J Bar J’s Oregon High Desert Classic

by RENEE PATRICK Cascade Business News Feature Writer

The annual event (July 17-28) brings more than a world class equestrian competition to the high desert; the impact of the two-week Oregon High Desert Classic (OHDC) contributes an estimated $3 million dollars to the local economy, and raises over $200,000 for local at-risk youth and their families.

Beginning July 17 and continuing through July 28, 1,000 participants, over 500 horses and thousands of spectators will flock to J Bar J Ranch in Bend. Traveling from eight western states and Canada, OHDC riders include Olympic medalists, world champions and winners of the prestigious Grand Prix competitions.

From an economic standpoint, OHDC is one of the largest special events in Central Oregon, and according to a Bend Chamber of Commerce study, participants spend an millions locally on food, lodging, recreation and goods and services over the two week period.

“We are looking at over 500 horses coming to the show, and each horse brings four people: the owner, rider, groomer and trainer,” said J Bar J Development Coordinator Toni Ryan. “They come for the show and also bring their families and get to discover beautiful Central Oregon. People might come early and stay late; the horse show is the draw but people stay to enjoy the recreation and beautiful place we have here.”

The first Classic in 1990 grew from a more modest event, the High Desert Horse Fair. Thirteen years later, the OHDC is a United States Equestrian Federation AA rated hunter/jumper competition with six show-jumping arenas offering international equestrian talent as well as novice classes.

Grand Prix Competitions with purses of $25,000, gourmet receptions and dinners and the $10,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby and Hunt Breakfasts all contribute to the success of the world class event.

“Most of the events are free,” Ryan said. “It’s phenomenal to see the incredible horses that are big, masterful, beautiful animals. It’s a world class event and it’s really great to see that level of competition locally; it’s a real once in a lifetime event.

“What is unique about the OHDC is we have one of only two grass rings left in the country,” Ryan explained. “J Bar J has natural grass and it’s really appealing to the riders.”

The largest and most prestigious hunter-jumper competition in the Northwest has an important beneficiary: The J Bar J Youth Services. Since 1968 the nonprofit organization has provided innovative options for at-risk youth and their families in their efforts towards personal responsibility and self-sufficiency. Based on nationally recognized best practices and as pioneers in cognitive behavioral treatment, J Bar J programs target risk factors for anti-social behavior stressing individual achievement and academic success.

The Oregon High Desert Classics have successfully raised over $200,000 annually for  J Bar J Youth Services and the five programs managed by the organization: J Bar J Boys Ranch, Academy at Sisters, Cascade Youth and Family Center, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Oregon and the Learning Center. “This is our primary fundraiser, the money raised goes directly to the programs,” Ryan said.

J Bar J Boys Ranch serves teen age adjudicated male offenders in a behavior rehabilitation residential facility focusing on personal responsibility and character development.

The Academy at Sisters provides a personalized therapeutic treatment program for troubled female adolescents in a nurturing residential setting.

Cascade Youth and Family Center & The LOFT (Living Options For Teens) focuses on prevention, intervention and crisis services for adolescents and their families. They are the sole provider of a comprehensive spectrum of services targeted to work with runaway, homeless and throwaway youth in Deschutes County.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Oregon serves hundreds of youth annually through its volunteer based one-to-one mentoring program with offices in Bend, Prineville, Madras and Warm Springs.

J Bar J Learning Centers are fully accredited on-campus schools serving J Bar J’s residential facilities with year-round education providing alternative learning opportunities that address the unique learning needs of their students.

J Bar J Boys Ranch at 62895 Hamby Road, Bend. Classic I, July 17 – July 21; Classic II, July 24 – July 28. 541-771-4743, www.jbarj.org.

Pacific Power Foundation  supports Chess Builds Character program

The boys at the J Bar J Ranch will have the opportunity to gain important character-building and cognitive skills through the game of chess with the generous support of the Pacific Power Foundation.

Approximately 50 youth in the residential treatment program for adjudicated youth ages 13-18 will be the beneficiaries of a pilot program to integrate chess as a tool to address cognitive and emotional intelligence. The goal is to assist students in identifying their emotions and incorporate this in their reasoning, problem-solving and decision making. This in turn will support these students in managing and taking responsibility for their emotions and turn negative emotions into positive learning and growing opportunities. The Chess Builds Character program works with at-risk youth during a critical period in their lives, providing   positive and challenging activity geared at strengthening their emotional intelligence and building character.

Thanks to a grant award in the amount of $1,000, this program will enhance the curriculum provided to the residents at the J Bar J Ranch.