Founded by Betty Wells in memory of her husband, Jerry, 2015 marks the seventh Jerry Wells Memorial Scholarship Futurity for yearling quarter horses held at the Redbud Spectacular. The futurity is designed to promote the American Quarter Horse, the conformation horse and, of course, to honor the legendary horseman, Jerry Wells. Ten percent of entry fees will go into the annual scholarship program started by the Wells family in 2008 after Jerry’s death.
The event is sanctioned by the WCHA in conjunction with one of the annual Top 10 shows, OQHA’s Redbud Spectacular held at the Oklahoma City Fairgrounds. There will be certified WCHA judges with an estimated $30,000 in added money. The futurity will be held on Saturday, May 30th–the entries must be postmarked by May 15th.
Classes offered this year include Yearlings Only: Limited Open, Non Pro, and Select. Youth Classes offered: any age horse Open Mare and Geldings and also a Limited Class for youth.
“We have tried different classes over the years, but I am adamant in trying to keep our youth involved and have a place for everyone to show and have a good time,” says Betty Wells.
Along with the goal to promote entries to the Futurity, sponsorships for the event are being solicited. If you, a horseman who appreciates the accomplishments of Jerry Wells and what he has contributed to the equine industry, have not been contacted by the Futurity committee and would like to donate to the Futurity, please find out more information by clicking here.
Over the years, the futurity had wellness exams put on by the Purcell Hospital; blood drives for the Cancer Center; and mammography screening for women. One time they had a past Oklahoma Lieutenant Governor and the Director of OU Childrens Hospital speak about the importance of health screenings. Another year, the futurity gave ten percent of the entry fees to a four year-old girl battling Leukemia at Childrens Hospital.
“Another goal of our futurity is to make our show horse industry aware of taking better care of their health with preventative screenings,” Wells told us. “Life is very precious and we must take care of the body God gave us.”
Wells adds, “This futurity would not be possible with out all of you out there who are willing to donate money, time and goods so that we might do this every year. I want to thank each and everyone of you that has been a part of this for the past seven years.”
For more information about the futurity, please click here.
