The Ultimate Congress Survival Guide: For Exhibitors & Shoppers Alike
How to Navigate the Congress Like a Pro — Whether You’re Showing, Shopping, or Just Soaking It All In
If you’ve ever set foot on the Ohio Expo Center grounds in Columbus during October, you know that the All American Quarter Horse Congress is a world of its own. It’s the largest single-breed horse show in the world, and between the competition, shopping, food, and atmosphere, it’s an experience unlike any other.
Whether you’re an exhibitor preparing to show under the bright lights or a shopper ready to take on the trade show, here’s everything you need to know to make the most of your trip.
Exhibitor Tips: Be Prepared, Stay Flexible, and Enjoy the Ride
The Congress isn’t your average horse show — it’s a marathon, not a sprint. Preparation, patience, and flexibility are key to surviving (and enjoying) the long weeks ahead.
1. Start Your Prep Early — The EOQHA Show Is Key (If You’re Close Enough)
If you’re within driving distance, the EOQHA show in September is one of the best warm-ups you can attend before Congress. You’ll get a feel for the Coliseum, one of the arenas used at Congress, and that experience pays off big when it’s showtime.
The Coliseum might sound huge, but it’s actually smaller than many riders expect, with raised seating that can distract busier-minded horses. Getting your horse used to the atmosphere — the sound, the crowd, the setup — will help a lot when the pressure’s on.
That said, not everyone can attend EOQHA, especially with exhibitors traveling in from all over the country. If you can’t go, focus on finding opportunities to get your horse into as many show environments as possible ahead of time.
2. Take Advantage of Night Riding Times
At Congress, you’ll want your horse comfortable in the arena you’ll be showing in — and that happens during scheduled night riding sessions. Sometimes they’re at 9 PM… other times, 4 AM. It’s part of the grind, but it’s worth it when your horse walks in confident instead of distracted.
You can find the official night riding schedule here:
👉 Night Riding Schedule – All American Quarter Horse Congress
3. Know Your Draw and Be Early
If you’re showing in pattern classes, make sure you know your draw and plan ahead. You can find it on the Horse Show Tracker app or check the Congress website here:
👉 2025 Draws – All American Quarter Horse Congress
Get to your class early to give yourself enough time to warm-up, check-in and double-check your tack. Always have backups. You’ll never regret being overprepared.
4. Stay Connected with Family and Friends
Not everyone can make the trip to Columbus, but thanks to the Congress Livestream, your friends and family can still watch you show from home:
👉 Congress Livestream
It’s the next best thing to being there — and it’s always fun to go back and rewatch your rides later.
5. Pack Like a Pro (Overpack, Honestly)
October in Ohio can mean sunshine one day and sleet the next. It’s unpredictable, so bring layers — hoodies, jackets, vests, and light shirts for warmer days.
And socks. Lots of socks.
Between mud, rain, and long hours, it’s always better to have too many than not enough. You’ll thank yourself later.
6. Housing Tips: Camping vs. Airbnb
If you’re camping on-site, try to arrive and move in early — it can get chaotic, and early setup makes life much easier.
Another option I love is Airbnb. If you go this route, pick one with a washer and dryer — it is huge during a long show, and limits the amount of laundry I need to do when I get home. I usually bring my HelloFresh meals for the week so I can cook healthy homemade meals while also saving some money on food. It also gives me the full space I need to prep meals when it's my turn to provide lunch or dinner for our barn.
Hellofresh Discount Link for a Free box + $60: https://www.hellofresh.com/freebox/MzE2OTAyODc2LTAtNC0xNi1VUw
7. Horse Recovery & Wellness
Congress is long, and horses spend hours in stalls with limited movement. For recovery, consider the on-site cryotherapy or water spa. Limitless Equine Cryotherapy and Perfect Equine Cold Water Spa is typically set up on grounds. There is tons of benefits from both. I also love Bemer, hands on massage, and Magnawave. My mare gets Bemer and massage monthly to keep her feeling her best during show season.
I did cryotherapy with my mare the night before her class last year and noticed a huge difference — she felt more comfortable and moved better. Keeping your horse’s body happy makes a huge difference, especially with multiple long show days and no turnout.
8. Plan for Late Nights
The arena lights never seem to go out at Congress. Prepare yourself (and your horse) for unpredictable show times. Catch naps where you can and stay flexible — the best exhibitors know how to roll with the schedule changes.
9. Stay Organized in the Stalls
Stall areas can turn into chaos if you’re not careful. Bring a small set of drawers or organizers, label everything, and make your tack stall feel like home. It’s worth the effort when you’re running on three hours of sleep and can actually find your hoof polish.
