Oregon Summer Classic Pulling Out All the Stops For the Most Epic Event Ever

By: Brittany Bevis

In 2017, the Oregon Summer Classic boasted 9,500+ AQHA entries, making the event the third largest AQHA show in the country! This year, the show is pulling out all the stops to make sure the show is the best yet. The Summer Classic kicked off June 20th and will continue through the 24th in Central Point, Oregon and will provide AQHA competitors with 8 judges in 5 days.

Judges for the show are Brendan Brown, Terry Cross, Brad Jewett, Kendra Weis, Buddy Fisher, Doug Huls, Lyle Jackson, Chele McGauly, Jeff Greaves, Michael Ochetto, Bruce Walquist, Carla Wennberg, Steve Brown, Debra Jones-Wright, Tom McBeath, and Sam Rose.

On Monday, competitors were treated to a complimentary pizza delivery service to their stalls for some much needed sustenance while unloading trailers and preparing horses for the show. On Wednesday, Travel Medford hosted the Taste of the Rogue Valley Reception. Last night, Travel Medford hosted a BBQ with Britnee Kellogg providing musical entertainment. Today is the off day for the competition, so many exhibitors will be taking advantage of off day activities like a Hellgate Jet Boat trip, Zipline Adventure Trip, Rogue River Fishing or Rafting Trip, and Wine Tasting Tour.

The competition kicks up again on Saturday and will conclude the evening with The Equine Chronicle Futurity Party at 6 pm on the concourse of the Compton Arena. Also on Saturday, the Youth Top Hand competition will take place. The first and second place winner in Youth Reining, Cowhorse, and Ranch Riding from the Wednesday and Thursday classes, under each judge, in Youth, Level 1 Youth 13 & under, and Level 1 Youth 14-18 divisions will be invited to participate. The format of the competition will be rail work at the judges’ command.  Yesterday, the Youth Champions of Champions competition took place with the first and second place winner in the Youth Hunt Seat Equitation and the Youth Horsemanship from Wednesday- Thursday classes, under each judge, in Youth, Level 1 Youth 13 & under, and Level 1 Youth 14-18 divisions. Stay tuned to find out who won…

The Summer Classic has a number of fun social events, special offers for competitors, and cool technological features. Sign up for text message alerts about the show by texting “OregonQHA” to 474747. You can also sign up online: https://www.facebook.com/oregonqha/app/394979303946160/

A fun youth-themed competition that took place last night was the All American Hoppy Horse Derby complete with inflatable bouncy horses. Show Bucks are another fun addition to the show. Pick up an instruction sheet and tracking sheet at the show office to keep a running tab of your winnings. As exhibitors win classes, they can track them on the tracking sheet, turn in at the show office, and receive show bucks to use at vendors like cash or in the awards room for prizes. Competitors can also receive a special edition 2018 Summer Classic t-shirt printed onsite. Use the shirt coupon that you should have received with your back number.

It’s going to be a hot one, so throughout the show, be sure to pick up bottled water and enjoy misting systems at two cooling stations located on the show grounds.

Stay tuned to EquineChronicle.com for results and more fun photos coming from the show.