Oregon Horse Center

Home » Blog » Blog

A Northwest Treasure for Horse Events

by Karen Pickering

Last weekend (May 5th) I escaped for a short visit to one of the nicest equestrian facilities in the Northwest––The Oregon Horse Center. I’ve heard many good things about this facility but had never been there. It was so much more than I expected! This particular weekend was one of the largest shows Oregon Horse Center (OHC) has hosted. The Western States Stock Horse organization was renting two arenas.

 

Oregon Horse Center
Restaurant at Oregon Horse Center. Photo courtesy ©NWHSPhoto

 

Oregon Horse Center
New boarding barn under construction. Photo courtesy ©NWHSPhoto

The beautiful thing about OHC is you have nearly 5 acres of arenas, stalls, seating, offices and restaurant under one roof. Even the regular boarders have a covered area under the same roof to ride under while shows are going on. This expansive property includes yet another arena and boarding facility next door. Plans include a new boarding barn under construction right now and a large cross-country course.

 

Oregon Horse Center
RV Parking. Photo courtesy ©NWHSPhoto

It seems that nearly every breed and/or discipline uses this event center. The staff is amazing, helpful and knowledgeable. They have their own facility photographer, Chris Sloan, and each team member takes pride in their specific duties around the place. The facility has a show office exclusively for the use of the organization renting the space, seating for over 500, and over 75 RV spots with power and water. There is plenty of room to maneuver big living quarter trailers and convenient bathrooms with showers outside near the RV parking.

OHC is known for its incredible mountain trail course they put up every spring and fall in the largest indoor arena. Also, the Eugene Pro Rodeo is held here over the 4th of July weekend on the rodeo grounds next to the main complex. It’s absolutely amazing how much can be accomplished in one place. Most fairgrounds can’t compare to this venue.

 

Oregon Horse Center

Competing in Indoor Mountain Trail Course. Photo courtesy of Oregon Horse Center, Chris Sloan Photography

Oregon Horse Center
Competing in Indoor Mountain Trail Course. Photo courtesy of Oregon Horse Center, Chris Sloan Photography
Oregon Horse Center
Rodeo Grounds. Photo courtesy of Oregon Horse Center, Chris Sloan Photography

Oregon Horse Center is privately owned. Major Defoe is an industrious entrepreneur who decided to build a facility along I-5 that rivaled all other facilities in the state. Major came up with the design and uses his vast knowledge from owning several different businesses to keep this place running smooth and efficiently. His family showed horses for many years, so he understands the needs of running such a venue. His experience has helped him create something unique which benefits horse owners throughout the Northwest.

Oregon Horse Center
Cross Country Course. Photo courtesy of Oregon Horse Center, Chris Sloan Photography

Major started this project with the building of the rodeo grounds in the 90’s. In 1999 he started building Oregon Horse Center, taking two years to complete the first phase. He has since added a second arena for smaller venues next door as well as a recently added beautiful cross-country course for the eventing crowd. The big course is 1750 meters and a smaller course at 1050 meters. There are over 18 obstacles with adjustment for 3 different heights. They even have a small practice course with a water obstacle.

Oregon Horse Center
Stalls in main building. Photo courtesy ©NWHSPhoto

Major says he is most proud of the fact that this project was done privately. No government grants or outside sources funded the project. Major loves his job and works at this seven days a week, and he receives no salary. However, the facility is profitable and self-sustaining. He has kept the price for renting the facility very affordable and much lower than competing fairgrounds. Because this facility specializes in horse events it is best suited for area shows and competitions.

Major is proud of his staff. It takes at least 10 to 15 people to keep this operation running smooth. The uniqueness of the OHC keeps people coming back and developing friendships. It’s easy to do under one roof where your stalls, warm up arena and competition are held in one building. This popular venue is booked nearly every weekend!

 

Oregon Horse Center
Overlay map of grounds. Photo courtesy of Oregon Horse Center, Chris Sloan Photography

 

The central location, affordability and friendly atmosphere keep people coming back. Major says his biggest challenge is coming up with new stuff to offer. He always researches and listens to suggestions for new things to do. It’s a growing atmosphere that inspires friendships and brings the horse community together. He’s made such an impact on the horse community that people have come from around the world to see his facility.

One man with a dream, an incredibly supportive horse community and amazing staff make this place a destination spot for horse people. Consider Oregon Horse Center for your next equestrian event. Visit www.OregonHorseCenter.com or call (541) 689-9700.

 

 


Thank you for supporting the businesses that support The Northwest Horse Source

This content sponsored by:
This content sponsored by:
This content sponsored by:

Leave a Comment

Join the conversation:

Select a list(s):

Check out the Magazine!

The Northwest Horse Source Magazine
generac-home-standby-generator-banners

[chaptgpt_prompt]