The 2025 All-American Quarter Horse Congress is underway, and with it comes some of the best shopping of the year in the show horse industry. Want a new trailer with living quarters worthy of a permanent residence? Congress has it. Want a new, trend-setting show outfit for 2026 from a top designer? Congress has it. Want to check out some of the top stallions in the industry? See them at Congress.
But, perhaps one of the most exciting shopping adventures at the Congress involves horse shopping. While the Congress Super Sale offers a fantastic opportunity to purchase a horse at auction, the show also presents a unique opportunity to buy top-tier show horses by private sale.
We spoke with multiple Congress and World Champion trainer Ryan Cottingim to get his tips for what to do, and maybe more importantly, what to avoid, when privately shopping for your next champion at the Quarter Horse Congress.
Do Have a Clear Understanding of What You Are Looking For
Cottingim emphasizes, “One of my favorite things about the Congress is that there is something there for everyone. This presents a unique opportunity for horse shopping, but it can also be a little overwhelming because there are so many options.”
He continues, “I tell my clients or prospective buyers that it is crucial to put together a list of what you are looking for. What are your goals and aspirations for the horse? Do you want a regional-level show horse or a World Show-level horse? Is this going to be an amateur or an open horse – or both? Are you looking for something finished, started, or a prospect? What classes do you want to show in?”
He laughs, “If you don’t know what you’re looking for, you’re likely to waste a lot of your own time and sellers’ time. But if you go to the show with your non-negotiables and things you’re willing to compromise on figured out, you will be much more likely to find, or be directed to, the right horse for you.”
Don’t Be Afraid to Be Honest About Your Budget
“Again, I can’t emphasize enough that Congress has something for everyone. While, of course, there are very high-level horses that demand high prices, there are also a lot of reasonable options out there for people, too.”
He says, “I really don’t think you can ever go wrong by being transparent about your budget. I know talking finances can be a little uncomfortable, but in the sales context, it is necessary.”
“You can always be open to negotiation, and maybe you can be willing to expand your budget within reason for the right horse, but you need to know where your starting point is, and you need to communicate that clearly to sellers on the front end of any sales conversation.”
He adds, “I believe that financial honesty is the best way to ensure both parties can be respectful. If you don’t have the budget for a horse, let the seller know, and they may have another horse that meets your financial criteria. If your horse is worth more to you than what a buyer is willing to pay, that’s ok, don’t continue to waste their time – let them know you’re firm on your price.”
“I always make sure to get a budget from my clients when we go horse shopping, mostly because I won’t even entertain looking at a horse that is out of their range. You don’t want to develop a bad reputation for wasting people’s time, and you also don’t want to overextend yourself by buying a horse you shouldn’t.”
“The best way to narrow the field down is by sticking to what you are looking for within the price range you are comfortable spending.”
Do Have an Understanding of Fair Market Value
“I think it is essential to do some research in advance before going to Congress to get an understanding of what, generally, horses sell for in the current market. What does a green horse sell for? What does a World Champion sell for? What does a horse that meets the criteria you’re looking for sell for?”
Cottingim admits, “Sometimes the prices at Congress can be more flexible if a horse needs to be moved at the show, or they can be more inflated because of the nature of the show and what it took to get the horse there.”
He advises, “If you have an understanding of what the market is willing to support for what you are looking for, you can have a better sense of whether you’re getting a deal or possibly paying top dollar.”
He cautions, “Please be respectful of each other. If you think a horse is overpriced, keep that to yourself and say ‘thank you’ and move on. If the horse doesn’t meet your criteria, move on. There is a lot of wasted time spent pursuing horses that don’t meet your price point, quality criteria, or level of what you’re looking for. Thanking someone for their time without wasting more of it is the best way to be a respectful shopper.”
Do Connect with Trainers
One of the secrets of Congress is that horses are often not publicly advertised for sale, and their availability is spread by “word of mouth” or something similar to a real estate “pocket listing” among trainers.
“If you’re a DIY amateur, it’s important to have allies and people that you’re familiar with so that you can rely on their opinions or assistance in what you’re looking for.”
“Honestly, my clients have found horses through other trainers, letting me know privately what they have available and not through sales listings.”
“If you don’t have a trainer or a trusted circle to help you navigate the show and what may be available there, it could be helpful to employ an agent who is familiar with the trainers and the process to help make the right introductions on your behalf.”
He continues, “If you do work with an agent, trainer, or use the connections of friends, it is crucial to discuss commissions, which are standard in the industry, openly. You need to work any commission percentages into your budget so you aren’t caught by surprise on the back-end of a deal by additional fees.”
Don’t Ask to Try a Horse if You Aren’t Serious
“Once you’ve decided what your goals are and what your budget is, you should be in a good place to narrow down the horses that would fit for you.”
He emphasizes, “It’s important to remember that your reputation follows you. So, I’m a big believer that a little respect goes a long way. Whether people want to say it or not, trainers and owners talk. If you have a reputation as a tire kicker, then it can be harder to get introductions to horses when you’re seriously shopping.”
“This is not to say that if you don’t buy a horse, you’re a tire kicker. However, if you aren’t interested in buying, due to budget or the horse isn’t what you’re looking for, quickly move on without making the seller go out of their way to assist you.”
“As a seller, I think it is important to ask questions as well. Try to figure out what the buyer is really looking for so that you can determine whether your horse is truly a good fit, or if you could direct them elsewhere so you don’t waste each other’s time.”
Don’t Disrespect Others’ Time
“Communication is so critical to ensure that a sale goes smoothly, and nobody wastes their time. Congress is such a busy atmosphere. It is important to remember that this is still a horse show where trainers and exhibitors need to show, practice, and make sure they’re doing everything they need to set themselves up for success.”
“On the other hand, some buyers are only in the area for a limited time, and you need to be flexible in allowing them access to a horse they have an interest in.”
He recommends, “I like to over-communicate about schedules and setting appointments so that buyers get the time they deserve without overstepping boundaries. If a trainer says they aren’t available until after 6 pm, don’t stop by the stalls to see the horse sooner. As a trainer, if you set an appointment, it is super important to be there for that appointment or reschedule as soon as possible if something comes up.”
“Additionally, if you really like a horse, but still aren’t ready to put money down, it is helpful to book your pre-purchase exam anyway. I’ve found those slots can fill quickly at the show, and it is easier to cancel an appointment than make one last-minute.”
Don’t Force Love
Finally, Cottingim says that horse shopping at Congress is a little like speed dating.
“If you have to talk yourself into liking a horse, it’s probably not the one for you. But if you love the horse, then it is worth further investigation and consideration.”
“I tell people, if you love the horse in their stall, in the aisle, when it’s being ridden, and when you try it…then you might have found ‘the one.’”
“Ultimately, if you are up front about what you are looking for, what your budget is, and are flexible to make sure you can spend time getting to know the animal, then you will set yourself up for success at Congress.”
He chuckles, “You don’t want to force love with horses. If you aren’t feeling the butterflies, it’s ok to move on to the next option.”
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Cottingim concludes, “Enjoy the excitement of the process of Congress. This is a unique environment where you can really experience the best of what the industry has to offer.”
“If you are honest and clearly communicate what you want and can afford, you will likely find quite a few options that meet your criteria at the show. There really is something for everyone.”
