NCHA News

FORT WORTH – Join the National Cutting Horse Association (NCHA) in Fort Worth, Texas, for the very first National Circuit Championship! Athletes who qualified from the 2023-point year will compete in this inaugural event to become the National Circuit Champion. Additionally, the NCHA is introducing two new circuits in 2024, bringing the total number of circuits to 16 across the US, Canada, and Europe! The 2023 National Circuit Championship will feature athletes from the 14 circuits of 2023. There is $27,000 added to each class (except youth), as well as trophy saddles and other great prizes. $3,000 in scholarships are available to NYCHA members!

Event Details:

· Date & Time: April 3 - 14, 2024; competition begins at 9 A.M. each day.

· Location: Watt Arena in the Will Rogers Memorial Complex, Fort Worth, Texas.

· Highlight: The Best of the West Tradeshow is open for everyone starting on Wednesday, March 27! The NCHA dog race is open for you to enter your furry friends on March 30 at 2 P.M., and Horsemen for Christ will be hosting chapel and a free Easter lunch on March 31.

· Free Admission: The NCHA National Circuit Championship is free to the public and family-friendly. Please note dogs are prohibited in the Watt Arena.

Schedule: The full schedule, including each day's working order, is on the NCHA website (https://www.nchacutting.com/events/superstakes). 

What is cutting?

The term cutting refers to the act of separating one cow from a herd of cattle. The sport of cutting involves a horse, a rider, and a herd of cattle.

Cattle are herd animals. One cow will instinctively try to return to the group. Knowing that a horse and rider team will quietly ride into the herd, select and "cut" off, or separate, one cow from the group (letting the unpicked cows return to the herd behind) and then prevent that cow from rejoining the herd - until they decide to let it go. Keeping the cow separated requires incredible intelligence and physical ability on the part of the horse. Once the cow is separated, riders are no longer allowed to use their reins. Trained cutting horses are required to think on their own and anticipate and react to the cow's moves. The competition is judged based on many factors - difficulty and how well the horse anticipates and reacts. This is the only equine competition where the horse is required to think for itself.

More information on the history of the NCHA and cutting can be found on our website: https://www.nchacutting.com/members/getting-started 

Qualification: All entries due postmarked Monday, March 4, 2024. The draw for all classes will be held on Friday, March 15, 2024. Classes offered include Open, Non-Pro, Unlimited Amateur, $25,000 Novice Horse, $25,000 Novice Horse/Non-Pro Rider, $5,000 Novice Horse, $5,000 Novice Horse/Non-Pro Rider, $50,000 Amateur, $35,000 Non-Pro, $15,000 Amateur, $2,000 Limit Rider/Any Horse, Junior Youth, and Senior Youth. There are no qualifying requirements for Youth class entries!

Media, Marketing, and Sponsors:

The 2022 NCHA Photography and Videography Policy applies to this event. All professional photographers and media companies not on assignment from a specific media at NCHA Events are required to apply for a private media pass and provide the accompanying fee OR be a corporate partner of the NCHA. The NCHA Business Development department has the sole discretion to approve sponsor media credentials. Please note that approved sponsors are still required to apply; however, no fee is required. Official letters of assignment are required to be submitted prior to the event. For media inquiries or sponsorship opportunities, please contact Carley Myers at cmyers@nchacutting.com.

Photos and Videos:

Photos and videos from the event can be purchased from the NCHA official videographer - Video West, and official photographer - Seth Petit Photography, at https://www.videowestpros.com. 

Learn More: Visit the official NCHA website at nchacutting.com or follow NCHA on Facebook (National Cutting Horse Association) or on Instagram (@nchacutting) for the latest updates!

How to Join: The NCHA offers FREE membership to new members for the first year! Join the NCHA family here. First-year membership includes a FREE online version of our magazine, Cutting Horse Chatter.

For more information on the NCHA or upcoming events and schedules, please check out our website at nchacutting.com.