The days leading up to and thoughout the All American Quarter Horse Congress can feel intense for everyone involved. Owners are watching their horses closely, trainers are fine-tuning programs, entries are finalized, travel plans are made, and expectations begin to rise.
For trainers, however, Congress month is rarely about making dramatic changes. More often, it is about protecting the work that has already been done, keeping horses mentally and physically sound, and managing dozens of details behind the scenes. Including their clients’ expectations.
We asked trainers anonymously so they could speak candidly, what they wish owners better understood during the weeks leading up to and throughout the Congress.
More Work is Not Always Better
One trainer said one of the biggest misconceptions owners have is that the final weeks before Congress should be a period of intense preparation.
In reality, that can be exactly the wrong approach.
“A month out, I’m not trying to reinvent the horse,” the trainer explained. “If we are still trying to completely fix something two weeks before Congress, we probably have a bigger problem.”
Instead, the goal is often maintenance.
Horses that have been showing throughout the year may actually need less pressure before the biggest show of the season. Some may get additional turnout. Others may have shorter rides, lighter schooling sessions or days devoted to simply keeping them happy and comfortable.
Owners can sometimes become nervous when they do not see their horse being worked hard every day.
“That is probably one of the biggest things I wish people understood,” one trainer told us. “Just because your horse isn’t being ridden into the ground, that doesn’t mean we aren’t preparing. Sometimes the smartest thing I can do is leave one alone.”
The trainer said the best-prepared horses are often the ones that arrive in Columbus feeling fresh, rather than drilled.
“There is a temptation to keep asking for more because everyone knows Congress is coming,” the trainer said. “But there is a point where more preparation becomes over-preparation.”
Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff
One of our trainers also cautioned owners against becoming overly focused on what they see in a single ride.
As Congress approaches, owners may watch a single ride and immediately worry about a mistake, a rough transition or a maneuver that does not look perfect.
But, horses have good days and bad days, just like people.
“One ride doesn’t tell me anything,” one trainer told us. “I’m looking at the bigger picture. Is the horse sound? Is he confident? Is he happy doing his job? Is he peaking at the right time?”
Trying to force perfection can backfire.
Trust the Program
Another of our anonymous trainers emphasized something different: trust.
By Congress month, a trainer has usually spent months learning a horse’s strengths, weaknesses and ideal preparation schedule. Constant last-minute changes from owners can disrupt that process.
“Everyone gets nervous before Congress,” the trainer said. “Owners get nervous, exhibitors get nervous. And, yes, trainers get nervous, too. But, this is not the time to suddenly change everything we have been doing.”
That includes changing bits, adding new classes, dramatically increasing lessons or deciding a horse suddenly needs to be schooled differently.
One trainer said owners often see another horse doing something and immediately wonder whether their own horse should be doing it too.
“That is where comparison gets dangerous,” the trainer explained. “Every horse is different. What works for the horse in the stall next door may be completely wrong for yours.”
Communicate…But Timing Matters
“If you have a concern, absolutely talk to me,” one trainer said. “But five minutes before you walk into the pen is probably not the time to have a major conversation about whether we should completely change the plan.”
The trainer said clear communication before the show can eliminate many problems once everyone arrives in Columbus. Owners should know what classes they are entered in, what the realistic goals are and what their trainer expects from them during the show.
It’s Not All About You
During the Congress, trainers are managing horses, clients, staff, schedules, arena times, schooling sessions, farriers, veterinarians, tack, office work and unpredictable class times – often on very little sleep. Knowing what all goes on with your trainer outside of your class is important to keep yourself in check.
“I wish more clients would understand just how much we have on our plates,” one trainer told us. “A little patience goes a long way. We are balancing a lot and sometimes owners can forget that. You’re not the only customer in the barn.”
Keep it in Perspective and Enjoy the Show
Most importantly, owners should understand that one class does not define the entire Congress. And one Congress does not define your entire horse show career.
“I wish people could enjoy it a little more,” one of our trainers said. “You can prepare all year and still have something happen. Someone can make a mistake. A horse can have an off day. You can have the ride of your life and still not get the placing you hoped for.”
That perspective can be difficult in the moment, particularly at a show where so much time, money and emotion are invested.
All of our trainers agreed that a successful Congress ultimately comes down to the same things: patience, trust and keeping expectations in perspective.
Owners naturally want to do everything possible to help themselves and their horse succeed. Sometimes, however, the best thing you can do during Congress month is surprisingly simple:
Trust the professional you hired!
