2011 Congress Media Kit

2011 Media Kit

All American Quarter Horse Congress 2011 Media Kit

All American Quarter Horse Congress Oct. 7-30 2

Table of ContentsTITLE PAGEPress Procedures .................................................................. 3-4 Media Credentials Request ..................................................... 5General Information ............................................................ 6-8 Fast Figures ....................................................................... 9-10Show Schedule ................................................................ 11-12Trade Show Listings ............................................................. 13Ohio Expo Center Map ......................................................... 14Equestrian Terms ............................................................. 15-18 Story Ideas ............................................................................ 19List of Sponsors .................................................................... 20



Press ProceduresThank you for covering the All American Quarter Horse Congress. We hope to make your efforts as simple as possible. If you have any questions, comments or concerns, please visit the Press Room. Enjoy the show!

CONTACT: Tracy Bidwell Office: 740-943-2346, ext. 126 (through Sept. 28) Cell: 216-262-2717 Fax: 740-943-3752 (through Sept. 28) Press Room: (614) 294-0244 (Oct 7-30) Press Room Fax: (614) 294-0232 (Oct 7-30) PO Box 209 Richwood, OH 43344 [email protected]

CREDENTIALS: To obtain media credentials, please fill out the media credential form on page 5, and send the completed form back via e-mail, fax or postal mail. All media credential requests must be received by Septem-ber 14th, so that all necessary information can be sent to you prior to the show. Our office will close September 28th to move to the Ohio Expo Center and we will be unable to send out media credentials after September 14th.

PARKING: Admission for the Congress is a per-vehicle fee. OQHA provides a single one-day pass per pub-lication or station. Parking passes provide free admission to all Congress events and exhibits, except for Cinch Freestyle Reining, Equine Chronicle Masters Western Pleasure and Hunter Under Saddle classes, Congress Masters Halter classes, as well as Professional Bull Riders Tour performances. Please note that parking permits are provided as a courtesy to members of the working media. Misrepresenta-tion or misuse of Congress parking permits will result in a publication/station’s denial of future media creden-tials.

UPON ARRIVAL: Please stop by the Press Room, located in the Celeste Center, to sign in and pick up your complimentary copy of the Congress Souvenir Program. Additional background information, news releases and assistance with setting up interviews will be available as well.

FREESTYLE REINING AND MASTERS TICKETS: A maximum of two tickets per publication/station to each event (Freestyle Reining and Masters classes) are available at no charge. All tickets must be pre-ordered on the media credentials form. Tickets must be picked up no later than 3:00 p.m. the day of the event. No late orders or pick-ups will be accepted.

PROFESSIONAL BULL RIDERS TOUR: To obtain press credentials for the Professional Bull Riders perfor-mances, media must contact their office directly. Visit www.pbr.com/media/press for more information.



Press ProceduresOBTAINING RESULTS: All show results will be posted on our website, www.oqha.com. Printed copies and digital copies of results are available upon request.

PHOTOGRAPHY: Photography and video are welcome, however we ask that you do not use bright lights at the arena level, as this will frighten the horses. Additionally, please do not lean into arenas or against arena walls when taking photos or video, as this will also frighten the horses. Please note that members of the news media are not permitted to enter the arena during competition.

SCHEDULING INTERVIEWS: If you would like to arrange interviews with Congress officials or exhibi-tors prior to, during or after the 2011 Congress, on-site, by phone or other means, we will be happy to assist in making arrangements. Please refrain from approaching exhibitors who are about to enter the arena to compete, as this is equivalent to preparing to go on the air live. Also, please note that members of the news media are not permitted to enter the arena during competition. The show grounds encompasses 360 acres and it is sometimes difficult to locate officials and/or specific exhibitors on short notice. Please call or e-mail the Press Room to get your interview scheduled promptly.

BRING CLIPS OF YOUR STORIES: If you have had any stories published about the All American Quarter Horse Congress, or some of your stories will be coming out during the show, please bring them with you. We keep a file of all published clips.

