The 2016 Oregon Summer Classic ran June 20th through the 26th in Central Point, Oregon. This 2016 Top 10 show features eight judges in six days, huge numbers, great weather and a fun and welcoming environment for everyone. Self-proclaimed, “The Best in The West,” this show attracts exhibitors from far and wide to its wonderful facility at the Jackson County Expo Center.
California-based trainer Rose Santos and amateur exhibitors Kathryn Mitchell and Hilary Reinhard contributed pictures and daily reports from the Oregon Summer Classic. Thank you, ladies!
CLICK HERE to view The Rock Stallion Candids taken by Kathryn Mitchell, Rose Santos, Hilary Reinhard and various other competitors.
Final Report from Oregon Summer Classic with Hilary Reinhard
We sometimes see the not so good side of our shows publicized. But, more often, I am reminded of the good side of the people who I compete with. This week’s show was difficult for me on a personal level. My dad was diagnosed with cancer over a year ago and had been doing poorly. My mom, who is my go-to horse show companion, was not able to leave him and travel to the show with me. So, I was feeling down about what was going on.
Just prior to the Amateur Performance Halter Mares class on Wednesday, I met a fellow exhibitor that lived up near the Canadian border. After the class was judged, they asked us to look at our raffle tickets for the Rod Patrick boot drawing. They called number 119, which was so close to my number 120 ticket. As we walked out with no one claiming the winning ticket, my new friend asked what number I had been given. It turned out we had both accidentally been given number 120. We went to the announcer with our dilemma.
Jim Searles suggested that whoever had entered the show pen first should be awarded the boots. I couldn’t remember who had gone in first until she reminded me that it was me. The honesty and grace shown by a stranger reminded me what a special group we get to show with.
My dad’s condition ended up worsening during the rest of the week so I left the show early. Fellow competitors and friends made sure that everything was taken care of in my absence. We are blessed get to compete with a special group of people.
My brother called me on Thursday afternoon to let me know that my dad was not doing well and that I should come home. Kathryn deVries Mitchell was with me when I got the call. She helped me scratch classes and get ready to show the Amateur Trail. Rose insisted on walking me to my car when I left. I got home in time to be with my mom, so she didn’t have to be alone. My dad passed away Sunday morning surrounded by family. It is surreal. But I am so thankful for all the support our family has received.
Report #6 – Friday, June 24th, 2016 – Off Day
Friday at the Summer Classic was a day off of showing for trainers and exhibitors. People took advantage of the free day and spent it enjoying the diverse activities that Southern Oregon has to offer. While some spent the day white water rafting, playing golf, fishing, wine tasting or enjoying the jet boat trip that the show office had organized, others rode during the cool morning hours and spent the scorching afternoon hours at the movies or hibernating in their hotel rooms.
Kellie Hinely and her youth crew went rafting (pictured right), Irene Davis, who is scribing for the show went to Jacksonville with Tracey Pope and hit estate sales, Candy Bava, a client of David Busick’s went to Seven Feathers Casino and won $500, Alex Whalen, spent the day at Joanne and Gordon Talaska’s place that is only ten minutes away and is located on the river, and the Weaver barn practiced, clipped horses and then went out to dinner where they wore their crowns and tiaras. (Pictured above in the main image)
Trainer, Farley McLendon (pictured left) went to Crater Lake with her father, and she told us about her trip. “About 7,700 years ago, the volcano, Mt. Mazama collapsed and formed the caldera named Crater Lake. It’s the deepest lake in the US at 1,949 ft. The water in the lake is from rainfall and snow; no rivers or streams flow in or out. The blue color of the water is so pretty, it’s almost fake looking. It’s definitely one of the most breathtaking places I’ve ever seen.”
Thank you, Kathryn, Hilary and Rose for the great pictures and report!
Report #5 – Thursday, June 23, 2016
When the sun went down on Thursday night, the fun started. The Champion of Champions class featured all of the week’s youth horsemanship and hunt seat 
equitation first and second place winners. The youth competed in a ride off to determine the ultimate Champion of Champions. The judges put the exhibitors through a variety of maneuvers testing their skills. In the end, the Champion was Emma Edwards and This Is Why Im Here. (pictured right with trainer Nancy Renfro)
The trainers showmanship class allowed trainers to show their humorous side. “The trainer showmanship challenge was a blast for not only the crowd but also the competitors,” trainer Chelsea Carlson who dressed up as Donald Trump (pictured above), said.
