The two hot topics at the AQHA Top Ten show, the Oregon Summer Classic, were the awards and the weather. The circuit started with amazing weather with the temperature at around 85 degrees on Tuesday and Wednesday. It started to heat up on Thursday with the temperature peaking on Saturday at 109 degrees.
Thankfully, the show staff made accommodations for the exhibitors by putting up Potts coolers, misting tents and providing water troughs full of ice and free bottles of water. The show ended on Sunday afternoon with a thunder and lightning storm that soaked the grounds and knocked out power for a while. The show was temporarily suspended as exhibitors and horses huddled in the show arenas to wait out the storm.
A new schedule was used by the show this year with show days being shortened to Wednesday through Sunday with a day off on Friday. Exhibitors showed to 4 judges each time. The new schedule brought out the exhibitors with large class numbers in halter, trail, pleasure, and English. Numbers were also strong in the cow horse, ranch riding and reining classes with the arena running late into the night. Exhibitors enjoyed the area on Friday with many visiting local wineries or river rafting.
The show provided plenty of opportunities for socializing and fun. A welcome reception with free wine, food and cake was hosted on Tuesday night. Wednesday night was a Taste of the Rogue Valley with a winery, brewery and restaurants having samples during the evening futurity classes. Thursday night was a BBQ dinner and Saturday night was a pizza party.
The awards up for grabs were impressive! Buckles for circuit champions and embroidered jackets for reserve were provided in all classes including Rookie, Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3. Level 1 halter classes were even offered to allow new exhibitors to show in the class. The popular Rod Patrick boot drawing in the performance halter classes was generously sponsored by Rose Santos Quarter Horses and Fox Creek Ranch and awarded one exhibitor in each performance halter class a pair of free boots.
The futurity classes held strong this year with great entries. Saddles, buckles and halters were awarded in each division with most being handed out by the reigning Congress Queen. The Yearling Longe Line was especially large with 13 entries. An added $2,000 purse in this class was sponsored by Kathryn and Cody Mitchell of Oak Spring Ranch.
Click here to view candids kindly taken by Hilary Reinhard and sponsored by The Rock.