PLEASE DON’T FORGET TO MENTION OUR SPONSORS: Many of our sponsors’ names are associ-ated with a class. We would appreciate if you could mention our sponsors’ names whenever possible. They help make the Congress possible.



Media Credential Request FormName of Publication/Station: ________________________________________________________________

Editor of Official Contact (and title): __________________________________________________________

Mailing Address: __________________________________________________________________________

Telephone: ________________________________________________________________________________

Fax: _____________________________________________________________________________________

E-mail: ___________________________________________________________________________________

Please complete the information below:___ My publication/station will attend the 2011 All American Quarter Horse Congress

Please register the individual(s) that will be attending: Name Position Date(s) Attending

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

Will any of the above people be attending Freestyle Reining? ____ If so, how many? ____ (A maximum of two complimentary tickets will be given, and must be picked up by 3:00pm on Oct. 15)

Will any of the above people be attending the Masters event? ____ If so, how many? ____ (A maximum of two complimentary tickets will be given, and must be picked up by 3:00pm on Oct. 28)

Please fax this form to 740-943-3752 or e-mail to [email protected] before Sept. 21



General InformationWHAT: 45th Annual All American Quarter Horse Congress

WHEN: October 7-30, 2011

WHERE: The Ohio Expo Center, located at 717 E. 17th Ave. Columbus, OH 43211

COST: $25 per vehicle for a one-day pass, or $70 per vehicle for the entire show. Fees are regardless of the number of people in the vehicle. There is no other additional admission charge except for Freestyle Reining, Equine Chronicle and Congress Masters events, and Professional Bull Riding Tour performances.

WHO: Horse enthusiasts, local equestrians, up-and-coming riders and world-class competitors from around the world. Competitors range in age from five years old to 60. Spectators come from Ohio, the surrounding states, as well as across the country and include the general public, corporate executives and their families.

FOR TICKETS: Parking permits can be purchased at the gate. Tickets for special events, such as the Equine Chronicle and Congress Masters Events, Freestyle Reining and Professional Bull Riders performances must be purchased in advanced.

NEW FOR 2011: The brand new Cinch Bridleless Cutting class will be held Friday, October 14th, immediately follow-ing the Congress Cutting Shoot-Out, which will begin at 6 p.m. This class is part of the new Congress Cutting Event, which will include the Congress Cutting Shoot-Out, Cinch Bridleless Cutting and the finals of the open and non-pro Mercuria NCHA World Series of Cutting. The event will be held in the Coliseum on Friday, Octo-ber 14th, starting at 6 p.m. The Southern Belle Invitation is sponsoring the new Congress Western Pleasure Maturity $10,000 Limited Horse Stakes class for horses that have earned less than $10,000. The class will have one go and a finals, and will include open, limited and Southern Belle Breeders divisions. The first go will be held Tuesday, October 18th at 8 a.m. in the Coliseum, with the Limited finals held later that day. The finals for the open and Southern Belle Breeders divisions will be held Friday, October 21st. Due to a rising number of entries in Trail classes, OQHA has added the Congress Trail Stakes class, open to three and four year olds. With one go and a finals, held Monday, October 24th and Thursday, October 27th respectively, the class will pay-out $7,500 in added money.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS: Small Fry Horsemanship showcases the youngest riders at the Congress. Riders aged nine and under dress in bedazzled show clothes and compete on their mounts. The outfits are a sight to behold and the children are always smiling from ear to ear.



General Information The Masters Events include the Equine Chronicle Western Pleasure class, the Equine Chronicle Hunter Under Saddle class and the Congress Weanling Halter class. These classes promote and showcase the natural talent of un-shown two-year-old and weanling horses. All entries must purchase a slot, which were sold at the first Masters Events in 2004, and are owned for life. Owners may either show one of their own horses or lease the slot if they do not have a prospect to show.

