The All-American Quarter Horse Congress is here, and it is the ultimate time for you and your horse to be at the top of your game. Even for the best of the best, showing at the Congress comes with plenty of challenges.
Being a Columbus native, I have had the privilege to enjoy the Congress as a spectator and exhibitor throughout the entire month of October. At last year’s Congress, I was even lucky enough to bring home a Congress bronze.
With years of experience under my belt, I have composed a list of rules that will help you navigate the Congress like a seasoned veteran while also giving you reminders on how to keep your composure when the going gets tough.
1. Remember that you have an audience and an influence
Even if competing at this level is the norm, showing to this kind of audience only comes once a year. It’s kind of like Christmas. By far, the Congress brings the most spectators compared to any other show throughout the year. Whether you realize it or not, you are the inspiration to many people. Many little cowboys and cowgirls in the crowd would love to be in your place someday. When things don’t go your way in the show pen, keep your composure because you never know 
who is watching.
2. Competition doesn’t need to lack kindness
It may be easy to let your competitive nature get the best of you during this high-stakes horse show, but don’t let it overwhelm you to the point of being nasty or rude. The Congress is first and foremost, still a horse show, and the goal is to have fun and enjoy every moment. Be kind to your competitors because, in ten, twenty or thirty years, you will want to look back on the positive memories you’ve created and the lifelong friendships.
3. Opinions of some don’t define you
In all reality, when it comes down to the nitty-gritty, we’re paying for somebody’s opinion. While showing horses is likely the largest part of our lives, it doesn’t have to define us as a person. Just because you don’t perform your best one day doesn’t make you any less of a competitor.
4. Overthinking is the enemy
Chances are that if you are showing at the Congress, you have shown at multiple shows. Even if you are a veteran competitor, it is important to remember to treat it like a regular show. At the core, what makes this one any different? It is still a horse show, so do not overthink your ultimate game plan just because it is a bigger, more intimidating situation.
5. Your happiness is most important
You could have the greatest pattern that you’ve had all year and your placing might not reciprocate that. Keep in mind – that is okay. Take the time to be happy for the accomplishments that maybe others didn’t recognize. Finding the silver lining in every situation will not only prove that you are always bettering yourself as a rider, but it will also make the victory much sweeter when you finally accomplish your goals.
6. Take care of yourself and your horse
Being at the Congress can make you want to push harder and practice more leading up to your class, but this can do more harm than good. Keep your mental and physical health a priority and don’t forget about your horse. Walk a couple of laps in the arena to cool off after a ride. Give a couple of extra treats when you get back to the stall and brush them an extra minute or two. A happy and healthy horse is essential. The Congress is a marathon, not a sprint. Keeping this rule in mind will ensure that you and your horse are fresh and ready to compete when the time comes.
7. Your “failure” is another’s success
For some people, their only goal is to be able to show at the Congress. To others, they just want to make it to the finals in their class. To most, their goal is to win. No matter what happens, just remember that somebody else out there could be hoping and praying to be in your shoes no matter the outcome. Don’t take anything for granted and be grateful for all that you accomplish.
8. Smiles are contagious, and kindness is free
From the “Congress-Crud” to bad rides that may seem overwhelming at times, one major rule is to pass along positivity. From seasoned veterans to Congress newbies, spreading love and light will not only reflect positively on you, but it will also boost the group’s overall morale.
9. What goes around comes around
Though it may seem cliché, treating others the way you would like to be treated will always come full circle. Whether you are currently struggling or riding the wave of success, it is important to keep in mind the type of energy you put into the world.
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All in all, the Congress is the Academy Awards of the horse show world. We all get together, dress up and hope to go home as the big winner. Take the time to pat your horse, and thank your trainers and family because there is no other show or event in the world that is quite like the Congress.
About the Author – Samantha Armbruster, from Sunbury, Ohio, received a degree in Public Relations from Franklin University. Samantha loves being involved in the industry from lending a hand to the younger kids to learning from the top professionals. In 2016, Sam and her horse Hudson won an NSBA World Championship in Trail as well as a Quarter Horse Congress Championship in Showmanship.
