The Southwest Reining Horse Association Futurity has long been regarded as a preview for the annual National Reining Horse Association Futurity – a place where reining fans get an early glimpse of many of the horses that will become stars in Oklahoma just a month later. For 21 years, the event has been a tradition in the reining world, and the 2005 edition looks to be even bigger and better than in years past.

The show runs from October 26-30 at the historic Hardy Murphy Coliseum in Ardmore, Oklahoma but the action really began on Sunday, October 23. Three full days of paid warm-ups and preparation have already made the southern Oklahoma town a focal point for reining action. Competition kicks off on Wednesday with the Novice Horse Open and Non Pro classes. Then, on Thursday, it’s Futurity Time! The day begins with the Open Futurity Preliminaries and the evening performance is devoted to the Non Pro qualifying rounds.

The Futurity has returned to a finals format in 2005, due to a decision from the Southwest Reining Horse Association Board to create a more spectator-friendly event. SWRHA President, Tim Lynch, noted, “The Board felt that having a finals creates a showcase day for Saturday, and we’re looking forward to a great day of reining!”

Make that a great week. A highlight on Friday night will be the $7500 Added Lil Ruf Peppy Open Reining. Traditionally, the Open competition at the Southwest Futurity has been great watching, and this year it will be followed by the Two Frogs Futurity Draw Party, sponsored by the popular Ardmore restaurant. Besides the draw and other related activities, a special auction will be held during the party. Sam Houston’s Houston Ranch of Whitesboro, Texas, has donated an embryo transfer to benefit the Southwest Reining Horse Association Futurity. Everyone is invited to attend and bid.

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