The Congress Cutting Event is brand new for 2011 and will feature some of the best cutting horses and riders from across the country. Spectators will be thrilled with displays of extreme athleticism as horses weed cows out from the herd and hold them on the opposite side of the pen. The event includes the Cutting Shoot-Out, Cinch Bridleless Cutting and the finals of the Mercuria NCHA World Series of Cutting.

Freestyle Reining is often compared to figure skating in that riders create their own pattern to music. This competition combines the athletics and finesse of Reining moves with the melodies of popular music in one of the Congress’ most popular events. Competitors (and their mounts) often wear costumes and may include props and actors in their performances.

Dummy Roping classes provide an opportunity for young contestants (age 5-12) to show off their roping skills by roping a plastic steer’s head on a bale of hay. There will be two rounds for the 9-12 year old division and three rounds for the eight year old and under division. The final round for both divisions is sudden death, in which contestants must rope the plastic steer from increasing distances.

The National Youth Activity Team Tournament (NYATT) brings together more than 100 teams and 600 youth from state and regional Quarter Horse associations to compete in six events, making it the most popular youth event at the Congress. A maximum of two members from each team can compete in each event. Awards are given at the end of the tournament for both individuals and teams. The All American Quarter Horse Congress Queen is also crowned during this ceremony.

The Congress Super Sale is a tradition at the All-American Quarter Horse Congress. It has been held every year since the Congress began in 1967. The Super Sale is a place for horsemen and women to purchase some of the finest horses in the world. Only the best and brightest are offered at the Super Sale every year.

The Intercollegiate/Junior Horse Judging Contest brings in students from across the country to find out who has the best eye for horseflesh. Contestants place four Halter classes and eight performance classes in this competition. Certain classes will be announced as “oral reasons” classes. Oral reasons are the judging contestants’ chance to explain their placings. There are youth and collegiate divisions, both of which award indi-vidual and team high-point awards.

The All American Quarter Horse Congress Queen Contest brings young women from all over the country to compete for the title. The contest consists of a written exam about the AQHA Official Handbook



General Informationof Rules and Regulations, an oral interview and a Horsemanship pattern. The candidates also assist with the Queen’s Style Show, which highlights fashionable Western wear on the runway. Once crowned, the Queen serves as an ambassador to the show, making appearances throughout the year at national events.

Puppy Alley will melt even the hardest of hearts. An entire tent with countless booths dedicated solely to man’s best friend, Puppy Alley is a Congress tradition in which breeders of all different breeds of dogs gather to showcase and sell their latest litters.

HISTORY: At the May 1966 OQHA board of directors meeting, Blair Folck, an OQHA past president, reported on his attendance at the Charolais Cattle Congress in St. Louis, Missouri. Folck raved about the success of the show, and stated that the enormity of the state-sponsored cattle event dwarfed any promotional events that the national association had ever done. He further predicted that the same type of program could be adapted to Quarter Horses and hosted by OQHA. His idea was received with mixed emotions by the board. Many people were excited about the idea, but others were concerned about the financial liability. The OQHA had only $3,500 in the treasury. After deliberating and reviewing its options, the board agreed at an emergency board meeting in January 1967 to host the Congress under one condition: $10,000 was to be raised before May 1, 1967, or the show would be cancelled. Dr. W.P. “Pete” Drake, OQHA president for the first three Congress shows, and Folck began presenting the idea of the Congress to individuals and groups, and worked on obtaining commercial exhibit agreements to attend the show. With much more than the $10,000 goal in signed contracts, the association decided to pro-ceed with the first annual All American Quarter Horse Congress, held November 3-5, 1967 at the Ohio State Fairgrounds in Columbus, Ohio. Registration was $20 for three days, $15 for Saturday and Sunday and $5 for Sunday only. “There would be no free rides,” wrote Dr. Drake. “We had heard a report that the National Reining Horse Association had incurred a $4,000 debt in their effort to put on their first futurity in 1966, and we surely did not want to duplicate their errors.” More than 5,000 horsemen and women came to the first Congress, and the event was a hit, netting the association $15,000 over its three-day run. From its initial three days, the show grew to include more and more events and eventually evolved to the three-week schedule seen today.

