Behind the Scenes Champion #1

Some of the most important people at the Congress never step into the spotlight. They are the people who work long hours, handle the details, support others, and make success possible behind the scenes.

The Congress and corporate partner Rafter P Construction are proud to recognize these individuals through the new Behind the Scenes Champion Award!

The 2026 First Half winner was Jared Martell.

Jared was nominated 11 times by those who have experienced his positivity at the Shane Rux Photography backdrop, and across all of those nominations, one thing was consistently mentioned: Jared's smile and cheerful attitude.

Jared has worked with Shane and Julie Rux since he was 16, and says that he truly loves his role at the Congress because of its variety of horses and exhibitors and how no two pictures, horses, or groups are the same. 

One nominator said, "The perfect picture starts with Jared."

Watch the video below, which highlights the finalists from the first half of the show: