The Southwest Reining Horse Association Futurity & Show has long been one of the National Reining Horse Association’s top affiliate-run events. This year, the SWRHA Board has voted to increase the added money in the Futurity by a whopping 30 percent. The increase will create a new total of $201,000 in added money in the Futurity alone.
SWRHA Futurity & Show Manager Cheryl Cody is excited about the increase. “I’m glad the Board was far-seeing enough to adopt this increase. The additional funding has been made possible by both the annual SWRHA Stallion Auction revenue as well support from sponsors, and we value their continued participation. Beyond that, we appreciate those who attend and participate who make this show so special.”
Cody added that the boost in added money will not be accompanied by an increase in entry fees.
The increase was split between the Open and the Non Pro divisions, boosting the Open added money from $112,000 to $138,000 and the Non Pro from $41,500 to $63,000.
The Added Money and Increase from 2022 are:
- Open Level 4 – $70,000 (up from $62,000)
- Open Level 3 – $40,000 (up from $32,000)
- Open Level 2 – $15,000 (up from $10,000)
- Open Level 1 – $10,000 (up from $6,500)
- Open Prime Time – $3,000 (up from $1,500)
- Non Pro Level 4 – $30,000 (up from $20,000)
- Non Pro Level 3 – $15,000 (up from $10,000)
- Non Pro Level 2 – $10,000 (up from $7,000)
- Non Pro Level 1 – $5,000 (up from $3,000)
- Non Pro Prime Time – $3,000 (up from $1,500)
Kathy McCutcheon, former SWRHA President, shared more insight into how the funds are raised and used. “This is one of the very few successful shows that is not owned by a single entity. The SWRHA belongs to its members, and the money that we’re able to use for prizes and purses comes from what we do throughout the year, such as our stallion auction, as well as our wonderful sponsors,” she said. “Everyone – our stallion owners, the people who buy the breedings, our sponsors, our members, our neighbors, and our friends – plays a part in the SWRHA’s success, and we appreciate them all.”
In 2023, the SWRHA Futurity and Show will celebrate its 39th year, and a tradition of striving towards betterment. “We always try to be the best we can for all our members, as well as the people who come from far away to compete,” McCutcheon said. “This isn’t just a show that has popped up. It may be a ‘smaller’ show, but it’s never easy to win here. Everyone brings good horses and works hard to be here, and we want to make sure that when they have a good run, they get prizes and money that match that.”