INTERNET: The Congress website, www.oqha.com/aaqhc, features full show information,schedule, results, ticket information and more. The site has a complete sponsor listing, as well as complete lists of classes offered and a daily schedule.



Fast FiguresALL AMERICAN QUARTER HORSE CONGRESS- The All American Quarter Horse Congress is the largest single-breed horse show in the world.- There are nearly 17,000 horse show entries.- The show attracts more than 650,000 people to the Columbus area.- It generates $180 million for the central Ohio economy. - Attendees come from every US state, as well as several other countries and continents. - Nearly $3 million is given away in cash and prizes, including trucks, trailers, trophy saddles, sterling silver buckles and the coveted Don Bell bronze trophies.- The largest Intercollegiate and Junior Horse Judging contest is held at the Congress, with more than 60 teams of college students, 4-H, FFA and Quarter Horse youth members. - 200 registered Quarter Horses are sold at the Congress Super Sale.

OTHER CONGRESS FIGURES- The Sweet Shop, one of the favorite Congress food vendors, bakes and sells more than 20,000 cinnamon rolls each year. Throughout the years they have been at Congress, The Sweet Shop has baked and sold nearly half a million cinnamon rolls. They will sell more than 2,250 gallons (36,000 cups) of coffee this year alone.- Cox Concessions will go through more than 526 bottles of Crown Royal Whiskey, producing 9,000 Crown Royal drinks sold at the Congress. Additionally, they will use more than 2,500 pounds of ice during the three weeks of Congress.- Harris Leather and Silverworks builds 75 show saddles specifically for the Congress. Each saddle weighs approximately 45 pounds, of which seven is pure silver. Each saddle needs approximately 30 feet of leather and 10 feet of sheepskin to make. It takes one craftsman nearly 280 hours to build a single show saddle. Working eight hours a day, it would take one craftsman approximately 35 days to build one saddle. If one single craftsman built every saddle Harris brings to the Congress, it would take seven years. - More than 9,000 cubic yards of manure were hauled out of the fairgrounds in 2006 during the Congress, totaling more than 1,800 tons. It took nearly one additional month after the show ended to finish cleaning up. The average 1,000 pound horse produces nine tons of manure per year. Following that figure, Congress produces as much manure in 23 days as 200 horses produce in one year.

DEMOGRAPHICS ABOUT ATTENDEESMost attendees of the Congress are members of the American Quarter Horse Association.According to the most recent AQHA Membership Survey (2006):- Average member age: 45- 80% reside in a rural, farm or ranch area- 77% have attended college or are college graduates- More than 60% are professional owners and managers- Average household income: $103,000



Fast Figures- AQHA members spend 10.39 nights, on average, in a hotel/motel per year- Travel 3.36 time, on average, on commercial airlines - 81% dine out one to five times a week- Spend an average of $5,272 on fuel

- 62% own more than one dog- 52% own more than one cat

- Own an average of 1.8 computers- Spend 11.34 hours per week on the internet- 35% shop by catalog or on the internet- 97% own at least one cell phone

FINANCIAL IMPACT OF THE EQUINE INDUSTRY- 9.2 million horses in the United States, 307,000 of which are located in Ohio (2005 American Horse Council Study).- More than 70 percent, or 215,000, horses in Ohio are involved in showing and recreation (2005 American Horse Council Study).- 4.6 million people are involved in the horse industry in some way.- This means one out of every 63 Americans is involved with horses. - Direct economic effect on U.S.: $39 billion annually- Indirect economic impact: $102 billion when the multiplier effect of spending by industry suppliers and employees is taken into account.- The industry provides 460,000 full time jobs, 12,700 of which are in Ohio. Spending by suppliers and employ-ees generates additional jobs in Ohio, for a total employment impact of 42,700. - The equine industry’s economic impact on Ohio ranks eighth in the nation in state economic impact (2005 Ohio Farm Bureau Federation, Inc.).



