In the news . . .
Texas METF bill advances
The House of Representatives of the Texas Legislature passed Senate Bill 1678, which amends the existing statute that deals with the Major Events Trust Fund (METF) and the Events Trust Fund (ETF), on March 20.
The current version of the bill has broad support from the NCHA, the State Comptroller, the cities and counties that apply for funding from the METF, and event promoters.
Provisions in the new legislation with the greatest impact on NCHA include:
- A limit of no more than 10 ETF applications for smaller events which generate less than $200,000 in tax implications from a city or county in a year.
- Clarification of the status of events with multi-year contracts (such as NCHA's Triple Crown events).
- A model contract could be adopted by the Comptroller to help applicants standardize their requests for funds under the METF. In the past, officials have applauded the thoroughness of NCHA's applications.
- The bill clarifies that applicant cities or counties and their event promoters can agree to contingency clauses to allow for the fairest distribution of state funds
- The Comptroller can compare actual attendance at an event with the projected attendance, and reduce the amount disbursed proportionately if the attendance is significantly lower.
- The bill also qualifies the X-Games, NASCAR and mixed martial arts as major events eligible for the METF.
The NCHA worked closely with the Comptroller's Office, elected officials, the City of Fort Worth, the sponsors of the legislation and many members of the legislature to craft meaningful improvements to the existing statute. Should the legislation become law, it will underscore NCHA's credibility and viability in all stages of the legislative process.
The Senate will now consider the changes to SB 1678 that were made in the House. The Senate may concur with the House's changes, in which case the bill will go to Governor Rick Perry for his signature. If the Senate does not concur with the changes, a conference committee of Senators and Representatives will work out the differences in the House and Senate versions of the bill. That compromise would be adopted by both bodies and the bill would then go to the Governor for his signature.
If the bill becomes law, it will take effect immediately upon signing by Governor Perry.
Senate Bill 1678 is sponsored by Senator Bob Deuell (Mesquite) and Representative Jason Isaac (Dripping Springs).
Jim Bret Campbell Selected as National Cutting Horse Association Executive Director
The National Cutting Horse Association (NCHA), the world governing body for the sport of cutting, has selected Jim Bret Campbell to serve as its Executive Director beginning June 10.
Jim Bret Campbell brings over 15 years of experience in association management and marketing to the NCHA having served most recently as the Director of Communications and Member Relations for the Texas Cattle Feeders Association in Amarillo and previously as the Senior Director of Marketing and Communications at the 285,000-member American Quarter Horse Association, where his responsibilities included overseeing the production of the association’s two major publications and their online counterparts. He is also credited with leading the development of several programs including the Ranching Heritage Breeders and Ranching Heritage Challenge.
Read moreUSDA Institutes New Animal Disease Traceability Program, Applies to All Livestock Moving Interstate Including Horses
The new rules will be effective March 11, 2013. Additional Information.
David Booth takes Non-Pro title
David Booth, Acton, California, captured the 2012 NCHA Western National Championships Non-Pro title on May 8, the last day of a week-long showdown in Reno, Nev. for 12 division titles.
Booth, reserve champion of the 2012 Western Nationals $15,000 Novice Non-Pro division, made his winning run with 216.5 points aboard the 10-year-old High Brow Cat daughter Cat N Charm, and concluded his day with a fourth-place finish on Pure Redwhiteandblue in the $15,000 Novice Non-Pro division.. Read more . . .
$400,000 Purse Brings Cutting Horse Competitors to Reno
More than $400,000 in cash and prizes were paid out in Reno April 30-May 8 when cutting horse competitors from across the nation took to the arena at the Reno Livestock Events Center during the National Cutting Horse Association’s Western National Championships presented by the 6666 Ranch. Read more . . .
2013 Vice Presidential Election
Ballots were mailed this week to all NCHA members for the 2013 Vice Presidential election.
You may view each candidate’s written statement as well as a short video from both below.
As a reminder, votes will be tabulated Tuesday, June 11, 2013. Be sure and follow the voting procedures listed on the ballots before mailing in to the audit firm.
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| Jo Ellard More Info | Monty Johnson More Info |
NCHA Super Stakes update
Wesley Galyean rode three horses in the finals of the Open Super Stakes and came away with another $175,000 tacked onto his lifetime earnings. He won the event with Don Gilbert's Hes A Hot Cat, by Spots Hot, and also placed fourth with Steven Feiner's Lil Rattler, and sixth with his own horse, Tattoos On This Town. Galyean's father, Jody, also rode Wes and Kristen Galyean's Dark And Sultry in the finals.
Read more . . .
Ray Baldwin and Shesa Hollywoodcat, by High Brow Cat, were the last to cut in the 20-horse Non-Pro finals, but they marked 216.5 for a half-point win over Dean Holden on Playin With A Spoon. It was Baldwin's first win in historic Will Rogers Memorial Coliseum.
Read more . . .
Presented by XTO Energy, an Exxon Mobil Subsidiary, the Super Stakes and Super Stakes Classic offered a purse of more than $3.25 million in cash and prizes in 26 divisions of competition. Prizes included saddles from Sean Ryon, trophy belt buckles from Gist Silversmiths, boots from Rios of Mercedes, hats from Sombrero Hat Brands and much more.
2013 Point Year
Following a recommendation from the Open Show Committee to adjust the end of the point year to allow time to prepare for the NCHA World Finals, the Executive Committee approved the point year to end on November 10, 2013. The Open Show Committee will review this item again at the Convention in June. Read more . . .
NYCHA Trainer Auction – "Buy Now" Option
So you say you missed your opportunity to bid on some of the industry's Top trainers at a great price? It’s not too late! To find out which trainers are available for “buy now,” contact NCHA Youth Coordinator, Dayna Smith at 817-244-6188. For a complete list of all trainers who donated visit nychatrainerauction.com. All proceeds from the auction directly benefit the NYCHA.
Foal Nominations
For 2012 foals, the stallion does not need to be subscribed in order for the foal to be nominated. The
foal nomination form can be found on the NCHA web site.