They had a long list of “celebrities” who showed up including:
* Cruella De’Ville (Kellie Hinely) (pictured left)
* Rita Crundwell- pre-arrest (Farley McLendon)
* Rita Crundwell- post-arrest (Erin Henderson)
* Little Bo Peep (Amanda Winger)
* Lady Gaga (CJ Fisher)
* Hillary Clinton (Randy McCartney)
* Donald Trump (Chelsea Carlson)
* Bruce/Caitlyn Jenner (Tyler Haney)
* Daisy Duke (Chrissa Westbrooks)
* Zookeeper & Gorilla (Rose Santos & Cody Cowdell)
All the competitors were auctioned off first with the Zoo Keeper and Gorilla (pictured right) selling for the highest amount at $1,000 to Dan Fox. The total amount of money raised for the youth was over $3,000.
The pattern included running backward, skipping, jumping jacks, spins, inspection on one foot, and patting the judges on the butt on the way out.
Following all the patterns, and the craziness in between, it came down to a freestyle runoff between Donald Trump and last minute add in (per the judges request) David Busick. Best pattern went to Cruella De’Ville, Best Costume to Rita Crundwell- post-arrest, and Best Overall performance to David Busick who played himself (pictured here, second left). “It was a blast and something everyone will be talking about for years to come!” Carlson states.
Report#4 – Wednesday, June 22, 2016
Stephanie Kofu along with her trainers Melissa and Ron Zanneti recently purchased ReRide West. ReRide is a consignment store that carries clothing, tack, and grooming supplies. The Oregon Summer Classic is their first show with this new venture. We spoke with Stephanie about the business.
How did you get involved in ReRide?
I had been looking for something that I could travel to horse shows while making some money. This allows me to do both while also getting to help people choose outfits that work for them.
I noticed you didn’t bring your horses to this show. Why?
Although I have always enjoyed showing at this show, I really wanted to focus on ReRide. I hope that in the future I can balance showing my horses with running the store.
What shows do you plan on taking ReRide to?
We are planning on hitting most of the West Coast breed shows, and we are also hoping that we can venture east when we feel ready.
What designers do you carry?
We have quite a few Paula’s Place, Lindsay James and Trudy outfits available at this point. We have a pretty wide variety of price points to help meet the different needs of exhibitors.
Thank you for your time and good luck in your new venture
Thanks and you’re welcome!
Report #3 – Tuesday, June 21, 2016
The Summer Classic features both rail and pattern events along with cattle events. Dana Azevedo, an amateur exhibitor from American Canyon, CA, is showing in both arenas at this show. In the Amateur Boxing, she is riding Katies Remington 243. In the Amateur Ranch Riding, she is showing Stylist Shooter. In the performance halter, showmanship and western riding she is competing with Zippos Im Gold (Dryfuss). We visited with Dana to find out how splitting her time between different horses and arenas was going at the show.
Showing both cowhorses and pattern events is a rare combination. How did you get started in showing both?
My parents have a cattle ranch and have always had ranch horses. They eventually started showing in the cutting and cowhorse classes. So, the horses I am showing in the cowhorse here at Summer Classic are horses they have raised. I wanted to learn more about the finesse of showing, so I got a pattern horse awhile ago. I recently purchased Dryfuss. This is our first show together.
Who do you train with?
The cowhorses are kept at home. I trailer in for lessons with John Ward when I need help with them. For the pattern classes, I train with Mike Weaver. Dryfuss stays at Mike’s facility year round.
How do you balance showing in two separate arenas?
It can be tough. Today the Amateur Boxing and my western riding class were held at the exact same time. Since John Ward is not here, I had to do all the prep work on my cowhorse. Thankfully, Mike had Dryfuss prepared for me, so I could jump on him and show. I couldn’t have done it without his support.
What motivates you to split your time between the two disciplines?
I love the thrill of the cowhorses. Showing them is an adrenaline rush. But, I also love the finesse of showing the pattern classes. The focus on body control of the horses and the presentation is so different. I think the combination helps me be a better exhibitor in the cowhorse.
Thanks Dana for your time!
You’re welcome!
Report #2 – Monday, June 20th, 2016
Day one of the Summer Classic brought out the halter, showmanship, English and open trail exhibitors. Halter classes were large, especially in the aged and performance halter classes. Everyone who entered in a performance halter class had a chance to win a pair of Rod Patrick boots sponsored by Rose Santos, Amanda Winger Wilson, Dan Fox and Cheri Gayton. There were a lot of happy exhibitors who will be sporting new boots. Leveling helped boost entries in the larger classes like Senior Trail which had 40 total entries.
Report #1 – Sunday, June 19th, 2016
Sunday was the move in day for the Summer Classic here in Central Point, Oregon. Exhibitors practiced and got their tack and horses cleaned up and ready to show. The show staff threw a welcoming reception with sandwiches, snacks, and a beautiful cake. They even had complimentary wine provided by one of the local wineries. We are ready to have a great show!