Show ScheduleA full show schedule is available online at www.oqha.com/congress

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 7Cutting and Reining

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 8Cutting and Reining

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 9Cutting and Reining

MONDAY, OCTOBER 10Cutting and ReiningNCHA $50,000 Limited Amateur Cutting

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 11Cutting and Reining

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 12Cutting and Reining

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13Cutting and ReiningCinch Team Roping Challenge

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 14Cutting and RopingCongress Cutting Event

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 15Working Hunter, Reining, Longe Line and RopingCinch Freestyle Reining Cinch Dummy Roping

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 16Working Hunter, Equitation Over Fences, Halter and Hunter Under Saddle Congress Masters Halter -Weanling Stallions/ Geldings

MONDAY, OCTOBER 17Working Hunter, Jumping, Halter, Western Pleasure, Hunter HackCongress Masters Halter - Weanling Fillies

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 18Western Pleasure, Hunter Under Saddle, Western Riding and Hunter Hack

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 19Pleasure Driving, Hunter Under Saddle, Western Pleasure, Longe Line and Western RidingIntercollegiate and Junior Horse Judging Contest

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20Trail, Reining, Western Pleasure, Halter, Horsemanship, Hunter Under Saddle and Western Riding

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21Showmanship, Western Pleasure, Hunter Under Saddle and HalterQueen’s Horsemanship

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 22Showmanship, Western Riding, Western Pleasure, Halter and TrailSmall Fry HorsemanshipQueen’s Style ShowCongress Super Sale

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 23Reining, Western Pleasure, Hunter Under Saddle, Barrel Racing, Horsemanship and ShowmanshipNational Youth Activity Team Tournament

MONDAY, OCTOBER 24Trail, Western Pleasure, Horsemanship, Halter, Western Riding and Showmanship



Show ScheduleTUESDAY, OCTOBER 25Trail, Equitation, Hunter Under Saddle, Western Pleasure and Showmanship

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 26Trail, Hunter Under Saddle, Western Pleasure, Horsemanship, Showmanship, Pole Bending and HalterAmateur Versatility

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 27Trail, Western Pleasure, Horsemanship, Pole Bending and Barrel Racing

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28Horsemanship, Hunter Under Saddle, Western Pleasure, Pole Bending and Barrel RacingEquine Chronicle Masters - Hunter Under SaddleEquine Chronicle Masters - Western Pleasure

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 29Showmanship, Hunter Under Saddle, Western Pleasure, Western Riding, Pole Bending and Barrel Racing

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 30Hunter Under Saddle, Equitation, Barrel Racing and Pole BendingPole Bending Sweepstakes FinalsWenger Barrel Racing Sweepstakes Finals

A full show schedule is available online at www.oqha.com/aaqhc



Trade Show ListingsThis is a list of just a few of our commercial exhibitors that come to the Congress every year. For a more complete listing, please visit the Press Room.

Big Dee’s Tack & Vet Supplies: Founded in 1976 to supply the needs of horsemen. 9998 State Route 43Streetsboro, Ohio 44241. 1-800-321-2142. www.bigdweb.com.

Blue Ribbon Custom Tack: A custom manufacturer of the finest quality western saddles and accessories. 15026 N. Cave Creek Rd. Phoenix, AZ 85032. (602) 992-2145. www.blueribbontack.com.

Cashmans Horse Equipment: Your Complete Source for Equine Equipment. 1646 US Highway 42 North Delaware, Ohio 43015-9013. (800) 500-5804. www.cashmans.com.

Chick’s Discount Saddlery: Saddle, Horse Tack and Horse Supply Warehouse. 1-800-444-2441. www.chicksaddlery.com.

Featherlite Trailers: Horse trailers, utility trailers, motorcycle trailers, car trailers. Hwy 63 & 9; P.O. Box 320Cresco, IA 52136. 800-800-1230. www.fthr.com.

