NCHA News

FORT WORTH – The National Cutting Horse Association (NCHA) is excited to announce the 2024 Military Cutting Challenge, a highly anticipated event scheduled for August 3rd. The NCHA will partner with the Special Forces Foundation to host this event during the NCHA Great American Insurance Group Summer Cutting Spectacular at the Will Rogers Memorial Center in Fort Worth, Texas.

This unique competition aims to honor and celebrate the courage and dedication of our military members by providing a unique and exciting platform for military personnel to engage with the equestrian community and experience the thrilling sport of cutting. The event promises to be a memorable experience for participants and spectators alike.

Each selected active military member or veteran will be paired with a top-cutting horse trainer and equine athlete and then trained together before competing for the coveted title of Champion. Before the competition, they will be outfitted by partners Cinch Jeans, Sombrero Brands Cowboy Hats, and Rios of Mercedes boots to prepare them to enter the show arena.

“Cutting, or as the U.S. Special Forces Green Berets call it, “Equine Therapy” is quickly becoming a sought-after competition in the military community,” explained SGM (RET) Ignacio Garza, Executive Director and Founder of the Special Forces Foundation. “This sport offers the therapeutic value of equine therapy combined with the high-risk environment, intense focus, and rapid decision-making needed in combat. Combine this with the amazing patriots of the cutting community, and you have the NCHA Military Cutting Challenge. Green Berets are trained to find creative solutions to our Nation’s most challenging situations, which is why this cutting competition continues to have such a positive impact on their mental health. This is why we have partnered with the NCHA. This is why we cut.”

Donations will be taken leading up to and during the event for the Special Forces Foundation, which is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt non-profit organization serving U.S. Army Special Forces (Green Berets) and their families. The Foundation provides a range of programs aligned with the SOCOM Commander’s Preservation of The Force and Family (POTFF) program, designed to address the fraying of the forces after nearly two decades of sustained combat. Their programs contribute to maintaining the mind and body and provide acute and ongoing support in resolving psychological, emotional and relationship issues before they become chronic.

Don't miss out on the NCHA Great American Insurance Group Summer Cutting Spectacular, a standout event that’s open to everyone at no charge leading up to the Military Cutting Challenge! Scheduled from July 13 to August 3 at the Will Rogers Memorial Complex, this spectacular event showcases the exceptional skills of top trainers and riders in competitions featuring four-, five-, and six-year-old horses. Running concurrently with the daily cutting competitions is the Best of the West Tradeshow, hosted in the Amon Carter Exhibit Hall. Here, you’ll find an array of vendors, ensuring there’s something of interest for everyone.

Whether you're a cutting horse enthusiast, looking for a family-friendly outing, or simply searching for a unique way to spend your day, the NCHA Military Cutting Competition and Summer Cutting Spectacular is the place to be. Mark your calendars and make sure to be a part of this extraordinary celebration of our military and community spirit. It's an experience you won’t want to miss!

For a recap of last year’s event, Click Here.

For more information, visit nchacutting.com/produced-events