Southwest Reining Horse Association Futurity Returns to Finals Format

June 12, 2005 - The Southwest Reining Horse Association Futurity, set for October 27-30 at the Hardy Murphy Coliseum in Ardmore, Oklahoma, will return to a finals format, according to SWRHA President, Tim Lynch.

The top scores from the preliminary round in both the Open and Non Pro divisions will advance to the clean-slate finals and a chance at the event championship. Lynch cited the popularity and excitement of the finals as reason for the change. “People just enjoy watching the top horses go,” he noted. “The SWRHA Board feels that this will be a positive move that keeps more people in the stands. That benefits both our sponsors and our organization.”

The Southwest Reining Horse Association Futurity, billed “Where the Finest go First!” has long been a preview of the top horses that will be seen a month later at the National Reining Horse Association Futurity in Oklahoma City. Both timing and proximity have been factors and the percentage of SWRHA alumni that have gone on to NRHA Futurity finalist and championship slots is a long one.

Besides the 3-year-old competition, on tap for this year’s futurity is the new $7500 Added Open Reining sponsored by Lil Ruf Peppy and Green Valley Ranch. Lynch noted, “This is the largest added-money Open reining this event has ever held and we’re grateful for the support of Wallace Winegar and Tom McCutcheon, co-owners of Lil Ruf Peppy.”

Lynch continued, “We also appreciate the early sponsor support we’ve received from Sam Houston of Houston Ranch in Whitesboro, Texas. With the help of sponsors like these, this will be a great event!”

For information on the Southwest Reining Horse Association Futurity or to request an entry form, call 580-759-2572 or visit www.swrha.com.