With eager anticipation, the All American Quarter Horse Congress 2022 returns to Columbus, Ohio, this year from September 27th to October 23rd. A show with the unique distinction of being the largest single-breed horse show in the world and over 25,000 horse show entries, this is an event like no other that you don’t want to miss.
The Ohio Quarter Horse Association is the driver behind this show and has created nothing short of a legacy, not to mention a huge economic driver for the Columbus area. The event is held at the Ohio Expo Center and State Fairgrounds and hosts numerous events in various disciplines, from Western Riding to working hunters. This show, which brings in over 650,000 people a year and boosts the local economy by a cool $409 million, was the brainchild of Quarter Horse breeder Blair Folck and promoted by then OQHA president Pete Drake way back in 1966. The idea was approved, and the first All American Quarter Horse Congress took place over three days in 1967.
The show was an almost immediate success, has continued to grow each year, and now covers 27 jam-packed days. Not only is there a class for every type of horse, but a place for every type of person. Even if you aren’t showing a horse, there is a trade show filled to the brim with your equine needs. Doors open for this shopping spectacular on September 30th with 200 equine industry exhibits.
With a schedule already full to the brim, this year brings new classes to the ring to give everyone a chance to show their full potential. Many western riding and trail classes add a Level 2 class and futurities for 2-Year-Old Maiden Open Hunter Under Saddle and 3-Year-Old Ranch Riding. The eagerly anticipated Ranch Stakes classes bring an additional $85,000 in prize money to the show.
The freestyle reining combines quick and sharp reining maneuvers with catchy, upbeat music into a horse performance like no other. Competitors, humans, and horses, often dress in costumes to match the theme of their music. This is always a class worth taking the time to watch and is always a crowd pleaser. The class is divided into two sections, the open and the non-pro. Last year’s open champion was Benjamin Becket aboard Xtra Dun Step. Becket’s routine was fast-paced and fun, including jorts (jean shorts) and a cut-off beer t-shirt. Several friends also showed up to complete the party atmosphere with a beer pong table, keg, and red solo cups. His routine was completed when his friends were chased from the arena by the cops, and he and his horse were escorted out. Remember that this is a hot event, so if you want to get tickets, do it now, as they sell out quickly.
Add the 56th Annual Congress Super Sale on Saturday, October 15th, to your list of things to do. Here is your chance to grab an upcoming yearling for your hunter or western under saddle stakes, or check out the Super Session with horses of all ages ranging from show horses, prospects, and breeding stock. Quarter horses, paints, and appaloosas are all accepted into the sale. The Ohio Quarter Horse Association offers the sale and is managed by Professional Horse Services, LLC.
The Congress PBR is its own spectacle you should make sure to attend. The bulls and riders will take over the Coliseum on Friday, October 7, 2022, at 7 pm sharp. This event brings together the best bulls with the best riders and is one of the last events before the PBR World Finals in Las Vegas. The points at this event could be the final push towards the PBR World Finals, making you part of history!
As you plan your itinerary, keep these important dates in mind.
All photos are courtesy of Shane Rux Photography. All the images from the shows are on their website at www.shaneruxphoto.com. Shane Rux Photography is the official show photographer for AQHA Youth World, AQHA Novice Championship Shows East & West, AQHA Open World, All American Quarter Horse Congress, WEC – Sudden Impulse Futurity in Ocala, Florid, WEC- Fall Championship Show in Ocala Florida, and Tulsa Reining Classic in Tulsa, Oklahoma. All proofs are available on the website www.shaneruxphoto.com.
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