Congress Traditions
October 24, 2009
There are lots of reasons to love the world’s largest single-breed horse show.
Joann Hales' late husband, Denny Hales, was inducted into the All American Quarter Horse Congress Hall of Fame this year. (Journal photo)
From the adorable puppy smell in Puppy Alley to the proud dummy ropers and their parents to the souped-up golf carts sporting rain covers, the All American Quarter Horse Congress has plenty of traditions of its own.
A couple of new traditions are Masters classes. On Friday night, Quality Art, owned by the Kaplow Family and ridden by Beth Case, took his place in history as the winner of the hunter under saddle Masters class. Then Certainly Inspired took first place under all four judges in the western pleasure Masters class with Rusty Green aboard for owners Steven and Susan Thompson.
As those two horses took their place in Congress history, Congress organizers paused to honor the late Denny Hales with induction into the Congress Hall of Fame.
Denny’s widow, Joann, accepted on his behalf, and about 80 people — her extended Quarter Horse family — joined her during the ceremony, many with tears. Everyone in the audience jumped to their feet for the tribute — many of them also with tears.
Honi Roberts, a special contributor to the Journal, has written a piece for the October issue talking about how special Denny was, but seeing an enormous crowd on its feet was a tangible reminder that behind every Journal story are people who love the Quarter Horse and work toward its good.
But speaking of the Journal, you’ll want to pick up the December issue to read more about all the Congress action and the people behind the horses.
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October 26th, 2009 at 6:23 am
Our family is always sad to see Congress wind down, as this signals the end of show season for us. Though we have yet to show in Congress, with it being held in our area, we feel a part of the whole thing.
From the Hunter/Jumpers and Hunter Under Saddle riders to the Western Pleasure and Barrel Racers this show offers something for all. Maybe next year we’ll have some extra money and our child will be a little more competitive and we’ll put her in to some of the calsses, if for no other reason than to experience such an event.