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If you’re a Western riding enthusiast, competitor, shopper, or simply curious about the equestrian world, the All American Quarter Horse Congress is an event worth experiencing. 

All American Quarter Horse Congress Awards and Ribbons

 

Held at the Ohio Expo Center in Columbus, Ohio, the 2026 Congress runs from September 26 through October 24 and brings together competitors, trainers, families, spectators and equestrian brands for one of the biggest celebrations of the American Quarter Horse. With competition, shopping, education, and entertainment taking place throughout the grounds, there’s plenty to see whether you’re entering the arena or simply there to enjoy the atmosphere.  

Congress 2026: What Attendees Need to Know 

Where is the All American Quarter Horse Congress? 

The Congress takes place at the Ohio Expo Center, 717 East 17th Avenue, Columbus, Ohio. 

Ohio Expo Center and State Fair Entrance at the All American Quarter Horse Congress

The grounds become a hub of competition and activity throughout the month, with multiple arenas hosting classes across disciplines including trail, western pleasure, reining, ranch riding, hunter under saddle, showmanship, horsemanship and more.  

 

When is the 2026 Quarter Horse Congress? 

The 2026 All American Quarter Horse Congress and Trade Show run from: September 26–October 24, 2026. 

The Trade Show is open throughout the Congress, making it easy to combine watching your favorite classes with a day of shopping.  

 

What does admission cost? 

General admission to the Congress is free. Separate tickets are required for special events including Congress Freestyle Reining and Congress Professional Bull Riding.  

 

Don't Miss These 2026 Congress Highlights 

With a month of competition, it can be difficult to know which dates to put on your calendar. Here are a few highlights for spectators and fans. 

 

Level 3 Amateur Trail: October 23 

One of the classes we're especially looking forward to at the 2026 Congress is the Level 3 Amateur Trail and NSBA Level 3 Amateur Trail, taking place Friday, October 23 at 8:00 a.m. in the Celeste Center North. Horseware is proud to sponsor this class, supporting the talented amateur riders and horses competing at one of the year's biggest Quarter Horse events. 

Last year's class delivered a memorable repeat champion, with Emma Brown and Ur Ride Has Arrived taking the 2025 Congress Level 3 Amateur Trail championship for the second consecutive year. 

As the 2026 exhibitors head into the trail pen, we're looking forward to seeing who will rise to the occasion this year. And with Horseware vouchers up for grabs for the class winners, there's even more to look forward to on October 23. 

 

Congress Freestyle Reining: September 26 

For something a little different, the Congress NRHA Freestyle Reining combines the precision and athleticism of reining with music and creative choreography. 

The 2026 Freestyle Reining is scheduled for Saturday, September 26 at 6:00 p.m. in the VS Code Red Coliseum. It is a ticketed event and is one of the Congress's popular spectator attractions.  

 

Congress Super Sale: October 17 

The Congress Super Sale is another highlight for anyone interested in horses, breeding and the future of the industry. 

The 2026 sale takes place Saturday, October 17, with the live auction beginning at 2:00 p.m. in the Lausche Sale Arena. A Ranch & Performance Horse Demo is scheduled for Friday, October 16 at 6:00 p.m., followed by the Yearling & Super Session Demo at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday. 

 

Congress PBR: October 24 

The Congress wraps up with one of its biggest spectator events: Congress Professional Bull Riding. 

The 2026 PBR event is scheduled for Saturday, October 24 at 6:00 p.m. in the VS Code Red Coliseum. Tickets are required, so anyone hoping to attend should plan ahead. 

 

Shop the Congress Trade Show 

You don't have to own a horse to enjoy the Congress Trade Show. 

The 2026 Trade Show features approximately 200 commercial exhibitors across more than 20 acres of indoor and outdoor space. You'll find everything from tack, show clothing and boots to trailers, equine art, jewelry, furniture and other horse-show essentials. 

Trade Show hours are: 

  • Sunday-Thursday: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. 

  • Friday-Saturday: 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. 

It's worth allowing plenty of time to explore, especially if you're shopping for show apparel, tack or gifts. 

 

Food, Entertainment & More 

Congress isn't just about watching classes. Between arenas, the Trade Show and the many activities taking place around the Ohio Expo Center, visitors can easily make a full day of it. 

Food vendors are part of the Congress experience, so attendees can grab something to eat while exploring the grounds and moving between classes. The event also offers educational opportunities, special events and live demonstrations throughout the show.  

For those who can't attend every class in person, the Congress also offers complimentary livestream coverage from the Coughlin Celeste Center, VS Code Red Coliseum and CINCH Arena. In 2026, the Pro Horsemen Perspective Series is also being streamed live from the CINCH Arena. 

 

Parking at the 2026 Congress 

If you're visiting for the day, it's worth planning your parking before you arrive. 

For 2026, Congress parking is: 

  • Daily parking: $25 per vehicle 

  • Monday and Tuesday: $15 per vehicle 

  • Wednesday: Free 

  • Entire-event parking: $75 per vehicle 

Daily parking is in the designated area north of 17th Avenue, while eligible exhibitors and visitors with Entire Event Parking passes can park on the fairgrounds south of 17th Avenue. 

The Ohio Expo Center can be accessed from Interstate 71 via Exit 111. During Congress, 17th Avenue serves as the primary entrance, with 17th and 11th avenues used as exits. 

 

Supporting Performance & Recovery at Congress 

Competition at Congress can mean long days for both horse and rider. Multiple classes, warm-up sessions and the demands of traveling and showing make thoughtful preparation and recovery an important part of the routine. 

At Horseware Ireland, we understand that supporting an equine athlete goes beyond the time spent in the show pen. Our therapy technologies, including Ionic®, Ice-Vibe® and Horseware® LED Therapy, are designed to complement a horse's care routine before and after demanding competition. 

 

Ionic® Therapy 

Ionic® technology uses ceramic-infused fabric designed to reflect body heat as far infrared energy. It can be incorporated into a horse's routine before or after competition as part of a broader approach to comfort and recovery. 

Ionic Therapy

Ice-Vibe® Therapy 

Ice-Vibe® combines cold therapy with gentle vibration. It can be incorporated into post-exercise routines to help support circulation and manage normal post-exercise swelling and soreness. 

Horseware® LED Therapy 

LED red and infrared light therapy can also be incorporated into an equine care routine, providing another option for supporting horses before and after demanding work. 

Make the Most of Your Congress Experience 

Whether you're there to compete, cheer on a friend, shop the Trade Show or simply experience one of the biggest gatherings in the Quarter Horse world, the Congress offers plenty to explore. 

Mark your calendar for the classes and events you don't want to miss, give yourself time to explore the Trade Show, and remember to leave room for the unexpected, because some of the best Congress memories happen between classes. 

And if you're watching the trail pen on October 23, keep an eye on the Level 3 Amateur Trail. After Emma Brown and Ur Ride Has Arrived claimed the championship for a second consecutive year in 2025, the 2026 class promises another exciting chapter in the Congress trail story.  

Watch All American Quarter Horse Congress 2026 Live Stream