One of the largest events staged in Central Oregon, the 22nd Annual Oregon High Desert Classics, will be held at J Bar J Boys Ranch in Bend on Wednesday, July 20.
The Oregon High Desert Classics, Central Oregon’s most prolific and longest running horse shows, are International Class A Hunter/Jumper Competitions that showcase world class equestrian talent.
Proceeds from the events benefit J Bar J Youth Services and its many programs that support Central Oregon youth and their families. Proceeds range anywhere from $125,000 to $250,000 depending on the number of horses competing in the event.
The programs of J Bar J Youth Services include the J Bar J Boys Ranch, Cascade Youth and Family Center, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Oregon and The Academy at Sisters. The boys from the J Bar J Ranch help maintain the ranch before and during the show, the girls from the Academy at Sisters do all of the serving at the catered events, the youth from Cascade Youth & Family Center assist in running the booth that sells polo shirts and other gear and Big Brothers Big Sisters assists in putting up posters around town, as well as hosts a donor appreciation party at the show.
Spencer Newell, marketing & business development direct for J Bar J Youth Services explained that in the early 1990s the, horse show was much smaller and generated $50,000 to $60,000. “Over the years, J Bar J has invested in the facility, creating an equestrian facility with great footing for the warm up rings as well as the grass show rings, and generated a market of exhibitors that enjoy the show, enjoy the facility and enjoy visiting and vacationing in Central Oregon, to the point where it now generates up to $250,000.”
J Bar J Youth Services will welcome over 700 of the West Coast and Canada’s most gracious and exciting professional and amateur equestrians for two weekends of competition. Participants will be coming from Washington, Wyoming, Idaho, Montana, California, Nevada, Arizona, British Columbia and Alberta, Canada.
In addition, nearly 2,000 spectators will be on hand to watch the competition. Based on a Bend Chamber of Commerce study, participants of the show spend an estimated $3 million locally on food, lodging, recreation, goods and services over the two week period.
Event Planner Amanda Gow says, “J Bar J Youth Services is excited to have such a diverse group of folks come experience the wonders of the Central Oregon outdoor lifestyle.”
The Classics run on a Wednesday through Sunday basis with Classic I scheduled July 20-24 and Classic II running July 27-31.
If you enjoy a pure sense of speed, elegance, and beauty, come out to the J Bar J Boys Ranch to watch these equestrians make their way around a variety of courses that feature jumps ranging from two to five feet in height. An event such as the Oregon High Desert Classics gives the Central Oregon community an opportunity to experience, first hand, the unique world of hunter/jumper competition.
Classes for all ages and abilities start at 7:30am and run consecutively in six rings until approximately 5pm each day. Vendors selling food, equestrian supplies, clothing, and gifts will be open throughout the week. Admission to the event is free.
Each Saturday the Grand Prix Competition, with purses of $20,000 and $25,000, are held beginning at 5pm. This year’s $25,000 Grand Prix purse is provided by The American Grand Prix Association. The winner of the purse will be the competitor that displays the best sense of time, speed and accuracy in completing the course.
The ideal place to view this event is from under the Patrons Tent at ringside for An Evening at the Classic that will feature an elegant dinner by Tate & Tate Catering. Exclusive seating for individuals and groups of up to eight people are available for purchase.
Info: Amanda Gow at agow@bbbsco.org, 541-312-6047. The purchase of a Patrons Table will also include access to the Patrons Tent all week to enjoy the show and events including the highly anticipated Sunday Mini Grand Prix.
www.jbarj.org.
