I’ve been hearing about this legendary show for years, and finally had the pleasure of attending the 2018 Quarter Horse Congress in Columbus Ohio. It was the 52nd year of the country’s largest single breed show, with 24,500 entries and 7,500 horses competing. No wonder it takes up nearly the entire month of October!

Classes For Everyone…Take Your Pick

Congress offers 20 different classes to showcase the ability and versatility of the breed. Hunter Hack, Hunter Under Saddle, Hunt Seat Equitation, Working Hunter, Jumping, Halter, Showmanship at Halter, Western pleasure, Western Horsemanship, Western Riding, Trail, Pleasure Driving, Ranch Riding, Reining, Cutting, Calf Roping, Breakaway Roping, Dally Team Roping, Pole Bending, whew!

…and of course Barrel Racing, which gives me the opportunity to introduce Ford Acres Stables own Kaitlyn Moore in her debut at Congress competing in Youth Barrel Racing 13 & Under with partner Scooter B Skipping aka “Brink.”

**Kaitlyn and her proud mom (and trainer) Salina Moore**

Kidding Around

Aside from competing on a horse, youth contest activities help prepare young participants for a bright future! Kids answer equine related questions game show fashion in Horse Bowl. They craft speeches to participate in The Congress Communication Contests, Hippology, and the Collegiate and Junior Judging Contest.

Quarter Horse Congress Queen

Nearly a 50 year old tradition, the All American Quarter Horse Congress crowns an accomplished horsewoman each year to represent OQHA, AQHA and the horse industry as a whole. Rich in history, the Congress Queen has been crowned at the All American Quarter Horse Congress since the 2nd year in 1968. The Queen is the Official First Lady and spokeswoman of the Congress. As Congress Queen, she exemplifies beauty, grace, intelligence and horsemanship, all while living and promoting the western way of life!

Judging is based on the following criteria:

40% ORAL INTERVIEW

Judged by outstanding people in the field on candidate’s poise, appearance and personality. Candidates will also be judged for interview based on an impromptu question and 1 minute speech at the Welcome Reception on Tuesday evening. The 1 minute speech is to be rehearsed and well-prepared by each candidate to introduce themselves to the group and tell about the association that they are representing. Points will be deducted for any contestant going over 1 minute.

40% WRITTEN TEST

Knowledge of horses and the breed. All questions will be taken from the current year’s AQHA Official Handbook of Rules and Regulations.

20% HORSEMANSHIP

Judged by a panel of judges. The class will consist of performing a pattern and rail work; balance of the class at judges’ discretion to prove superior horsemanship.

Intelligence vs Instinct

That topic caught my eye and led to new inspiration & insights into our equine partners thanks to Mark Bolender.

Mark and Lee Bolender. International Mountain Trail Challenge Association

Mark Bolender is the nation’s leading horse expert in Mountain Trail, Extreme Mountain Trail, and Competitive Trail. He is a three-time National Champion and one of the most popular and sought-after trainers in the country.

Mark’s training goal is to create a partnership with the horse where mutual trust and respect is established and the horse volunteers to learn and perform in a safe manner.
He accomplishes this goal by understanding the horse’s world and the four Principles they operate under. Those principles form the core of his training philosophy.

Principle 1: In A Horse’s World There Is A Definite Pecking Order; No Two Animals Are On Equal Footing.

Principle 2: The Horse Is A Natural Born Follower But Only To A Clear And Consistent Leader.

Principle 3: The Horse Tries To Please Those Horses They Deem Superior To Them.

Principle 4: Instinct Drives Principles 1-3.

Mark’s demonstration was fascinating, and we’ll learn more about it and the International Mountain Trail Challenge in another blog post here. In the meantime you can visit www.bolenderhorsepark.com and check out his book on Amazon.

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Art & Conservation at Congress

I had the pleasure of meeting nationally known wildlife artist Chris Walden of Walden’s Brush With Wildlife.

Chris’ very realistic style and his ability to capture life in the animal kingdom have endeared him to many collectors around the world. He feels the need to give back to the lands and animals he paints by making sure that they are still around for many generations to come and enjoy. To accomplish this mission he has teamed up with several conservation groups in the US to lend his talents to help raise money and awareness to preserve the habitats that are in danger.

I spotted him while working on a beautiful rendition of mare and foal captured from a photo sent by a client in England. Learn more about Chris and his work at www.waldensbrushwithwildlife.com