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. Whether you’re a trainer, owner, exhibitor, or spectator– there are several things to put on your to-do list this year at the Congress.
If you are already at the Congress, you may have attended some of the must-do events like the freestyle reining, bridleless cutting, Small Fry Horsemanship and the bull riding. However, there are many more events and experiences that should be on your must-do list coming up the next few weeks. Find out all the not-to-miss-events below!
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. The Apple Dumplings and the cinnamon rolls are to die for at The Sweet Shop. It is a yearly tradition for many to make sure they have both at the Congress.
2) Congress Hall and Annex Shopping
It’s hard to spend a day at the Congress without doing a little retail therapy. Whether you’re shopping for yourself or your horse – Congress offers nearly 210 commercial exhibitors that are sure to have just what you’re looking for including: Harris Leather and Silverworks, Carolina Moon, Golden West Saddle Pads, Boo Yah Custom Clothing, and Closet Space which carries Kimes Ranch Jeans are several shopping places not to miss.
3) Gilligan Stall Decorations
Don’t forget to walk through the Gilligan barn to check out all of the dazzling stall decorations. It’s amazing the time and effort that is put into constructing and building these beautiful decorations. Also, there is a certain smell of the Congress that everyone remembers even years later. It is usually a mixture of cold air, ammonia, and cedar shavings that many participants smell when entering many of the barns, especially the Gilligan.
4) Congress Masters Event
The Congress Masters events give trainers the perfect opportunity to showcase maiden two-year-olds. The Hunter Under Saddle portion kicks off the night with a purse of $25,000 to the winner. The Western Pleasure Masters class follows presenting $50,000 to the first place exhibitor. This event will take place in the Celeste arena on Saturday, October 25th at 7:00pm. Tickets will be on sale in the pressroom located in the Celeste building, on a first come first serve basis.
5) Puppy Alley
If you’re a dog lover or are looking for a new puppy, stop by Puppy Alley located across 17th avenue by Coughlin Auto trucks. It is also a fun place to also see baby goats, pigs, hedgehogs, and sometimes miniature horses. The puppies are adorable to go hold and pet even if you don’t need another member of the family.
6) Midnight Rides and Watching the Warm Up Arenas
Whether you are an exhibitor or a spectator you should participate in the middle of the night rides. There is something about the cold night air and horses coming out to practice for their next event that is easier to watch than during the craziness of the day. Plus, these are when some of the best memories are made during the show. Also, just watching the warm up arenas and looking out for the next Congress Champion and the next legend can keep your attention for hours. Also, there is frequent sightings of famous horses like A Certain Vino and Vital Signs Are Good.
7) Green Wall Bar in Gilligan Barn
The Green Wall Bar in the Gilligan Bar is where many of the trainers and exhibitors socialize before, during, and after the show. It is a hole in the wall but great fun to visit with your friends and meet new people. You will always run into people you haven’t seen in years, and it is a fun place to reminisce about old times and how the Congress and your friends have changed over the years.
8) McDonald’s Drive Thru on a Golf Cart
Fortunately, there is a McDonald’s right off the show grounds where you can drive your golf cart. It is probably the only drive through that, for the three weeks in October, sees more golf carts than cars. It is one of the must do activities that true Congress die-hards must experience while at the show.
9) Congress VIP Lounge
This place is transformed from a cafeteria to a restaurant during the Congress. It is attached to the Gilligan barn, near Cooper Arena. You can go get a drink, use the computers and watch television while having a nice dinner of prime rib and a glass of wine. It is a great place to visit with clients and friends and for business dealings to go down during the show.
10) Demonstrations
Congress offers a wide variety of demonstrations by top horsemen in the industry for all spectators and exhibitors. Listed below are the demonstrations you won’t want to miss. These demonstrations are instructional and will be beneficial for you when riding your horse at home.
Judging the Ranch Horse Pleasure Class– Alex Ross (AQHA) & Mozaun McKibben (TX): Tuesday, October 14, 2014 1:00pm
Pleasure Driving– Chuck Briggs (TX): Friday, October 17, 2014 3:00pm
Showmanship/Equitation/Horsemanship: How to Execute Patterns that will Impress Judges – Stephanie Lynn (WI): Friday, October 17, 2014 5:00pm
Hunter Under Saddle– Jennifer Leckey (IN): Saturday, October 18, 2014 1:00pm
Equine Acupuncture– Dr. Elizabeth Carr, Michigan State University: Saturday, October 18, 2014 3:00pm
Barrel Racing– Michele McLeod (TX): Saturday, October 25, 2014 10:00am
Ride-a-Reiner– NRHA: Saturday, October 25, 201412:00-2:30pm
Let us know some of the favorite things you do every year while visiting the Congress!
