RANCHO MURIETA — The West Coast Reining Horse Association will hold its Best of the West horse show Oct. 11-16 at the Murieta Equine Center. The Best in the West horse show will run a full slate of reining classes which includes classes for the National Reining Horse Association’s North West Regional Affiliate Finals. Reiners will be coming from Idaho, Washington, Oregon, and Nevada to compete for seven trophy saddles, over $20,000 in prize money, and possibly the honor of representing the North West Region of the United States at the prestigious NRHA Futurity show which is held in November in Oklahoma City. Gina Hunter from Tracy, winner of last year’s Non Pro Futurity with Guns Lit N Blazin, says that this show is a “great preparation for the NRHA Futurity in Oklahoma.” There will be classes for all levels of reiners and horses, from the Open and Non Pro Derby and Futurity classes to entry level beginners.

The West Coast Reining Horse Association prides itself on being a community and family orientated organization. For the fourth year, money will be raised for breast cancer research through “Slide for the Cure” classes. With each traditional reining class will be a concurrent Slide for the Cure class. Awards to at least fifth place will include several different items like blanket bags by Lentz Repair or Jeans by Wrangler. The entire entry fee will go to the charity and is a tax deductible donation. Last year, WCRHA donated about $11,000 to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

On Saturday, spectators and exhibitors are encouraged to wear pink in honor of PINK Saturday, when spectators see everything from pink boots and pads to pink manes with pink glitter tails. Association officials say that each year they hear personal stories behind reiners taking part in the Slide for the Cure Classes — last year, for example, some riders who were in the midst of their own battles against cancer, and one of the judges reportedly had just finished her cancer treatment.

In addition to the reining classes, there will be many special events for family members, such as doggie costume contests, vendor and draw parties, family style dinners, and a trainer sponsored breakfast on Sunday.

Information can be obtained by contacting Melynda Silvashy at msilva@msn.com or (707) 529-9484.