The Southwest Reining Horse Association has announced that the added money for its 2008 Futurity, scheduled for October 21-26, has increased by over $13,000! The event, which will be held at the newly renovated Hardy Murphy Coliseum in Ardmore, Oklahoma, will feature $135,500 in added money. That comes in a large part from the over $70K generated by the 2008 SWRHA Online Stallion Auction.
Jack Covington, SWRHA Vice-President, says he is always impressed by the continuing support from the stallion owners. "Since we began the Silent Auction in 2005, the money raised has increased significantly each year. We truly appreciate the stallion owners who make this large of a purse possible."
To show its appreciation to those stallion owners, the SWRHA will award the owner of the sire of the highest advancing Open, Intermediate Open, Limited Open, Non Pro, and Intermediate Non Pro horse with a special SWRHA Golf Cart. Also, a Golf Cart will be awarded to the Billingsley Ford Open Futurity Champion and the WinStar Casino Non Pro Futurity Champion.
The SWRHA Golf Carts have become a staple of the Futurity, and are always proudly accepted. Covington notes that the association predicts the added money – and awards program – will keep growing. "This trend of growth over the past few years is very encouraging. It's an indication that this program will continue to get bigger," he said.
The 24th edition of the Futurity will be full of special activities and bonuses. The Harris Equine Hospital Futurity Mare Bonus will award $2,000 to the highest advancing/placing Open mare, and $1,000 to the highest advancing/placing Non Pro mare.
To support Rein In Cancer, there will be two special classes – Performance Halter and Pleasure. Both classes will feature $1,000 added – but there are some rules. All horses must be reining horses, shown by their riders!
There will also be a full slate of NRHA Approved classes, featuring the Cinder Lakes Ranch $10,000 Open, in addition to the Futurity – so there truly is something for every equine enthusiast. That, along with the Trade Show and the Stallion Alley Party featuring the Finals Draw on Friday, October 24, will provide even more entertainment.
Built in 1937, the historic Hardy Murphy Coliseum has been a mainstay as an Ardmore tourist attraction. Primarily designed to host horse and livestock shows, recent renovations to the facility have given it the flexibility to host even more events. Along with the space upgrades that allow the facility to stall 300 horses, the addition of air conditioning provides Hardy Murphy with the competitive ability to attract national and regional events. The renovations have resulted in a premier competitive equine facility.
For more information on the Southwest Reining Horse Association Futurity, or to inquire about the SWRHA, please call 580-759-2572, or visit www.swrha.com.
