Construction of Congress stall fronts is currently under way in Columbus, Ohio and it’s safe to say that the creative chaos has ensued. Prior to the first sound of hooves on concrete at the Ohio State Fairgrounds, contractors work feverishly to erect what will become homes away from home for both horses and people for much of the month of October. Although they do not resemble the Congress stalls of 50 years ago, oneupmanship is certainly not uncommon. These elaborate and often over-the-top decorations have become iconic of the All American Quarter Horse Congress.
Contractor and Owner of 3Cs Contracting from Southwest Ohio, Stephen Capella begins designing as early as July. Capella designs many of the Congress stall fronts including Fritz Leeman Farms, Dan and Darlene Trein, Parrish Quarter Horses, Barbie Evans, and Haylo Farms.
“I begin with mock sketches of the client’s desires, or I try to duplicate the design from the previous year,” says Capella. “I try to incorporate their color schematic and farm insignia.”
This year’s construction themes range from the highly elaborate to understated elegance. Shawn Davis, the owner of Ais Renovation, is a 14-year veteran of contracting at the Congress, and he has witnessed an evolution in stall fronts. This year, some of the stall fronts he is building include North Farm for Debbi Trubee and Roger Landis, Masterson Farms, and CAC Show Horses.
“What used to be framing for stall curtains and tack room covers has developed into building full working kitchens, living rooms and often bars,” Davis states.
Faux brick walls, tin roofs and board and baton are common themes in 2016. It is not entirely uncommon to see glorious entryways complete with chandeliers and glass windows.
And budgets can be extravagant. Basic stall fronts can start around a few thousand dollars, but some stall fronts have been noted to cost, well…significantly more than that.
Capella (pictured left) comments, “It is necessary to have a good plan and start early.” Both Capella and Davis agree that the biggest challenge is the tight deadline. When things go wrong, it doesn’t mean the horses’ arrival can be delayed.
Davis recalls a funny story where he finished a beautiful stall front only to realize he built it in the wrong spot.
“Wayne Davis and Dr. Scott Myers really helped me out at the last minute with switching stall assignments around,” Davis laughs.
While the work is hard, chaotic and stressful, the contractors love working the Congress.
Shawn Davis says, “The Congress – it’s in your blood. I took last year off and it almost killed me. I missed it”.
Capella agrees, “Being from Ohio, it is the biggest, most fun horse show of the year and it is right in my backyard. Of course I want to be a part of it.”
Watch for our completed stall fronts story to run in the near future on GoHorseShow.
View the slideshow below of some of the construction and building currently going on at the Congress.
