With the All American Quarter Horse Congress right around the corner, it would be easy to assume exhibitors are spending September riding harder, schooling longer and trying to perfect every last detail.
But, according to some of the industry’s top trainers and exhibitors, the opposite is often true.
We asked trainers and exhibitors how they’re spending the final countdown before Congress and what they believe riders should and shouldn’t be doing as the pressure begins to build.
Grant Mastin – Right now, I think the most important thing any competitor should do, whether they are a youth still in school or an established professional, is use the next few weeks to take care of the important areas of their lives outside of the horses: work, school, health, and anything else that demands a lot of you. The opportunity to show at the Congress is once-in-a-lifetime, but it also carries a demanding schedule. Handling those things now is what allows you to be fully present, focused, and committed once you’re there. Trust your horse, trust your preparation, and, if you have one, trust your trainer. Take it all in. Enjoy it. And remember, the Congress is still the one!
Mark Katafiasz — Jamie (Hartman) and I have decided to stay home again this year in September before the Congress and AQHA World Show. It allows us to spend some time with the horses that haven’t been on the road with us and gives the ones that have been traveling a little more space to rest and recover. The horses going to the bigger shows will gradually build up their workload leading up to the event, but the goal of this month is to build toward what we are about to do. We don’t feel it’s reasonable to expect them to operate at 100 percent weeks in advance. Over-schooling, trying to be “perfect,” or focusing on only one aspect can be limiting.
Olivia Medows — I think the biggest thing in the final days before Congress is to avoid overthinking it. At that point, you and your horse are ready, and it’s much more important to maintain what you’ve built, than to make a bunch of last-minute changes. Preparation outside of the arena also makes a huge difference. I like to have as much packed and organized ahead of time as possible and take care of the little things early so that when it’s time to leave for Congress, I’m not scrambling. Anything you can do beforehand to eliminate unnecessary stress – for yourself and your horse – is worth doing.
Anna Trucco — Whether it’s a seasoned show horse or a 2-year-old getting ready to make its debut, we should be at a point where we’re focused on keeping them happy, healthy and confident. We’ve been preparing for Congress all year. We usually go to at least one show in September to do some schooling or get a few final good rides in. I like being home as much as possible during that final month so we can establish a good routine and feel our best.
Taft Dickerson — If you’ve been successful throughout the year, don’t try to change things at the last minute. Veterinarian maintenance should be done now rather than waiting until the week of the show. I’d also avoid risky situations with a fresh horse right now. This isn’t the time for an unnecessary accident. Most importantly, remember that this is a horse show. We’re here because we enjoy the animal and our sport. Try not to stress so much.
Meghan Renfro — As the daughter of a horse trainer and judge, one of the biggest mistakes I see people make is getting to a show and not riding the same way they do at home. Don’t suddenly push your horse past what he or she is capable of doing just because you’re at a big show.
Kelly McDowall — My horses have had a bit of a break since the NSBA World Show. During that time, they get turned out daily and ridden lightly about five days a week. We head to Arizona for the Fall Championship and then come back home before Congress and the AQHA World Show. For my group of horses, the biggest thing is having them fit enough for the challenges of traveling and showing without burning them out through too much repetition or constant pattern work. Our weekly routine keeps them happy and relaxed while still fit enough for the demanding weeks ahead.
Melissa Shetler — We actually show a little bit less leading up to Congress. We’ll do one three or four day show about a month beforehand. These horses have shown all year, and if they aren’t ready by fall, then we probably shouldn’t be going. The weather is also perfect for turnout, so they get a lot of outside time. I think that’s crucial to maintaining any show horse during the season. All of mine get turned out and spend time away from their stalls. We do add a few more “boot camp”-style lessons for exhibitors, but otherwise, if something has worked successfully all season, there’s no reason to suddenly add more stress to either the horse or rider.
Ali Hubbell — I’m taking two horses to Congress this year, and they need two very different approaches. One is young and very green, so she is spending a lot of time on the trailer and visiting new places during these final 30 days. I want her exposed to different environments before we get to a venue like Congress. My other horse, Zeus, is staying home and just staying fit and sharp. Anyone who knows Zeus knows his mane is usually roached. Right now, he’s growing it out in hopes that we’ll have enough hair to band at Congress. It’s kind of like growing out your bangs – he’s not really in a position to be out in public right now.
Lana Markway — I probably have a little bit of a unique situation. I’ve been practicing on my horse at home, but because of work and all the horses I have there, I don’t have much time to get to the barn and ride the horse I’ll be showing. I definitely have a plan for the horse going to Congress, and I’m looking forward to getting there. It’s the most wonderful time of the year!
Vanessa Froman – One thing I personally work on before a show like Congress is my mental game. I check in with my therapist who helps me to control my nerves and to envision our patterns going perfectly. This has helped me grow the most as a competitor. That “itty bitty shitty committee” working in my head telling me I am an imposter and I am not good enough to compete at this level can work overtime at these big shows. Dr. Marianne has helped quiet them and even replace most of its members over the last few years.
Austin Gooding – I think the main thing I see people do is start to put a bunch more pressure on their horse to try and get that extra little bit out of them and it ends up backfiring. My main advice would be to treat it like any other horse show.
Katy Jo Zuidema – I’m definitely different in this regard I think. I love taking fresh, happy, sound horses to the Congress. So for me I’m gonna say i wanna school my veterans just so they don’t take advantage of us in Columbus. If they’re two, hopefully I’m far enough along that I can spend these last three weeks building confidence and fattening up. If they’re three and we’ve shown this year I’m most likely turning them out and gaining weight and waiting until I’m a little closer to the show before I seriously put them back to work. I want them to stay in condition but also mentally relax and eat good food and take care of their belly. October can be a tough month for all of us. I have never believed that taking a body sore, mentally exhausted horse to the “Super Bowl” was a good idea.
