All American Quarter Horse Congress facts for kids
All American Quarter Horse Congress trophy
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| Abbreviation | AAQHC |
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| Formation | 3 November 1967 |
| Founder | Former Ohio Quarter Horse Association president, Blair Folck |
| Founded at | Richwood, Ohio |
| Purpose | Quarter Horse halter and performance horse show |
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The All American Quarter Horse Congress (AAQHC) is known as the biggest horse show in the world for one type of horse: the American Quarter Horse. This exciting event happens every year at the Ohio Expo Center in Columbus, Ohio. The Ohio Quarter Horse Association (OQHA) hosts this huge show. The AAQHC has many different kinds of horse events. Riders can earn points and cash prizes that count towards big awards from groups like the AQHA.
Contents
History of the Quarter Horse Congress
How the Congress Started
The idea for a horse show just for Quarter Horses in Ohio came up in 1966. A horse breeder named Blair Folck suggested it at a meeting of the Ohio Quarter Horse Association (OQHA). Blair Folck and OQHA president Pete Drake helped make it happen.
The very first All American Quarter Horse Congress was a three-day show. It took place from November 3 to 5, 1967. More than 5,000 people came to see the horses!
Growth of the Congress Over Time
By 2014, the AAQHC had grown a lot. It became a three-week-long event and was the world's largest horse show for a single breed. That year, more than 17,000 horses entered the competitions. Nearly 6,000 American Quarter Horses needed places to stay.
People started to worry that the show was getting too big for its location. The Congress spent a lot of money each year on temporary stalls and tents. By 2015, the show had grown even more. It became a 25-day event with over 21,000 entries!
The AAQHC brings many visitors to Columbus, Ohio. It also helps the local economy a lot. It creates about $225 million for central Ohio.
Competitions at the Congress
Types of Horse Events
The All American Quarter Horse Congress has many exciting competitions. Riders can earn points and win cash prizes and other awards. Some of the competition types include:
- Mounted shooting (where riders shoot targets while on horseback)
- Barrel racing (a fast race around barrels)
- Pole bending (a quick race weaving through poles)
Earning Awards and Recognition
If you are a member of groups like the AQHA, the NRHA, or the NSBA, your points and cash awards from the Congress can add up. These totals help you earn year-end awards and special recognition from these associations.