Harris Leather & Silverworks: Making fine western show equipment and custom saddles for over 40 years. 219 Pat Nixon Road,State Road, N.C. 28676. (336) 874-2100. www.harrisleather.com.

Montana Silversmiths: The leading western buckle and jewelry manufacturer with over 35 years of experi-ence. #1 Sterling Lane Columbus, MT 59019. 800-634-4830. www.montanasilversmiths.com.

Rockin J Horse Stalls: Custom built horse stalls. P.O. Box 869 Mannford, OK 74044. 800-765-7229. www.rockinjhorsestalls.com

Rods Western Palace: Your source for the western lifestyle. 3099 Silver Dr. Columbus, OH 43224.1-866-326-1975. www.rods.com.

Schneiders Saddlery: Value priced horse supplies since 1948. 8255 E. Washington St. Chagrin Falls, OH 44023. 1-800-365-1311. www.sstack.com.

SmartPak: Supplements Simplified. Easy, Affordable, Better Horse Care. 40 Grissom Road, Suite 500 Plymouth, MA 02360. (877) 885-2904. www.smartpak.com.



Ohio Expo Center Map



GENERAL TERMSAmateur: Competitors who are no longer youth (age 19 and over), but have not become professional horsemen or women by showing, training or assisting in training for payment.

English: A seat of riding characterized by a flat saddle (what the rider sits in) and a bridle (what goes over the horse’s head) with a band over the forehead and another over the nose. English events include: equitation over fences, hunter hack, hunter under saddle, hunt seat equitation and working hunter.

Filly: A young female horse, under four years of age.

First Go: First preliminary round of an event.

Futurity: Performance event for two-year-olds or halter events for yearlings or younger.

Gaits: The manner of moving the feet. In Western, the gaits are called walk, jog and lope. In English events, the gaits are called walk, trot and canter.

Gelding: A neutered male horse.

Green: For less experienced horses, typically still in their first year of showing in a particular class.

Junior: A horse five years of age and under.

Limited: Riders that have not yet earned 25 points in that particular skill set in any division.

Mare: A female horse aged four and over.

NCHA: National Cutting Horse Association

Novice: For more inexperienced riders that have not earned 25 points in a skill set, won a national or reserve national title or won more than $5,000.

NRHA: National Reining Horse Association

NSBA: National Snaffle Bit Association

Open: Open to any rider, although usually only professional horsemen and women are seen competing in these classes.

Equestrian Terms



Second Go: Second preliminary round of an event.

Select: Amateur competitors aged 50 and over.

Senior: Horses aged six years and over.

Stallion: A male horse than has not been neutered.

Yearling: A horse that is one year old.

Youth: Competitors aged 18 and under.

Weanling: A horse usually between six months and one year old that is no longer at its mother’s side.

Western: A type of riding characterized by a heavier saddle with a horn at the front. Additionally, riders use one hand to guide their horses (called “neck reining”). Western events include: barrel racing, breakaway roping, calf roping, cutting, dally team roping, heading, heeling, pole bending, reining, trail, western horsemanship, western pleasure and western riding.

CLASS DESCRIPTIONSBarrel Racing: Exhibitors race around three barrels in a cloverleaf pattern, with the fastest time taking home first place. Riders may touch the barrels, but if any are knocked down during the run, a five second penalty per barrel is added to the total time.

Breakaway Roping: Exhibitors start from behind a barrier. A calf is let loose, tripping the barrier signalling the horse and rider to take off after it. A heavy string is used to hold the rope to the saddle and when the rider catches the calf, the rope breaks loose. The loop must pass completely over the calf’s head, but may tighten around any portion of the calf’s body. The exhibitor who catches the calf the fastest is the winner. A time penalty of 10 seconds is assessed if the horse and rider break the barrier before the calf.

Calf Roping: A calf is released from a chute and the horse must run to calf, rate its speed and position the rider to throw a loop to catch the calf. As soon as the calf is caught, the horse stops and the rider dismounts and lays the calf down to tie its legs together.

