As the temperatures decrease and the days get shorter, October is here, which means one thing to most horse folks – it’s time for the All-American Quarter Horse Congress.
For trainers and exhibitors alike, the Congress is one-of-a-kind. The long days and short nights make the weeks in Columbus, Ohio, seem like an eternity.
We spoke to veteran exhibitors to get their number one tips on surviving the largest horse show in the world. Let’s find out what they had to say. Do you have any suggestions that help the show run smoother for you? Let us know in our social media comments.
Take It All In
Amateur World and Congress Champion Emma Edwards’ number one tip for showing at the Congress is to take it all in. “It’s one of the most prestigious horse shows in the country, and it’s such a privilege to be able to show there. Learn from others, and don’t put so much pressure on yourself. Enjoy every ride with your horse and soak it up.”
“Enjoy every moment – from the midnight rides to catching up with friends, watching the best of the best compete, and eating Bourbon Chicken and Chicken Dumpling Soup every day for two weeks straight. I know it’s hard not to let the nerves and the Congress buzz get to us, but it is a unique stage to compete on, so ride your ride and enjoy every second. Good luck to everyone competing this year,” Emma says.
Just Show Your Horse
Florida Youth exhibitor Cheyenne Augsburger takes her father’s advice to heart. “My dad always says, ‘Just show your horse.’ That is my main tip to people: Show the horse you have. Don’t try to change or enhance something at the last minute just because you’re showing at the Congress. Just be confident in yourself and your horse. And have fun.”
“Don’t let the size and pressure intimidate you,” says Youth Sydney Swallom. “Since Congress is such a significant show, I think it’s easy to understand the level at which you’re competing. Regardless of that added pressure, treat it like a regular horse show. I know the packed warm-up pens, large class sizes, and neck ribbons can be overwhelming, so do your best to stay calm and enjoy every ride with your horse.”
Missouri Amateur Evie Doles shares that her tip for Congress is not to let the magnitude of the show interfere with your mental competition plan. “It’s a big deal, and there’s an argument to make the nerves help you show, but don’t let your nerves affect your riding.”
One Day at a Time
Ohio trainer Melissa Shetler says that Congress is challenging for even the most seasoned riders/trainers to handle well. So, being a newbie to it can be overwhelming. “However, I have always done it one day at a time. I try to focus on each day, show individually, and plan for everyone – where to ride, when to ride, when to be ready, etc. If someone is new, I spend a little more time early in the show focusing on them until they get the hang of things and know where all the arenas are and how to get there.”
“The big thing I do to keep things organized is make lists. I have lists of horses…walker appointments…classes each horse shows in…basically if I can make a list for it, I do. When I head there, I feel like I have a plan for everything,” Trainer Ashley Dunbar-Clock of Pilot Point, Texas, says. “But, it’s always nice to get there early, especially if it’s your first time…then you have a day to settle and get the lay of the grounds. I always like knowing the options for longing spots, riding arenas, ponying horses. Then, of course, there’s the packing aspect. Always pack clothes for every season.”
Get Some Sleep
Dunbar-Clock adds, “It can also be among the hardest regarding sleep deprivation and getting horses prepped. So, my big thing is to nap and sleep when you can. That way, when it comes time to show, you’re not so sleep-deprived, you can’t show your best.”
Emma DeJong agrees with Ashley, “My number one tip for Congress is to get all the sleep you can. If you are not rested enough, it’s hard to perform to your fullest when you’re exhausted. I know Congress is tough to find time to sleep, but always find a little time to nap.”
Have a Plan & Do Night Rides
Amateur Johnna Letchworth-Clark told GoHorseShow that her number one tip for showing at the Congress would be to get up and do the night rides. “Get in all the arenas, even if it’s the Cooper. Nothing beats a Congress night ride, and there is no better way to calm your nerves for show time than going in the arenas as much as possible. Do it so much that it becomes natural to walk in those arenas.”
“Be organized and plan – knowing the nightly riding schedules for each arena you will show in is necessary. The riding schedule at night is usually divided by discipline, and there is generally only a 2 -3 hour window to practice at night,” Amateur Leena Volmer says. “It’s vital to check those schedules and ride at the allotted time…getting your horse comfortable in the arenas is much more important than sleep.”
Multiple Congress Champion Olivia Tordoff says to create a detailed plan with your trainer. “Everything will run smoothly if you guys are on the same page. With that being said, be on time. If you and your coach decide to ride at 4 am, ensure you are saddled and ready to ride when your trainer gets to the barn.”
Have a Good Support System
“Having a great support system is a must. The front runners, trainers, family, friends, and great horses are super important. Also, the vets, farriers, braiders and banders, salt water trailers, night watchmen, dog sitters, and house sitters,” Texas Amateur Tiina Volmer says. “Behind the scenes, people play an essential role in tying everything together to succeed. It does take a village.”
Do you have any tips for navigating a successful Congress? Please share on our social media pages.
