Congress Million Dollar Stallion Avenue to Close in 2011

Press Release

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.