The world’s largest single-breed horse show returns to Columbus, Ohio, this fall. Quarter Horses from across the country will gather for a month-long celebration of competition, sales, and shopping at the legendary All American Quarter Horse Congress. From high-stakes classes to the chance to find a future prospect or explore one of the industry’s biggest trade shows, Congress offers something for every horse enthusiast. Exhibitors and fans alike look forward to this annual tradition, running Sept. 27 through Oct. 26 in the heart of the Buckeye State.
Experience the All American Quarter Horse Congress
The Facts
Where
Ohio Expo Center, Columbus, Ohio
What
All American Quarter Horse Congress
When
Sept. 27–Oct. 26, 2025
Horse Show
With thousands of entries each year, the Congress features classes for every level of exhibitor—from youth and amateur divisions to some of the most prestigious open events in the industry. Highlights include Western pleasure, hunter under saddle, reining, trail, horsemanship, showmanship, and roping, along with a full slate of barrel racing and speed events. The schedule also boasts major futurities and stakes classes that showcase the best young horses in the business, plus maiden events where up-and-coming prospects make their highly anticipated debuts.
New to this year’s Congress is the $30K Added Yearling Maiden Open Limited Halter Stakes (Gelding, Mare, & Stallion Divisions), Level 1 Amateur Walk Trot Horsemanship and Hunt Seat Equitation classes, Level 1 Youth Walk Trot Horsemanship and Hunt Seat Equitation classes, Level 1 Horse Non Pro Horsemanship and Hunt Seat Equitation classes, Level 1 Horse Non Pro Showmanship and EWD Walk Only Showmanship.
- Watch Live >>> www.quarterhorsecongress.com/livestream
History of Congress
The All American Quarter Horse Congress was born in 1966, when OQHA past president Blair Folck returned from the Charolais Cattle Congress inspired to create a similar event for Quarter Horses. After months of debate, OQHA agreed to move forward with the event on one condition: $10,000 in support had to be secured before May 1967.
Thanks to Folck, OQHA president Dr. W.P. “Pete” Drake, and countless committees, the goal was exceeded and the first Congress was held Nov. 3–5, 1967, at the Ohio State Fairgrounds in Columbus. With more than 5,000 attendees, the event turned a profit of $15,000—far beyond expectations—and set the stage for what would become the world’s largest single-breed horse show.
In the decades since, the Congress has outgrown its early beginnings, moving from paperwork managed out of Dr. Drake’s home to full-time offices in Columbus. Today, more than 26,000 entries and 7,500 horses fill the Ohio Expo Center each fall, making the Congress not only a horse show, but a cornerstone of the Quarter Horse industry.
Shopping Spree
One of the standout attractions at the Congress is its massive trade show. With over 200 commercial exhibit spaces spread across more than 20 acres of both indoor and outdoor areas, it’s more than a shopping opportunity—it’s an experience.
The variety is staggering. You’ll find horse trailers and trucks, show clothes, tack, saddles, boots, custom hats—everything you might need for showing, riding, or simply enjoying the Western lifestyle. Add to that offerings like equine art, jewelry, furniture, nutrition, farrier supplies, decorative flair, and “boutique” items that make great gifts.
The trade show’s hours are designed to accommodate both early risers and evening browsers: 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM Sunday–Thursday, 9:30 AM to 7:00 PM on Fridays and Saturdays.
Click HERE to see what vendors will be at the Congress
Stats
- More than 20,000 horse show entries
- 20 acres of trade show with 200 exhibitors
- More than $4.5 million in cash and prizes
- More than 500,000 people attend the show
- More than 100 registered Quarter Horses are sold at the Congress Super Sale
Satellite Events
While the main event is taking place at the Ohio Expo Center, the Congress Cutting and Cinch RSNC Congress Super Sort will take place at satellite locations, offering more opportunities for riders of all disciplines to score big at the Congress.
Cinch RSNC Congress Super Sort
📍 Henderson Arena, Jackson, Ohio
🗓️ Oct. 17–19
🏆 $100,000 Estimated Cash and Prize Payout
🎥 Watch live on Ride TV HERE
Congress Cutting
📍 Bullen Equestrian Center, Eaton Ohio
🗓️ Sept. 30-Oct. 5, 2025
🏆 $42,000 Added
