The All American Quarter Horse Congress is a fantastic experience. It can also be very intimidating for new, or even experienced exhibitors. GoHorseShow recently spoke with three veteran Congress exhibitors who have excelled in the show pen and learned from their many years of showing in Columbus, Ohio.
Coming into the pen for the first time at a distinguished show like the Congress is terrifying for most people. Amateur, Scott Reinartz, of Fort Lauderdale, Florida made his debut in 2000 and remembered how intimidating the experience was for him.
“I was so overwhelmed,” Reinartz said, who now hauls with Bruce Vickery Quarter Horses. “The grounds were expansive, more than one arena was going and the classes were huge. I was so not prepared, but I still had a blast.”
North Carolina trainer, Tami Thurston, was also nervous her first time at Congress, but the adrenaline ended up benefiting her and giving her a better ride.
“I just remember feeling overwhelmed and a little freaked out,” Thurston said. “However, I can remember, once I entered the Celeste warm up, little tears running down my cheeks because I had finally made it to the other side of the wall. I was so very grateful to be there and it helped me get in the moment and focus. I have never really lost that feeling of gratitude to be able to participate in such a prestigious event.”
The Ohio Expo Center is massive with multiple pens going at once and horses every which way you look. Youth, Gentry Cherry, of Guthrie, Oklahoma and Reinartz commented on the size of the facility and trying to be prepared for lots of exercise.
“Be prepared and know your class schedule, Reinartz (pictured right) said. “Map it out. Also, get plenty of rest when you can.”
“With everything so spread out, leave plenty of time to get from barns to the show pen,” Cherry said, who is a multiple Congress and AQHYA World Champion. “Bring comfy shoes because you will be doing lots of walking.”
Congress is almost a month long and that can be challenging for youth who are still in school. Cherry talked about how she tries to keep up by bringing homework and resting up in her free time.
“Sleep whenever you get a chance,” Cherry said. “Don’t forget to do homework whenever you have any time available.”
From a trainer’s standpoint, it can be just as nerve-wracking watching from the sidelines as it is in their client’s position. The result definitely makes it all worth it. Thurston commented how much she loved seeing the excitement on every winner’s face.
“It’s so fun to see the excitement on everyone’s faces, especially after winning a class,” Thurston (pictured left) said. “There’s nothing like it when the little guy or underdog wins and, I can’t say enough how much I enjoy watching our customers show, even though the whole time, I feel like I’m going to be sick. It is an honor to help our customer achieve their Congress dreams.”
Food is a hot topic when people talk about their favorite parts of Congress. Shopping is also a big hit with the annual trade show of over 250 booths. Reinartz, Cherry and Thurston all mentioned their love for these and many other aspects of the show.
“I have always loved the shopping,” Reinartz said. “The best thing about Congress is the level of competition, the shopping and seeing everyone from across the U.S.”
“The cinnamon rolls from the sweet shop are the best,” Cherry said. “I love how big the show is. It’s like a small city and the food is my favorite.”
“Comfort food is the one thing I can’t live without at this show,” Thurston said. “Congress is not the time to diet. Also, we keep several of our feel good, horse movies back at the stalls to keep us motivated. There is nothing like watching National Velvet, Seabiscuit or Hidalgo to keep you going when you want to give up.”
The month of October can bring all kinds of weather. You might be wearing a tank top one day and a coat the next. Packing the correct clothing is essential for Congress.
“Pack all kinds of clothes,” Cherry (pictured right) said. “The weather can and will be crazy.”
“One of my survival tips is to pack for all four seasons,” Reinartz said. “Be prepared.”
Each of these three veteran Congress exhibitors gave their little piece of advice for newcomers coming to Congress.
“Enjoy it,” Cherry said. “Try to experience it all: the trade show, horse sale, food, clinics and stall decorations. It’s a one of a kind horse show. I love it.”
“Have fun and enjoy your ride,” Reinartz said. “Celebrate the little things. Remember there are probably over 100 entries in your class.”
“Don’t judge yourself against the other competitors,” Thurston said. “It’s good to watch and learn but, be careful you don’t compare yourself too much outside of the pen. You can beat yourself before you ever enter the show pen. There will be heartbreak. However, you need to remember, it’s about the journey and self-growth as a rider and as a person.”
Thurston reflects, “I had many years of heartache and disappointment before I was able to achieve my Congress dreams. I know it seems impossible to think this way but remember, it’s just another horse show. I see more people defeat themselves with negative talk or setting their expectations too high. Think and speak positively and it will help you greatly.”
Photos © Impulse Photography, Shane Rux
About the Author: GoHorseShow writer, Courtney Hall is a graduate student at Missouri State University. She is obtaining a Master’s Degree in Agriculture with research in Agricultural Communications. She started showing the APHA & AQHA all around circuit as a youth and continues today as an amateur.