Cutting: A timed event, the contestant has two and half minutes to move into a herd of cattle, cut (or separate) one cow from the herd and drive it to the center of the arena and hold it away from the herd. Two riders, known as “turnback men” keep the cow from going past the working arena, while another pair of riders known as “herd holders” keep the cow from going past the end of the arena. It is the cutting horse’s job to prevent the cow from

Equestrian Terms



Equestrian Termsgoing back to herd. The horse must match the cow, anticipating its every movement.

Dally Team Roping: In this event two cowboys and their horses are judged on the horses’ abilities to position their riders to catch a steer. Each rider has a different job: one must catch the horns (heading) and one must catch both hind legs (heeling). One rider is judged at a time, and up to 100 points can be awarded. Separate events are held judge headers and heelers.

Equitation Over Fences: The rider is judged in this event on their ability to show and control a horse over fences. Judges look at the position of the rider’s seat and hands for consistency and smoothness throughout the course.

Halter: Halter classes judge the conformation, soundness and quality of individual Quarter Horses. Classes are divided by age and sex. To win, a horse must exhibit overall balance, style and beauty.

Heading: The header must catch the steer either by the horns or around the neck and dally (which is to tie the rope to the saddle horn). Once the steer is caught, the horse must set and turn the steer at a 90 degree angle and pull the steer across the pen, allowing the heeler to catch the hind legs. Contestants are allowed to throw two loops within two minutes after the steer is released.

Heeling: In the second portion of Dally Team Roping, the heeler must catch both or one hind leg, dally (which is to tie the rope to the saddle horn) and stretch the steer slightly, which is the signal to end the time. Contestants are allowed to throw two loops within two minutes after the steer is released.

Hunter Hack: Horses are required to jump two fences and then compete at the walk, trot and canter both directions along the rail. Horses are judged on their manners and movement both over fences and on the flat.

Hunter Under Saddle: Contestants show on the flat (they do not jump over any obstacles) at the walk, trot and canter going both to the right and to the left. Horses are judged on manners, responsiveness and most of all their quality of movement.

Hunt Seat Equitation: In this class only the riders are judged on their position while riding. A pattern is given that tests the riders’ skills and ability to guide their horse. Finalists from the pattern will be asked to return to the ring to show at a walk, trot and canter both directions of the ring. Riders should appear calm and relaxed, with good posture and cues to their horse should be almost imperceptible.

Jumping: In this timed event, contestants jump a set course of jumps. Faults (which are time penalties) are assessed if a horse refuses to jump over an obstacle or knocks down part of it. Horses that do not get any faults return to compete in a timed jump-off to determine the final class placing.



Equestrian TermsPleasure Driving: Horses compete by pulling a two-wheeled, single-horse cart. Horses are shown at a walk, park gait (normal trot) and road gait (a faster, extended trot) going both directions. In this class, judges look for the smoothest drive and conformation of the horse is also taken into consideration.

Pole Bending: In this timed event, six poles are placed in a straight line, 21 feet apart. Horses may start on the left or right side, and run to the last pole, go around it and weave down toward the start and then back up to the top. Time stops when they run back down the length of the poles and cross the finish line. Contestants may touch the poles, but if one gets knocked down, a five-second penalty is added to the total time.

Reining: Each horse works through one of 11 approved patterns that feature exciting and thrilling movements. Horses are judged on finesse, smoothness, attitude and their athletic ability to perform various maneuvers at a controlled speed. Judges rate the horses between zero to 100, with 70 being the average. Any contestant that does not follow the pattern is disqualified.

Showmanship: Much like a halter class for youth and amateur contestants, showmanship is judged strictly on the handler’s ability to fit and show a horse in a halter class. Essentially, the horse is a prop to show the ability and preparation of the handler. Often there is a set pattern, with judges rewarding contestants that are poised and confident and perform with promptness, smoothness and precision.

