2011 All American Quarter Horse Congress Wrap-Up
Press Release
The Ohio Quarter Horse Association crowned 332 Congress Champions in Columbus, Ohio at the All American Quarter Horse Congress, held October 7-30 at the Ohio Expo Center.
The All American Quarter Horse Congress showcased some of the most talented Quarter Horses throughout the country, as well as several foreign countries. In addition to a full array of disciplines, exhibitors and their horses competed in classes sanctioned by the American Quarter Horse Association, National Reining Horse Association, National Cutting Horse Association, National Snaffle Bit Association and the Southern Belle Breeder’s.
The show drew 17,990 entries over the course of 24 days, which is a 5.5 percent increase compared to last year. Additionally, the show houses more than 6,000 horses during its three-week duration.
“We are very excited to say that this is the largest All American Quarter Horse Congress ever held,” said Executive Vice President Cam Foreman. “We are so grateful to all of our exhibitors, sponsors, vendors and workers that have made this possible.”
Big Winners
The richest purse at the All American Quarter Horse Congress is the Equine Chronicle Masters Two-Year-Old Western Pleasure class, with $100,000 being presented to the winner. This year, it was Suddenly A Cool Lady, ridden by Gil Galyean and owned by Starland Ranch LLC that took home the honors.
Other top winners include the Equine Chronicle Masters Two-Year-Old Hunter Under Saddle winner, LastCallFour Alcohol, ridden by Deanna Searles and owned by Jim Searles taking home a $50,000 paycheck.
The Congress Reining Futurity boasted $25,000 for first place, which was won by Harley Surprize Lena, ridden by Mike McEntire for owner Raynald Rodriguez.
The Congress also crowned several All-Around Champions, the most prestigious of which is the Open Award. After a close race, A Chance For Romance, owned by Amy Brosch, came up the 2011 Congress Open All-Around Champion, with Vital Signs Are Good, owned by Joe and Karen Moran, a close reserve.
Youth Contests
The All American Quarter Horse Congress holds several youth contests throughout its duration, the largest of which being the National Youth Activity Team Tournament. After a long day of competition on October 23, the Pacific Coast Quarter Horse Association Team was named the winner, beating out 75 other teams from across the country.
The annual Congress Intercollegiate and Youth Judging Contests were held on October 19, with the Illinois Quarter Horse Association team taking top honors in the youth division and West Texas A&M – A Team winning the senior collegiate division.
Other youth contests held at this year’s All American Quarter Horse Congress include Communications, Horse Bowl and Hippology. For full results of all youth contests, please visit www.oqha.com/aaqhc.
More about the Ohio Quarter Horse Association
The Ohio Quarter Horse Association (OQHA) is a state affiliate of the American Quarter Horse Association. Our mission is to promote the registered American Quarter Horse within the state of Ohio. OQHA provides programs including youth scholarships, state queen contest, support for youth teams travelling to the American Quarter Horse Youth World Show held annually in Oklahoma, year-end awards and horse shows including the Region 4 Regional Championships and the All American Quarter Horse Congress.