It’s October, so that can only mean one thing: Time for the major fall events to start. And what better way to kick it off than with the All American Quarter Horse Congress! The show’s colossal classes, endless shopping, indulgent food offerings (pot roast sundae,?anyone?), and marathon length (it runs today through October 27) make it one of the most talked-about events in the horse industry.
The?Horse&Rider team will bring you boots-on-the-ground coverage of the event, beginning with the reining futurity next week and wrapping up with the amateur versatility class at the end of the show. But we won’t just bring you who-won-what; we know you want more. While we’ll let you know who’s winning in the ring, we’ll also bring you exclusive interviews with top pros and amateur riders, introduce you to Congress Queen contestants, let you know what’s trending at the trade show, show you the cutest pooches on Puppy Alley (one of Congress’ hottest attractions), bring you an up-close experience with the amateur versatility class (a Western pleasure horse running poles? That’s right!), and more.
All of this is thanks to Dubarry of Ireland and Soft-Ride Boots, perfect sponsors for Congress coverage, because both brands produce products focused on comfort and style. You’ll see Dubarry boots all over the show grounds?from the washrack to the infamous Round Bar, with ladies (and gents!) pairing them with their comfiest barn clothes and their best going-out jeans. They might be the Official Slipper of the Congress, thanks to the comfort they provide. And you’ll see Soft-Ride boots on horses’ feet from the minute they step off the trailer to walking to wait in line for longe time to standing in their stalls. When a show’s this long, foot comfort is imperative for both horse and rider.
To keep up with our extensive, exclusive event coverage, be sure to follow us on all of our social media channels?Facebook, Twitter,?Pinterest, and Instagram (HorseandRiderMag)?as well as those of our sponsors. If you’re at the show, we’ll keep you updated on the most exciting things you should look for and seek out?and be sure to tag us in your own photos and tweets, so we can keep up with you, too. If you’re at home, we’ll make you feel like you’re on the road with us, but without a chance of catching the Congress Crud.
Who’s ready to head to Columbus? Because here we go!