one visit from my son and
husband mid-Congress even if it’s just for five minutes. The show is
totally survivable if you are prepared for all the highs and lows it can
bring, but that’s why we all love it!
