May 31, 2007

Top horses from the Western United States and Canada are headed for outstanding hunter/jumper competition in the heart of the Hood River Valley, June 13-17.

The Classic will draw top hunters and jumpers from western Canada and the United States to the show site at Jensen Mills Meadow near the village of Mt. Hood.

The Hood River Classic is a benefit for the Providence Hood River Memorial Hospital Foundation. The Classic is also a sanctioned event of the Portland Rose Festival. (The Rose Festival is celebrating its 100th Anniversary in 2007.) The show is A-rated by the United States Equestrian Federation.

Horses and riders are expected from Canada, California, Nevada, Idaho, Montana and Wyoming, as well as from top barns in the Portland, Bend, Eugene, Spokane and Seattle areas, and from many other communities throughout Oregon and Washington.

The action begins at 8 a.m. each day, and continues until early evening with numerous special derbies and competitions. Riders will compete for cash purses and for quality product prizes.

The event’s exciting premier contest, the $10,000 Hood River Inn Grand Prix, is set to take place late Saturday afternoon. The Mini Grand Prix and fun derbies follow on Sunday.

No admission fee is charged to attend the Classic on Wednesday and Thursday. General admission is $3 per person or $7 per car Friday through Sunday.

During the show, on-site vendors will be offering a wide variety of gourmet and home-style food, cocktails and other beverages, horse-themed specialty items, clothing and equipment, show souvenirs, and more.