PRINEVILLE – A show designed to showcase the haflinger and fjord breeds is set for May 14-15 in Prineville.

However, entries in the Oregon Gold Open Horse Show aren’t limited to just those two breeds. Rather, Central Oregon owners of haflingers and fjords have banded together to host the show, hoping to attract all manner of horses and horse lovers.

”A bunch of us got together five years ago and wanted to have a local show that helped promote, and help people learn about, our breeds,” said Catherine Stout, a haflinger owner and the show secretary.

The show will be held indoors at the Crook County Fairgrounds. Action begins at 9 a.m. on May 14 and at 8:30 a.m. on May 15. Classes include halter, walk/trot, trail, English, western on May 14, while May 15 features daylong driving classes, including obstacle and pleasure driving, in which participants are dressed up.

”This all started because we wanted to have a full day of driving classes,” Stout said. ”There’s nothing like it around here.”

According to the American Haflinger Registry, the haflinger breed has been around since medieval times, and today is noted for its golden chestnut coloring and long, flowing white mane and tail. Haflingers measure approximately 13 to 15 hands high, and are used for a variety of equestrian pursuits, including packing, light harness and combined driving, western and trail riding, endurance riding, dressage and jumping, vaulting and therapeutic riding programs.

According to equiworld.net, the Norwegian fjord traditionally has a dun-colored coat with a dark stripe running from its forelock to its tail, and may have dark stripes on its legs. A fjord’s tail and mane typically are silver, with the latter being coarse and spiky. Today’s fjords average between 13 and 14.2 hands high, and have a wide head and small ears, reminiscent of a pony. The breed is used for packing, driving, riding and for ploughing.

Stout and her husband, Doug, own Royal Haflinger Ranch in Tumalo. She estimates that there are approximately 30 fjords and 50 haflingers in the Central Oregon area.

Stout said she expects approximately 60 competitors at the show, which is open to spectators at no cost.

High-point awards will be presented at the show’s conclusion, in the haflinger, fjord, and open categories. Classes are $5 each for entries postmarked by May 1, and $7 per class otherwise. Stabling is available at $18 per night, and bedding is available for purchase.

Entries are available at local feed stores, or by contacting Stout at 312-8332 or oregon gold@hotmail.com.