Fans of Rodeo, Horse showing, and any other activity
under the sun that a rancher or equestrian expert would love will be excited about
what is rapidly approaching on its way to Columbus. In just three weeks,
residents of Ohio can get a taste of the largest single-breed horse show in the
world, which welcomes more than 600,000 horse enthusiasts during a whirlwind
weekend of activity. Eager enthusiasts can show up and compete for over $3
million in cash, as more than 20,000 entries are meticulously prepared and
donned for show. Preparing an enormous economic boost for the Columbus area
during the month of October, this event is one of the biggest blueprints for
success in the entire nation. It is even more staggering to think that just 8
individuals combine their efforts to completely organize the event, and
calculate efficiency of billing and attendance.
Back in May of 1966, Blair Folck excitedly told the Ohio
Quarter Horse Association about how monumental attendance was at the Charolais
Cattle Congress in St. Louis that year. After St. Louis had received such a
large economic boost from it, the proposition was on the table for the same to
happen in Ohio. 10,000 needed to be raised by the following year, and with hard
work and perseverance, it was. By the next year, the event was organized, and
the cost was $20 for entry for three days. Last year, the addition of a 1000
stall barn helped with the growing number of entrants, from an industry that
provides over 12,000 jobs in the state of Ohio alone. More than 70 percent of
the horses in Ohio are involved in showing and recreation, as this state is the
8th largest in terms of economic impact from the industry.
This year on October 7th, country stars Randy
Houser, Carter Winter, and Casey Donahew will take the stage at the Expo
Center. Signed to Universal South Records during 2008, he has had several
number one hits under his belt, including “How Country Feels”, and “Runnin'
Outta Moonlight”. Carter Winter first became well-known for songs of George
Strait and Garth Brooks, then released his first 6-song album “Some kind of
Fire”, which was wildly successful. He has shared the stage with the likes of
Sam Hunt, Chase Rice, and Travis Tritt, and his second album was concocted by
award-winning producer Chad Carlson, who has worked with Taylor Swift, and Cole
Swindell. Carter definitely is a purveyor of the bad-boy brand, and his many
scores of fans are loving it.
The Mercuria World Series of Cutting, Congress PBR
Touring Pro, and Congress Freestyle Reining are some of the main events taking
place here, and tickets can be purchased separately for all 4. Some of the
lectures for this 2016 season will be more exciting then ever: Robert Farinacci
is sharing his deep knowledge of the industry with the topic “Top 10 Management
Practices to Increase the Profitability of your Equine Business”. There will
also be other great topics discussed such as “Understanding Hind Limb
Lameness”, “Strategies for Successfully Breeding Low Fertility Mares”, and
“Developing Your Horse's Back”.
The wildly popular Cinch Dummy Roping Contest allows the
younger of the bunch a chance to prove their roping skills, on the big stage of
the Congress Show Arena. This is a great opportunity to see some of those who
will dominate the other events in the years to come as they get older, and
fine-hone their expertise in roping and other areas. On Sunday, October 30th,
the Congress Classic Shootout will be held, and expert riders vie for the
winning title while shooting .45 calibers at balloons, while riding through a
difficult course. This is a chance to see a true element of the wild west come
to life, and enjoy everything good about the essence of richly cultivated
Americana. One emotional and very endearing event to witness will be the
“Heroes on Horses” this year: come and pay homage to disabled veterans and
active duty wounded warriors and their best friends under the saddle that strive
every day to make them whole again.
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