Exhibitors of the 2015 All American Quarter Horse Congress are enjoying the addition of a new, 1,000 stall barn. The Adequan barn boasts brand new MD Barns stalls that are fire retardant and wind resistant up to 165 mph. In addition to the stalls, the barn houses numerous hot-water wash racks, several bathrooms, an ATM, and The Buckeye Bar.
Competitors are enjoying the addition of a new, covered arena adjacent to the building and a multitude of camper hook-ups right outside the door. Visitors will also notice that several food vendors, including Congress favorite The Sweet Shop, are set up steps away.
Gia Gutierrez hails from Venice, Florida where her daughter Selena (pictured right) shows with Clay Farrell of Finally Farm. This is her daughter’s first Congress and she says the added space in the new barn has been a bonus. “We used to be so cramped in the tents; but this is perfect. The aisle-ways are wide and the stalls are roomy. The horses can lay down easier. It’s just so clean and safe in here. On a scale of one to ten, this is a ten.”
The Piper Family made the switch to the new barn from their long-time home in the Gilligan. They say there’s no turning back. “We wanted to try this new barn because we felt it would have better ventilation, and it does,” says Heidi Piper. “Plus, with the connected arena and the walker so close it will be really easy to prepare horses,” she adds.
Together, the Baker and Piper barns have fifty-two stalls. For Heidi, the ability to construct an open sitting and social area has made their stall area more inviting. “In the Gilligan we used to have things very closed in. I’ve noticed we’ve already sat and visited with people more with this open set-up.”
Chad Piper agrees that the switch was a smart move. “I love the brightness and the air is much cleaner. Plus it’s great to be able to camp right out the door. As of now I plan to be back here next year.”
Jennifer Christmas and her daughter Karrington are preparing their horse, CJ’s Last Scotch, to show in the 13&U Working Hunter later today. At twenty-three years old, the gelding has seen many Congresses. Christmas says that his first in the new barn is one they plan to enjoy. “We love the barn because it’s so close to the show arenas. Everything is very easy to use.”
“I’m very impressed,” says Whitney Lagace (pictured middle right) of Whitney Ridge Farm in Connecticut. “The barn is well-ventilated, and it has great light and is incredibly bright. The hot water in the wash-stalls is awesome.”
She adds, “Compared to the three barns I’ve been in on the grounds, this barn is by far the best.”
Scott and Tracey Kauffman of Three Oaks Quarter Horses in Central City, Pennsylvania also love the proximity to the attached arena. “It’s incredibly convenient to ride,” says Tracey. Scott says the new stalls will have him coming back. “These stalls are so sturdy and safe. It’s great for the horses,and because they are solid, there’s no need to put plywood between them.” Tracey adds, “Life is good here; there’s no reason to leave.”
It’s clear exhibitors are thrilled with the Ohio Quarter Horse Association’s decision to construct a new barn and replace the tent stalls that had been the norm for years. The addition seems to be making for happy horses and content competitors, which is sure to lead to growth and great things for The All-American Quarter Horse Congress.
Check out the slideshow of pictures from the Adequan barn
