2022 Congress

from 2022 OQHA Winter News

by Ohio Quarter Horse Association

Congress NYATT

2022 CONGRESS: LARGEST EVER

55 Years Strong! #StillTheOne

On September 27, Reining classes kick-started what would become the largest All American Quarter Horse Congress in a its 55-year history. Later that week, the Ranch classes began as well. New for this year, the 3 Year Old Ranch Riding Futurity, Open Ranch Riding Stakes, Non Pro Ranch Riding Stakes, Open Ranch Trail Stakes, and Non Pro Ranch Trail Stakes, all of which were an overwhelming success. With the addition of Level 2 Trail and Western Riding classes, entries were up and the crowds were plenty. The futurity classes this year adopted a new, one-go format that granted limited riders a spot in the finals. The stakes and futurity classes also paid out over $965 thousand, amounting to a total of $3.5 million in cash and prizes awarded at this year’s Congress.

As exhibitors checked in at the Entry Office, hundreds of commercial exhibitors filled Congress Hall, Congress Annex and Kasich Hall with boots, apparel, tack, and decor. Truck, trailer, and recreational vehicle exhibitors covered every free space on the grounds for the Trade Show opening day on September 30.

The NRHA Level 4 and 3 Open Reining Futurity finals were the first major event, being held Saturday, October 1. With over $250,000 in purse money, this event is always a crowd-favorite. The Level 4 Congress Champion was Ohio native Shawn Flarida, riding Andiamoe for Arcese Quarter Horses USA with a score of 228. Taking the Level 3 Champion and Level 4 Reserve Champion titles was also an Ohio native, Jesse Gentile and Big Chex Nic, owned by Tori K. Thomas.

Throughout the month, the demonstration series gave attendees the opportunity to learn from some of the best in the industry. With topics ranging from reining to working hunter under saddle to showmanship to barrel racing, there was something for everyone!

Freestyle Reining Presented by dacOhio Quarter Horse News 17

On Friday, October 7 the Congress hosted the Professional Bull Riding (PBR) in the Taft Coliseum. Congress PBR, presented by Western Edge, kept everyone at the edge of their seats the entire night! Justin Cornwell and Cornwell Bucking Bulls produced an awesome performance at the PBR Challenger Series. The Cornwell team provided distinguished bulls, which pulled in outstanding feedback from both spectators and exhibitors! Anticipation is high as everyone looks forward to seeing the talent for 2023.

On Saturday, October 8, the Coliseum sold out for another year of the Freestyle Reining. A must-see Congress event, the Freestyle Reining is always popular among everyone who attends the show. The Congress Champion in the open division was Ohio exhibitor Keith Ceddia and Xtra Dun Step, owned by Jerry Douglas. Their JAWSthemed performance was spectacular! Taking home Reserve Champion was Ohio native Luke Gingerich and Tinseltowns Whizard. The Congress would like to thank dac Vitamins and Minerals for sponsoring the Freestyle Reining this year. In addition, dac was a huge help with the blood drive for Brady Martin, as they pledged to match cash donations up to $10,000. Ohio Quarter Horse Association and the Congress cannot thank dac enough for their generosity and sponsorship at this year’s event.

At the 2022 Congress, Dummy Roping came back bigger than ever in the Cooper Arena. Dummy roping includes children ages 12 or younger and it is split into two divisions. For the 8 and under division we crowned Brayden Pontius as Congress Champion, followed by Damon Husband as Reserve Congress Champion. Taking home the Congress bronze for the 9-12 year old division we had Kolt McGowan, with Dawson Husband taking home reserve! Congratulations to all of these kids on a job well done!

Ohio Governor, Mike DeWine, made an appearance at the Congress with his grandchildren. He had a great time meeting with the vendors and exhibitors. Governor DeWine is thankful for the Congress, as it generates an economic impact of more than 409 million dollars for Central Ohio each year!

The 2022 All American Congress Queen was crowned during the Freestyle Reining intermission, with Kylie Good from Pennsylvania Quarter Horse Association winning the title!

Thank you to everyone for your continued support of the All American Quarter Horse Congress and to all of the Ohio members who compete and visit the event. We look forward to another great year in 2023.