Success at the Quarter Horse Congress in Columbus, Ohio next month is a goal everyone who attends hopes to achieve. But getting your horse prepared there can be described as nothing short of “grueling.” Long lines waiting to longe, rain, bitter cold temperatures and poor footing are all obstacles that can be encountered during this three-week-long event.

The WD Hot Walker is a solution to the issues a trainer and exhibitor can face in getting their horses mentally and physically prepared for competition.

This service uses a state of the art Preifert, six panel walker that can exercise six horses at one time safely. It works by starting gently and slowly in the desired direction by moving forward. The front and rear panel swing if necessary so a reluctant horse will get a gentle nudge on the behind to naturally send them forward. The forward motion of the machine makes it extremely easy and safe for the horses to learn how to use it. Horses do not need prior walker experience to participate, most will learn it within the first minute.

The walker is also fitted with stall wall padding to avoid horses from coming into contact with the horse in front of them. The footing is a recycled tire mixture that is firm yet soft with minimal dust. Works great to keep horses from getting sore and horses that are prone to getting foot/leg sore it helps them stay sound during the show.

All horses are welcome on the walker though it should be noted that unless a client has the entire walker booked and requests otherwise, the walker runs at a brisk trot for the duration of the hour session. Stallions are accepted on the walker but it must be brought the management’s attention prior to the session. Studs are booked with two geldings in the surrounding slots and no more than one stud is allowed on the walker at a time. It is also asked that a stud wear a muzzle if possible to avoid chewing on the panels.

This is the third year that Wayne Davis, of Reddick, Florida, has been running this operation at the Congress.

“I feel it helps to put everyone on an even playing field,” Davis explains. “I thought it was something that would work for everybody and it has.”

Due to demand Davis has decided to add a second walker this year. It will be located in the same tent as Dr. Alan Donnell and will be able to service the Ag Horticulture, Buckeye, Commercial North and South barns on that side of the fairgrounds. While the original site can still service those in the Gilligan, Beef and Swine barns.

“I had people telling me they were just too far away from the site near the Gilligan to use the walker, so I decided to add another to try and accommodate everyone,” Davis states.

There are several ways to sign up to use the WD Hot Walker.

One is to become a sponsor. The cost of a sponsorship is $750 and it allows for priority booking of time slots for the duration of the Congress and at a discounted price of $30/hour. For example, a large barn may book all six slots on the walker for an hour every day. Making it a great way for trainers to have a consistent plan for their day. Sponsors also get advertising opportunities within the tents. There will be a banner with all the sponsors listed and sponsors are encouraged to bring their own signs, banners or curtain to decorate with. They may also set up a table or pamphlet area if so desired.

Non-sponsors are also welcome to use the walker at a cost of $45/hour. They can make their time slot appointments beginning Oct. 1. If booking by phone or email clients must leave a credit card number to solidify their appointment. You can also book once you arrive at the Congress though it is recommended to do this as soon as you arrive since time slots fill up very fast. When booking at the walker in person clients may leave a check with management. There will be opportunities daily to sign up as well since there can be cancellations and schedule changes. Non-sponsors can also advertise in the tents for a fee if they so wish.

The WD Hot Walker is open 24 hours a day. Beginning at 7 a.m. on Oct. 10 until noon on Oct. 25. For the first week there will be a number of staff on hand at each walker location to help with booking, loading and unloading of the walker. As the show gets underway and the schedule ensues, there will always be two people manning the walker sites. Clients must ensure that someone will be there to drop off and pick up their horses. They will have layover stalls at each site to help facilitate this as we know the schedule at Congress can be hectic. Cancellations must be made four hours in advance to avoid a $20 fee.

Reid Thomas Performance Horses have been sponsors for four years now. Being a sponsor for them means being able to get advance planning for their days at the Congress.

“We love the walker service because it enables us to prepare our horses the best way possible and manage our time well for showing without waiting in line or worrying about the weather. Our horses work on the walker at home so the service also keeps their routine consistent which is nice,” Thomas says.

Starnes Quarter Horses have been a sponsor for the last two years. They say being a sponsor helps them to get premium time slots and also allows them to get in on short notice if the weather gets bad or get into a time crunch due to the schedule running ahead.

“We feel it helps us manage our time better. We do not have to longe our horses near as much which helps with leg fatigue and lameness issues,” Kristy Starnes explains. “The footing at the walker is way better than in the longing areas plus it helps for us to know that at 8 a.m. every morning our horses will get worked.”

Being in the tent also helps the ones that can be spooked by the flapping tents at Congress,” Starnes says. “After a day or two of going on the walker they seem no longer as bothered by any of the tents near the show arenas.”

“Plus the staff is great! They make sure we get our coolers and lead ropes, very helpful. They even learn the horse names after a day or two,” Starnes says.

This year is predicted to be cold and wet so be sure to book your sponsorship or time slots soon! You can do so by contacting managers Mo West (843) 655-7676 mowest0@gmail.com or Carol Mini 586-405-8258. Information can also be found on their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/WDHotWalker2014