Faster than a speeding bull, able to leap hurdles in a single bound, the American quarter horse is the superhero of the equine world.
The compact, muscular horse is named for its unparalleled, Superman-like speed in races of a quarter-mile or less. Some have been clocked sprinting as fast as 55 miles per hour.
Like Clark Kent, quarter horses are well-known for a gentle, agreeable temperament. This makes them ideal for riders of different skill levels.
Speed and demeanor make these horses so popular that they have their own show, the All American Quarter Horse Congress, a monthlong event hosted by the Ohio Quarter Horse Association (OQHA).
Each fall, world-class competitions, special events, a trade show, sales and other attractions fill the Ohio
Expo Center, reining in more than 500,000 people, including participants and visitors, according to the OQHA website. “We are excited to utilize the $480 million in improvements to the fairgrounds,” said Autumn Bowlby, OQHA marketing and communications director.
“With the new buildings and infrastructure, we will be able to implement some exciting new events and offerings for our exhibitors and visitors.”
Champing at the bit to see the quarter horses? Whoa! Before you go trotting off, rein yourself in and learn a little about the event first.
When and where is the Quarter Horse Congress?
The All American Quarter Horse Congress will take place Sept. 26-Oct. 24 at the Ohio Expo Center, 717 E. 17th Ave.
Daily horse show events typically start at 7 or 8 a.m. See quarterhorsecongress.com for a schedule.
How much will I pony up to get in?
Admission to the congress is free, except for two special events. Tickets are required for NRHA Freestyle Reining on Sept. 26 and PBR Challenger Series on Oct. 24.
How much will parking cost?
Daily parking will be $15 on Mondays and Tuesdays, and $25 Thursdays through Sundays. Daily parking will be free each Wednesday.
What can I expect at the trade show?
The sprawling, 20-acre trade show will feature more than 200 commercial exhibitors selling trailers, tack, Western apparel, equine art and home décor.
Hours will be 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.
What are the PBR and NRHA events?
Two popular special events are returning, both requiring paid admission. First up, NRHA (National Reining Horse Association) Freestyle Reining will combine the athletics of reining with the lively melodies of pop music at 6 p.m. Sept. 26. Tickets cost $35-$60.
Watch some of the nation's top riders attempt eight, white-knuckled seconds on the back of a bucking bull at the PBR (Professional Bull Riders) Challenger Series event, which is scheduled for 6 p.m. Oct. 24. Tickets cost $30-$100.
Tickets for these competitions can be purchased on the event website.
![Wade Hodgen, 10, of Morristown, Indiana, pets an Australian cattle puppy in Kasich Hall, which is now the home of Puppy Alley during the 2019 Quarter Horse Congress trade show being held at the Ohio Expo Center from October 4 to October 27. The puppy is being sold by Stacie Doraty of Burbank, Ohio. [Fred Squillante/Dispatch]](https://www.gannett-cdn.com/authoring/2019/10/05/NCOD/ghows_image-OH-403511ec-104e-45ca-8821-dfe4e829a047.jpeg)
I heard there will be puppies!
Arf-firmative! Puppy Alley and Rescue Row will be at the congress every Friday through Sunday. Visitors can view and buy puppies from participating breeders and connect with rescue groups.
Speaking of dogs, can I bring mine?
Dogs are permitted on the grounds during the congress. However, no dogs, leashed or unleashed, will be allowed in the Coliseum, Celeste Center, Cooper Arena, Congress Hall or Congress Marketplace.
Will Heroes on Horses be back?
Yes, the riding event honoring the country’s service members and the horses helping them heal will return.
Heroes on Horses are disabled veterans or active-duty “wounded warriors” with a Department of Veterans Affairs disability rating, or those who are participating in PATH International Equine Services for Heroes programs.
For details on participation requirements, contact Joanne Taylor at jtaylor@oqha.com or 614-505-7200, ext. 127.
Visit quarterhorsecongress.com for more information about the All American Quarter Horse Congress.
Contact features and entertainment reporter Belinda M. Paschal at bpaschal@dispatch.com.
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Free admission, puppies and bull riding at Quarter Horse Congress