10. Soak It In
Win or lose, take time to walk the fairgrounds, watch the best of the best in classes, and remember why you love this crazy sport. The energy of Congress is unmatched — there’s nothing else like it.
Safety Tips: Keep Yourself and Your Gear Secure
While Congress is an amazing event, the surrounding area isn’t the safest, and can draw in others with bad intentions, so it’s important to take precautions:
- Lock up valuables — this goes for hotels, Airbnb, and barns. Don’t leave electronics, wallets, or purses unattended.
- Be aware of your surroundings — the Expo Center draws big crowds, so stay mindful, especially when walking to cars or trailers.
- Buddy system — walk with a friend, or let someone know where you’re going. Even short trips to vendors or arenas are safer with a buddy.
- Keep vehicles secure — lock doors and trunks; avoid leaving items visible in parked cars.
- Trust your gut — if something feels off, leave the area or ask staff/security for help. One thing I do is share my location with my trainer at not just Congress, but all horse shows. You never know what could happen, and travel by yourself as a female is intimating. I tell her, if you see my location in the woods, call 911. 😂
Taking safety seriously lets you focus on the fun, without added stress.
Take Care of Yourself
Congress is intense — long days, busy schedules, and lots of walking. Don’t forget your own wellness while taking care of your horse:
- Hydrate constantly — water is your best friend.
- Eat balanced meals — don’t skip meals, and try to include healthy proteins and veggies where you can.
- Take your vitamins or supplements — your immune system will thank you. Emergen-C is my favorite for immune health. Daily Vitamins I take are by HUM Nutrition. I use their Base Control (Multi Vitamins + Minerals), and Daily Cleanse (Detoxes your body and skin). They have tons of good stuff.
- Watch out for the “Congress Crud” — it’s real! Wash those hands, rest, and extra sleep help a lot.
- Take breaks — even 10–15 minutes away from the crowd can help recharge your energy and patience.
HUM Nutrition Discount Link for $20 Off: http://rwrd.io/r90ffhb?c
Taking care of yourself means you’ll have more energy, better focus, and more fun throughout the show.
The Trade Show & Beyond
Even if you’re not showing, Congress is worth the trip for the shopping alone. The Trade Show is legendary — rows and rows of tack, fashion, jewelry, home décor, trailers, and western lifestyle brands all under one (very large) roof.
1. Wear Comfortable Shoes (Seriously)
You’ll walk miles between buildings like the Congress Hall and Congress Marketplace. Boots are great, but if you’re planning a full day of shopping, sneakers might be your best friend.
2. Make a Plan Before You Go
Check the vendor list ahead of time on the Congress website and map out where you want to go. There’s so much to see that it’s easy to get overwhelmed (and distracted).
3. Set a Budget… and Forgive Yourself for Blowing It
It’s almost impossible not to fall in love with something — a custom jacket, new tack, or that perfect pair of boots. It’s all part of the experience.
4. Support Small Businesses
Congress is home to incredible small and independent vendors who pour their heart and creativity into their products. Take the time to browse — you’ll find one-of-a-kind pieces that don’t exist anywhere else.
Enjoying the Congress as a Spectator
Spectators have plenty to look forward to! The Congress offers a unique mix of world-class competition, endless vendors, and some of the best fair-style food you’ll ever find.
From the sweet shop and bourbon chicken, to boutique shopping and watching top-tier horses, there’s something for everyone.
If you’re visiting just to watch and shop:
- Start early. Parking fills up fast, and the most popular vendors get crowded.
- Lock up your belongings. Whether you’re camping or staying in a hotel, keep your valuables secure — big events draw big crowds.
- Make a full day (or weekend) of it.
Before I started showing, my parents and I would wake up around 7 AM, drive the two and a half hours down, grab breakfast on the way, and spend the entire day exploring vendors, trailers, and watching some classes. It was one of my favorite fall traditions.
If you live farther away, make a long weekend out of it — there’s more than enough to do.
The All American Quarter Horse Congress is a rite of passage for anyone in the horse world. Whether you’re showing, shopping, or just taking it all in, it’s an experience that will leave you exhausted, inspired, and already counting down to next year.
You’ll meet incredible people, see amazing horses, and come home with more memories (and probably more stuff) than you expected.
So whether you’re walking into the Congress for the first time, heading out to shop the trade show, or prepping your horse for a late-night ride — take a deep breath, soak it in, and enjoy every minute. Because there truly is nothing like Congress.