Trail: Horses are judged on their ability to work through obstacles without becoming nervous or anxious. Obstacles include gates, logs and even a water hazard. Horses must maneuver these obstacles at varying speeds and directions. Horses should be careful, but not hesitate at obstacles.

Western Horsemanship: In this class, the riding ability of the exhibitor is judged rather than the performance of the horse. There are two sections: each contestant must complete a pattern of maneuvers determined by the judge. Finalists from the the first section then return to the ring to show at a walk, jog and lope, going both directions. Judges are looking for a relaxed rider who uses nearly imperceptible cues to guide their horse.

Western Pleasure: Exhibitors show their horses at a walk, jog and lope going both directions of the arena. Horses are judged in this class on manners, responsiveness and the quality of their gaits. Horses should appear relaxed and natural.

Western Riding: Contestants follow a prescribed pattern involving several obstacles, including going over a log and weaving in and out of cones. Exhibitors are judged on the quality of the horse’s gaits, manners and responsiveness.

Working Hunter: In this class, horses go over a set course of jumps ranging in height from two feet nine inches to three feet nine inches. Judging is based on manners and consistency throughout the course. If the exhibitor does not complete the course in the correct order or falls off, they are disqualified.



Story IdeasBuilding the Congress: From setting up food vendors and commercial exhibitors to housing more than 8,500 horses over three weeks, setting up for the All American Quarter Horse Congress is a huge undertaking.

A Day in the Life: Choose from many professionals as they go about the grueling routine that Congress de-mands. Grooms wake in the early hours of the morning to bathe and beautify horses for the show ring. Trainers run from one arena to another preparing clients and their horses for the show ring. It is not unusual for trainers to spend at least 12 hours on the grounds every day.

Big Things Come in Small Packages: There are several classes at the Congress that showcase kids (age 12 and under) strutting their stuff. From Dummy Roping to Small Fry Horsemanship, these kids practice hard to show at the Congress.

Horse Show Moms and Dads: Devoted parents can be seen in the stands, warm-up rings and all around the Congress. They take days off work, sacrifice new cars, vacations and sleeping in to help their children reach their dreams. Their support, through the highs and lows of horse showing, is endearing and inspirational.

Our Future: Youth and Amateur classes provide an opportunity to see the young up-and-coming stars of the Quarter Horse industry. These individuals make sacrifices in their daily lives to practice and show at the Con-gress and many of the winners of these classes will go on to become professional horsemen and women who will shape the future.

In and Out: What does it take to feed (and clean up after) 8,500 for 21 days? It takes a lot of know how and organization. How about coordinating the move-in and move-out of all those horses and their entourages? Take a look at the schedule that makes it happen.

High Fashion: Check out the latest in horse show fashion at the Queen’s Style Show and visit commercial exhibitors like Berry Fit, Rods Western Palace or Schneiders Saddlery to see the gorgeous outfits emblazoned in crystals for western competition or the prim and proper hunt seat jackets for english.

Home Away from Home: Take a stroll down the aisle way of the barns to see how competitors keep from get-ting home sick. Elaborate curtains, tables, chairs, photo panels and plants adorn the stalls and as competitors win ribbons, they tack them up and put them on display. It truly is a sight to behold to see the barn transformed into a cozy living room.



List of SponsorsBig Dee’s Tack & Vet Supply

Blue Ribbon Custom TackCashmans Horse EquipmentChick’s Discount Saddlery

Cinch JeansCoughlin Autmotive

The Equine ChronicleFarnam

Harris Leather & SilverworksHighland Financial Inc

John DeereJustin Boots

Keith Saddle ShopMontana Silversmiths Pard’s Western Shop

Purina MillsRod’s Western Palace

Salopek Golf Car & EquipmentSchneiders Saddlery

Sean Ryon Saddle ShopThe Southern Belle Invitation Futurity

SmartPak

2011 Congress Media Kit

Documents

Transcript of 2011 Congress Media Kit