NCHA News

FORT WORTH – Starting on the 17th and running through the 21st of January, the 2024 Art of the Cowgirl in Queen Creek, Arizona, was a tremendous success.  

The National Cutting Horse Association (NCHA) was represented with a booth answering questions about the association and bringing awareness to the sport of cutting through multiple clinics and demonstrations with long-time NCHA member and cowgirl, Cara Brewer. Brewer has presented clinics at Art of the Cowgirl every year except for 2019.  

Cowgirls from across the United States and Canada hauled their horses to learn from some of the best women in the Western industry. Starting the week off, Brewer led an adult cutting clinic sponsored by the NCHA on Wednesday, January 17 with a large turnout. The clinic ran all day, with flag work in the morning and then working cattle in the afternoon. With new and returning faces, the cowgirls in Brewer’s clinic cheered each other on as they learned to improve their skills and watched as others did the same. Brewer led the clinic with patience and guidance backed by years of experience in the cutting pen.  

The following day, the NCHA sponsored Brewer’s second clinic, open to children and adults. Building on the momentum from the day before, each rider was able to try their horse on the flag and then work their way to cattle. Riders were pleasantly surprised when NCHA cowgirl Morgan Chromer also showed up to assist on both days and offered the perspective of a judge.  

When riders were not in a clinic, they were encouraged to walk the booths and shop or discover more about other Western disciplines. Priefert, 100X Equine and MVP, all NCHA sponsors, were present as well. Local and national cowgirl artists could be seen painting or drawing throughout the day for the artist's quick draw. Cowgirls were encouraged to watch the All Women’s Ranch Rodeo and the World’s Greatest Horsewoman in the evenings.  

On Friday, Brewer presented a cutting demonstration where she impressed the crowd with quick moves and her training abilities. Her son, Brand, was also a fan favorite as he showed off the athleticism and intelligence of cutting horses with a bridal-less cutting.  

We want to thank all of the incredible women who traveled to Queen Creek for this event and stopped by our booth, participated in clinics, and cheered on the cutting demo. We look forward to the comradery among women in the Western lifestyle and cannot wait to see you in the cutting pen! 

For photos taken by the NCHA during Art of the Cowgirl, please follow our Facebook @National Cutting Horse Association, where they will be posted promptly.  

For more information regarding membership, NCHA rules, circuits or shows near you, or where to start, please check out our website at nchacutting.com. 

To find our list of cutting horse trainers, please go to nchacutting.com/ncha-shows/trainers.