Oregon Summer Classic Kicks Off Today With Incredible Prizes, Revised Schedule, and Off-Day Adventure Trips!
Lots of fun was had at The Equine Chronicle Exhibitors’ Party last night at the Oregon Summer Classic!
By: Brittany Bevis
The Oregon Quarter Horse Association is proud to present the Oregon Summer Classic and Open Futurities. Fondly referred to as “The Best in the West,” the Summer Classic was the third largest AQHA show in the nation last year. This year, the event kicks off today and will continue through June 25th providing competitors with eight judges over four days at the Jackson County Expo Center in Central Point, Oregon.
Judges for the show will be Dean Bogart, Jessica Gilliam, Suzy Jeane, Andrea Simons, Janette Dublin, Sandy Jirkovsky, Allen Mitchels, Gary Reynolds, Lynda Danielson, Larry Hansch, Michelle Tidwell, Brent Tincher, Jane Bagley, Marilyn Randall, Betsey and John Tuckey.
New for this year, competitors will enjoy a revised schedule with four days of competition: Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday with four judges per class, per day. There is also a new flat fee of $110 per judge for any horse and rider in any AQHA division. Also, the new AQHA Versatility Ranch Horse classes have been added to the schedule.
The Summer Classic Open futurities are open to all stock horse breeds and will include Western Pleasure, Trail Sweepstakes, Longe Line, English, Halter, Roping, and Reining. Awards are plentiful and will run deep. Scottsdale Western World saddles and Caliente Saddle Shop saddles are among the prizes. Buckles will be awarded to every circuit class winner. Reserve class winners will receive jackets. There will be over $6,000 in daily class awards.
The social scene is always a big draw every year at the Oregon Summer Classic. Last night, competitors enjoyed The Equine Chronicle Exhibitors’ Welcome Social. Today, the Visit Medford, Taste of the Rogue Valley Reception will take place at 6 pm. Tomorrow, there will be a BBQ Dinner at 7 pm in the Osrud Sale Barn, sponsored by the Medford Visitor and Convention Bureau. Tickets are $8 a piece. The Oregon Quarter Horse Youth Association will be hosting the Fling the Filly Fundraiser to raise money for the youth group to go to the AQHA Youth World Show and YES Convention. Buy a filly toy for $5 a piece or 5 for $20 and fling the filly into the target for the chance to win a third of the pot. On Saturday, join Bobbio’s Pizza for the Central Point Pizza Party at the Rogue Saloon at 6 pm.
Three special competition events will highlight the OQHA Showcase of Talent this year:
Youth Champion of Champions- The first and second place winners of the Youth Hunt Seat Equitation and Youth Horsemanship from the Wednesday-Thursday classes will be invited to participate. Divisions include Youth, Novice Youth 13 and Under, and Novice Youth 14-18. Riders will do rail work only and will be scored using a handicap system.
Trail/Ranch Trail Relay Teams- Teams will consist of two people with one Trail exhibitor and 1 Ranch Horse exhibitor with teams to be determined by random draw. The walk-trot class will consist of three Trail obstacles and 3 Ranch Trail obstacles. The winning team will be determined by time and penalties incurred. Time will start when the first horse crosses the line and ends after the second horse crosses the line. Teams must transfer a baton between both riders. Teams will be auctioned off and 60% of the proceeds will go to the OQHF for the World Show Team. The remaining 40% will be paid to the winning team.
Youth Top Hand Award– The first and second place winners in the Youth Reining, Cowhorse, and Ranch Riding from the Wednesday-Thursday classes, under each judge, in Youth, Novice Youth 13 and under, and Novice Youth 14-18 will be invited to participate. The class will be rail work only.
Friday is an off-day for competition, and there are several fun options for exploring beautiful Central Point, Oregon. For the adventurous among us, Hellgate Jet Boat Trips will be taking a tour of the Rogue River with options including a lunch cruise or white-water adventure. Call Hellgate Jet Boats to book your trip: 800-648-4874 or visit: www.hellgate.com. The Rogue Valley Zipline Adventure Trip is a favorite among competitors with 2,700 feet of zipline on five different courses. Book the Zip, Drip, and Slip Trip to raft, zipline, and enjoy wine tasting. To book your adventure visit: rvzipline.com or call: 541-821-9476. There are several options for Rogue River Rafting including white-water rafting on the Rogue or Upper Klamath River and scenic float trips. Book your rafting trip at: noahsrafting.com or by calling: 800-858-2811. Two more relaxing options include a Rogue River Fishing Trip or Wine Tasting Tour in historic Jacksonville.
Stay tuned to EquineChronicle.com for more fun photos and results coming from the show. Scroll below to view fun photos, courtesy of Kelsey Anglin.
