Evening includes Nutrena Pizza Party, Rein in Cancer Dog Races, Petroll Reining Horses Platinum and Outta Dough Masters Non Pro
The final night of the 40th Annual Southwest Reining Horse Association (SWRHA) Futurity and Horse Show is set to be one of the most entertaining, as the Markel Night of Fun will conclude a week packed with thrilling competition.
For many years, Markel Insurance has been a proud sponsor of the event, which is held annually at the Hardy Murphy Coliseum in Ardmore, Oklahoma.
“The team at Markel is not only there for the reining industry in challenging times but also when it’s time to come together and celebrate,” said Cheryl Cody of the SWRHA Futurity Show Management Team. “Frank Costantini, Markel’s Director of Western Disciplines, has supported reining in countless ways over the years, and we are grateful for his and Markel’s ongoing commitment to our event.”
The festivities will kick off with the always popular Nutrena Pizza Party, followed by the Rein in Cancer Dog Races.
“Like Markel, Nutrena has been a long-standing supporter of the SWRHA,” Cody continued. “After a long week, this evening of fun, with great pizza and drinks, provides the perfect opportunity for everyone to unwind. We especially appreciate Kirk Chilson of Nutrena for his enthusiastic sponsorship year after year.”
The Rein in Cancer Dog Races, held on the arena floor of the Hardy Murphy Coliseum, feature two divisions—small and large dogs—ensuring all furry participants have a fair chance to win. All proceeds from the race will benefit Rein in Cancer, a 501(c)(3) organization that provides direct financial assistance to cancer patients.
Once the dogs have cleared the arena, the Halloween-themed Leadline Contest will take center stage. The smallest competitors will showcase their costumes, with each contestant evaluated by a guest judge. All participants will receive exciting awards.
At 4 p.m., the costume fun continues with the Youth Frankentstyle competition, a freestyle reining event introduced by the SWRHA two years ago. Contestants aged 18 and under will choreograph their own reining patterns, set to music, while dressed in elaborate costumes.
After the Frankenstyle awards are handed out, the more seasoned SWRHA competitors will take over for the Outta Dough Masters and the Petroll Reining Horses Platinum Non Pro classes. The Masters Non Pro division is open to riders 60 years and older, while those aged 70 and older are eligible for the Platinum division.
“We are incredibly appreciative of Dorothy Queen for her continued sponsorship of the Outta Dough Masters, and to Sebastian and Melanie Petroll for their sponsorship of the Petroll Reining Horses Platinum. Their generosity allows us to provide a special experience for our older competitors, and we truly appreciate their support,” Cody said.
This year’s SWRHA Futurity and Show begins on October 18, with the Rancho Los Palominos Non Pro Futurity and the Billingsley Ford Open Futurity highlighting the first weekend. While competition wraps up on Friday, October 25, Paid Warmups will still be available on Saturday in both the Coliseum and Ancillary Arena.
For a complete schedule, visit SWRHA.com.