Posted 2015-09-12 6:32 AM (#164681) Subject: Congress
Veteran
Posts: 233 Location: Pataskala, Ohio
If it is related to horses, you can find it at Congress!Congress is a 3 1/2 week event that takes place on the Ohio State Fair Grounds. As a retired police officer I would be remiss in my duty if I did not mention the area that surrounds the fairgrounds is far from safe and best only driven through, DO NOT WALK. Congress grounds ARE SAFE. There are a great number of both Columbus Police Officers (my team) and State Troopers that watch over the show areas, the concession stands, the horse barns and the parking areas 24 hours a day. Congress IS SAFE. To get into Congress you pay by the vehicle not per person. Last year it was s $25 a day or $70 for the entire show. There are a few events that require tickets as well but the vast majority is included. Shopping is a big part of Congress. Don't expect huge discounts for normal tack but if you want a saddle with bling they have them! Large items like trucks and trailers do come at some of the best prices you will find, I bought a horse trailer a few years back for a good price. They also have things you never knew you needed but wonder how you made through life this far without them. The selection of boots is staggering and is only second to the selection of hats. You can even get a massage or chiropractic adjustment at Congress.Food is a little expensive and is the stuff you find at the State Fair. Schmidt's is the best, they are a local German restaurant, get a Bahama Mama, chicken soup and a cream puff, the chili is also great. Weather in Columbus, Ohio in October can vary from mid 80's to low 20's so bring shorts a coat and everything in between. Also expect several days of cold rain. Fall will also be in the air. The maple trees will be at their best during the second to third weeks of October. Ferrier and veterinary care are available 24/7 during Congress. The Ohio State University is also very close by and they too have 24 hour large animal veterinary care.The State Fair has a strict policy of NO DOGS ALLOWED IN BUILDINGS. If you and your dog are well behaved I have never seen anyone asked to leave. BOTH MUST BE WELL BEHAVED!If you camp in your trailer on the Fair Grounds don't expect quiet or dark. The area is very well lit, no campfires are permitted and a busy railroad is not too far away. There are no commercial campgrounds near by. Hotels are not real close to the Fair Grounds nor are they inexpensive. If you own horses you know nothing is inexpensive with horses. What was just said is in no way meant to discourage anyone from attending, just be prepared, blackout curtains and white noise will be needed in the trailers. If staying in a hotel allow extra time for traffic especially if it is raining on an OSU home football game day or weekday, don't even think about snow.The All American Quarter Horse Congress is by far the best run event I have ever attended.A word of caution; before you leave home with your horses, be sure you have all of the necessary health papers. Also check the pressure in all of your tires, truck, trailer and all spare tires. Make sure your tires don't have any dry rot. If you are not sure have them checked by a professional. Safety first, fun second. If you have a mechanical breakdown with your horse trailer in tow and you are not in a safe area, please call 911 to get marked unit out there with red and blue lights to help safe guard you and your horses while the condition is fix or you are towed away. We would rather talk to you about your problem than fill out a traffic crash report. Your safety and the safety of your horses is your responsibility, but emergency services are always willing to help if you are in need while away from home. If in doubt call.
Posted 2015-09-13 4:35 PM (#164690 - in reply to #164681) Subject: RE: Congress
Veteran
Posts: 127 Location: rapid city sd
If you google Dallas Schmidt of Cooperstown ND at the congress a couple years ago for the reining. Went to his truck from his motel room at 11 pm to get a baby bottle. Had two guys come up behind him and wanted money. Did a back kick as he was bent over in the cab and still had his rock grinder spurs on. Spur went under the guys chin, and tongue and stuck in the roof of his mouth. ouch. The whole story is there from the local paper.
Congress
