Showing at the Congress

Over 16,000 entries
Housing over 8,500 horses
3 1/2 weeks long
The largest single-breed horse show in the world!

Visit www.oqha.com/congress for more info.


Smart Like Jac (aka Peanut) in her stall at Congress

Beautiful old barn we were stabled in, at the very back, called the Poultry barn.

Didn't take her long to get settled in and rest her legs from the long drive.


Sunday, October 4th we competed in the Limited Open division. The best part was that all the Open classes were run concurrently. A few draws after Peanut and I was Shawn Flarida, ranked number one on the NRHA. He was riding a horse called KR Lil Conquistador, who has earned over $240,000. We also had the pleasure of riding with Craig Johnson, Brian Bell, Craig Schmersal and their futurity prospects. Pictured below is the covered warm up pen for competitors, located right beside the show pen.

Before entering the show pen, a judge must check all around your horse for any injuries and you must drop your bridle. This process eliminates any rule infractions with respect to treatment of the horses and illegal equipment.

Once you have had your bit check, you can enter the show arena. Bright lights, stadium seating, loud spectators and sponsor advertisements are just some of the challenges you and your horse face.

The judges are present for Congress, sitting in three different chairs to maximize the overall view of the arena.

Peanut was a champ, and took it all in stride (ok maybe she gawked a little when we first walked in to the show arena...). We had one of the best rides we have ever had and were thrilled to place somewhere in the top 25 of about 45 of the top Limited Open riders.

Pictures from the show can be viewed at Jeff Kirkbride Photography www.kirkbridephoto.com