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Published on 4/25/2011 • Category: Congress News • 12 Comments

Congress Million Dollar Stallion Avenue to Close in 2011

Press Release by Tracy Bidwell
April 25, 2011

The 45th Annual All American Quarter Horse Congress is slated to take place October 7-30, 2011 at the Ohio Expo Center in Columbus, Ohio. Every year, the Ohio Quarter Horse Association takes steps to ensure that the largest single-breed horse show in the world is constantly evolving and changing to exceed the expectations of competitors and visitors alike.

This year, the event’s organizers made the difficult decision to close Million Dollar Stallion Avenue, which has been part of the Congress since its inception in 1967.

“It was a very tough decision,” said OQHA Executive Vice President Cam Foreman. “But times have changed, and new technology dominates how we market and promote stallions today.”

When the Congress began more than 40 years ago, there was no YouTube or Facebook, tools that stallion owners now rely on to promote their studs. These new technologies have changed the dynamics of the breeding industry.

However, closing Stallion Avenue has opened up many opportunities.

“Congress Hall has had the same layout for more than 20 years,” Foreman said. “It’s very exciting to be able to make some much needed changes.”

The increase in space has allowed many current commercial vendors to not only expand their booth space, but to move to a better location. And, of course, there will also be several new vendors, including farm and breeder promotional booths, allowing visitors to speak with stallion owners face to face.

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Comments

April
9/11/2011 4:07 PM

Nothing beats seeing the horse in real life. Technology modifies too easily. I want to see the real deal and not an edited version of an ok stud.

Yvonne
9/20/2011 2:28 PM

I know change is hard for some. We have to look at this as a positive and move forward. Who knows what exciting new things may come of this. OQHA does a great job with all that has to be done behind the scenes and in front of the public. Once again I want to thank everyone involed with the Congress and you do a great job.

Lori Hoffman
9/27/2011 7:10 PM

I'm sad to hear that this tradition has come to an end. Over the years I've been able to see some of the world's best stallions at the Congress.

Lonna Summers
10/3/2011 12:14 PM

I do not agree with the decision to close stallion Ave. It is ALWAYS better to see the stallion to promote him, the new technology can be tricky and can hide genuine characteristics that he may have. This is a real loss for horse lovers everywhere to see those fabulous animals LIVE!

Laura
10/3/2011 5:55 PM

Stallion Avenue has always been a favorite part of the event for us and our 4-H club. Our 4-H kids would interview the owners about their horses and walk away with a wealth of knowledge. I can't believe such a tradition is gone. The respect I would feel for those animals walking down the avenue was an awesome feeling. It is a tradition that should have never been taken away.

Virginia Moser
10/6/2011 7:03 PM

I think its very sad and I will miss getting to see those beautiful stallion from the time I was a child and even as mucha as an adult.

Charles
10/7/2011 10:40 PM

After I started getting into horses, the Stallion Alley is what got me interested in going to the Quarter Horse Congress. Not only is it good publicity for the breeders, but it is good publicity to bring in newcomers to the industry, and demonstrates what to look for in a good quality stud. It gives people who may not have the chance to see good quality breeding up close that opportunity.

Arlinda Wills
10/8/2011 10:22 AM

It was always nice to be able to see the Stallions upclose and personal. You lose that in the world of computer.

Christine
10/11/2011 10:03 PM

This was always a highlight of my Congress visit. I'm coming again this year and very sad to hear I will not be seeing any stallions. I like seeing them face to face. Nothing beats being able to see them in the flesh.

KELLY
10/15/2011 8:00 PM

I am very disappointed to hear that there will not be the stallion avenue. It was something we relly looked forward to every year. Its was also a way for people to see such great horses up close who would not normally see them.

Paulette
10/20/2011 3:07 PM

Like so many others, I hate to see this tradition end, it was such a part of the soul of Congress. I would like to know what the response from breeders has been.

Berkley Gray
10/28/2011 1:46 PM

Most of us hate to see tradition end but as I see it this part of Congress has been less interesting each year for the past several years in-as-much-as most of the listed stallions were not actually present - usually an offspring was on display. Time moves on.

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PO Box 209
Richwood, OH 43344

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